Valdosta, Ga. - U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are delivering resources to strengthen mental health crisis response in Lowndes County.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to help Behavioral Health Services of South Georgia support a co-responder program to strengthen mental health crisis response.

The Federal resources will help Behavioral Health Services of South Georgia operate the Valdosta-Lowndes County Co-Responder program, pairing police officers from the Valdosta Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff's Office with mental health professionals to respond to crisis calls.

The program aims to de-escalate crisis situations, help provide mental health services to those in need, and reduce strain on law enforcement by allowing officers to focus on core public safety duties.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are delivering $211,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on January 23.

"Amidst a mental health crisis, it is important that Georgians can get the care they need," Sen. Ossoff said. "That's why Senator Reverend Warnock and I worked with Republicans and Democrats to deliver this funding to support crisis response."

"Mental health crises require a deft mindset and proper training," said Senator Warnock. "These federal funds will help expand the resources Lowndes County officers need to do their jobs. We must use every tool available to fight the mental health epidemic and I am proud to work alongside Senator Ossoff on this effort."

"Every locality is faced with determining how to best address mental health issues in our communities," said Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. "I am grateful to Senators Ossoff and Warnock for delivering this Federal funding which will allow us to send both law enforcement and mental health professionals in response to crisis calls, decrease strain on our police and jails, and meet those experiencing mental health crises where they are with trained mental health professionals."

"Legacy is beyond grateful to receive funding for the Mental Health Crisis Co-Responder Program. This means we can meet people in their worst moment with compassion, safety, and a clear access to care plan; bringing dignity and hope to someone who needs it most. Creating a difference between tragedy and recovery, this funding positions help where it belongs- at the scene. We can decrease the burden on local jails, emergency departments, and law enforcement by providing the right care at the right place at the right time," said Mallory Tyre, Chief Clinical Officer, Legacy Behavioral Health.

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