Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery, along with President Pro Tempore Larry Walker and Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, will hold a press conference on Friday, February 20, to announce plans for the construction of Georgia’s first new forensic mental health hospital in over sixty years.
The proposed facility aims to address a gap in the state’s behavioral health system by providing appropriate treatment for individuals with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. Currently, state prisons and local jails serve as the main providers of mental health care for these individuals. The initiative is intended to improve public safety and reduce jail overcrowding by ensuring that those needing specialized care receive it outside of correctional facilities.
The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. on the South Steps of the Georgia State Capitol at 206 Washington St SW in Atlanta. It is open to the public. Media representatives are asked to confirm their attendance ahead of time.
Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and represents Georgia’s 19th Senate District, which includes several counties such as Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties as well as part of Coffee County.
President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy has focused on legislative sponsorship and committee work during his tenure as a state senator according to his official website. He represented Georgia’s 18th District and held leadership roles including chairing the Administrative Affairs Committee and serving on committees such as Ethics, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Rules. Kennedy was sworn into office on January 12, 2015. He also practiced law and studied at Mercer University.
For more information or media inquiries regarding this announcement, contact SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.