SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — There are new efforts to expand mental health care for Georgia’s veterans, military members and their families. Gov. Brian Kemp this week signed several laws specifically aimed at preventing suicide.
Measures will send more money to programs that offer resources. One of them is the Steven A. Military Family Clinic in Hinesville, Georgia.
Belinda Sharp is the clinic director, and she was there with Georgia lawmakers on Tuesday when House Bill 414 went into effect. She says it comes at a time of great need.
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“We’ve been here a few months,” Sharp said. “We’re seeing such an increase in the number of people requesting services.”
The clinic officially opened its doors in October 2022 and since then demand has continued to grow.
“The needs in the military community are growing, not only for themselves but also for their family members to have access to care,” Sharp said.
And places like this offer not only soldiers, but also their loved ones the opportunity to seek help.
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“Having our door open to family members is a unique place in the military community because we allow that military member to define who is family,” Sharp said. “It could be her neighbor who is her fight buddy or her best friend and we will take care of her too.”
She says this legislation will have an impact here and throughout the Peach State by increasing access and helping to break down barriers in seeking this lifesaving care.
“Legislation like this can help break down some of those barriers because, you know, if clinics apply for it and review it, they can use it to come up with different programs that could help provide more access, shorter wait times for some of those needed services,” said Sharp.
Applications for grant funding will be available shortly, and behavioral health providers who treat military service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.
