As reported recently by InsiderAdvantage, reports show that the Substance Use Disorder Epidemic has reached a new milestone in the country, and that Georgia is not immune. It was also reported that Georgia saw a 36 percent rise in overdose deaths this past year– placing it among the deadliest states. In its efforts to address these reports and other staggering numbers regarding addiction, the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse (GCSA) has created the Georgia Communities Working Group on Addiction and Recovery.
The working group will be made up of local elected officials from across the state who will combine efforts to address addiction and support recovery in their communities. According to information released Thursday during the launch of the bi-partisan coalition, the group will address issues, policy and legislation that will increase the impact of recovery and reduce the effects of substance use disorder, a chronic health condition which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Communities across Georgia were already struggling with substance use disorder issues prior to COVID-19 and all evidence is showing that the pandemic has increased those struggles exponentially,” said Neil Campbell, Executive Director of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse. “The bipartisan Georgia Communities Working Group on Addiction and Recovery will listen to people across Georgia, will recognize the strengths that exist in their respective communities and help everyone realize the hope of recovery.
“The health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers for Americans seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness,” Campbell added. “The worry and additional stress it has caused is creating new challenges for countless people across Georgia. The Georgia Communities Working Group on Addiction and Recovery will identify bipartisan solutions to bolster prevention efforts and expand access to peer-led recovery programs.”
The GCSA will serve as the coordinating partner organization to help facilitate and advance the efforts of this bi-partisan statewide effort.
“The Georgia Communities Working Group on Addiction and Recovery will allow Georgia to meet the moment and focus on holistic, grassroots solutions to the SUD crisis. Addiction is real, but recovery is also very real and Georgia Recovers Together,” said Jeff Breedlove, Chief of Policy and Communications for the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse.
The new coalition will include two metro area sheriff’s: Sheriff Lenn Wood of Coweta County and Sheriff Tim Pounds of Douglas County. It will also include a number of Mayors including: Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, and Woodstock Mayor-elect Michael Caldwell – as well as a number of Police Chiefs, City Councilmembers and County Commissioners from across the state.
“While we have a vaccine for COVID, we will never have a vaccine for addiction. Recent data shows us that we have no time to waste in the fight against the addiction crisis,” said Breedlove. “The Georgia Communities Working Group on Addiction and Recovery is ready to get to work to end the addiction epidemic and save lives. When local governments support peer led recovery programs, we save taxpayer dollars, make communities safer, build a stronger workforce, and restore families.”
