Having read the editorial published on Nov. 13, 1999 in The Citizen I feel it is important to inform your readers that the comments made by this concerned citizen of Fayetteville are indicative of the overall frustration that many family members with loved ones with mental illness experience.

This Fayetteville citizen is correct when she states that many health insurance plans limit mental health coverage which limits an individual's ability to obtain access to much needed treatment.

In 1993 the Georgia House passed legislation (HB100) which changed the way public mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse (MHMRSA) services are planned and delivered.

Decision making and accountability has moved closer to the local level. Thirteen regional boards across the state are responsible for identifying needs, planning, coordinating and financing and monitoring both hospital and community behavioral health and disability services.

The Region 2 MHMRSA Board located in Newnan, Georgia has oversight responsibility for a 13 county service area which consists of Butts, Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson counties.

The Region 2 MHMRSA Board has at least half of its membership made up of consumers and their families. For the first time consumers and their families are helping to shape the delivery system affects their lives.

Specifically the Region 2 Board serves as contact point for the most in need citizens residing in this 13 county service area who are requiring behavioral health and/or disability services.

The Region 2 Board recognizes its responsibility to improve the quality of life for all citizens served in the Region 2 service area. Therefore in this regard the board is creating a delivery network that gives consumers and their families more choice of treatment providers and makes services more accessible.

In closing allow me to reiterate that the Region 2 Board in an “available resource for all citizens in the (Region 2) 13 counties may need assistance.” The Region 2 Board can be contacted at (770) 254-7474.

Don Simpson
Executive Director
Region 2 MHMRSA Board

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