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N.Y.C. Council speaker calls on Mayor Eric Adams to resign; KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings; OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts; Protesters say Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy.'

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On a Middle East visit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal rejects a Gaza takeover. President's Day protests erupt around the country against White House moves, and another aviation accident draws attention to recent FAA cuts.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Report: Georgia urgently needs better crisis response systems

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Tuesday, July 16, 2024   

Georgia needs to increase its crisis-response capacity for long-term success, according to a new report by the mental health policy group Inseparable.

The report analyzes 988 crisis lifeline responses in every state and proposes improvements. One key area it said requires attention in Georgia is the need for more mobile crisis response units and beds.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for Inseparable, said addressing needs is critical to ensuring proper care.

"We can avoid the expense, the trauma of emergency departments, of jails, of law-enforcement involvement," Kimball emphasized. "And really give people help when they need it most."

The report showed Georgia needs about 500 additional short-term residential beds and around 80 mobile crisis units to meet the demand for crisis care.

According to the report, Georgia's crisis care system is not backed by a long-term financial or accountability system. Kimball stressed sustainable financing is crucial so crisis services can be available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. She added accountability measures are just as important to create better services in the long run.

"By having these accountability pieces, this allows legislators to oversee the system over the long haul," Kimball explained. "And to set up the structures for continuous learning, continuous system improvement."

She pointed out data collection, annual reporting and coordination between the 988 and 911 systems are ways states can make them more accountable.

Disclosure: Inseparable contributes to our fund for reporting on Criminal Justice, Health Issues, Mental Health, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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