The Georgia House of Representatives has set the stage for Mineral Springs Center to continue its mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A $58 million increase to Georgia's Fiscal Year 2022 budget for behavioral health and developmental disability services was announced Friday by Speaker of the House David Ralston and the House Appropriations Committee.
The full budget passed the full House Friday and now awaits approval by the State Senate.
"I am very pleased we were able to get this critical funding included in the state budget," Ralston, who represents Fannin County in the State House, said.
Speaking directly of the local facility, Ralston said, "Mineral Springs Center has served a very important mission in our community for a number of years.
The Fannin County community recognizes the good work done at the center. This will insure that even with the funding issues created by the pandemic, their work will continue."
The funding, which Ralston called a substantial increase for expanded mental health services, targets behavioral and developmental needs statewide. Its highlights include:
·$2.7 million to provide addictive disease services to an additional 2,100 people;
·$6.5 million to provide mental health services to an additional 5,200 people;
·$12.3 million for a rate increase for intellectual and developmental disability providers;
·$4.6 million for non-waiver services in family support;
·$7 million for a first-in-the-nation behavioral health crisis center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
·$2 million to expand the Georgia Apex Program in 59 additional schools as well as additional funding for suicide prevention training in schools as well as a youth suicide prevention specialist;
·$620,000 for six additional forensic peer mentors; and,
·Additional funding for the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, suicide prevention services and one suicide epidemiologist.
"I am very proud of the investments we are making in these critical services that touch every family in Georgia," Ralston said.