MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama’s affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently presented Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman and Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview with “Legislator of the Year” awards. The awards were given to Gudger and Shedd because of their sponsorship of mental health care bills in the Alabama Legislature- particularly, bills to help expedite the process for people living with mental illness committed to outpatient services for 150 days obtain a quicker review through the probate courts, meaning services received in a more timely manner. Senate Bill 246 was the first to pass.
On June 6, 2019 Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB-246 to “amend Sections 22-52—10.2 and 22—52—10.3, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that the probate court issue a renewal of an involuntary commitment order for treatment of a mentally ill person if it finds, after a hearing, that the person is in need of further care; to add a new Section 22—52-10.10, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide procedural requirements for such a renewal.” Details of the bill can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at http://arc-sos.state.al.us/ucp/B19157AA.AK2.pdf.
This bill is also what sparked the focus of the Alabama Legislature on the 2020 Mental Health package announced by Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, R-Jasper last week.
On Thursday, March 4, 2020 Graham Champion, a volunteer lobbyist for NAMI, presented the award to both legislators in Montgomery, saying, “They have provided an avenue for people with a mental illness to get the services they need in a timely manner. Their support of people living with a mental illness is greatly appreciated.”
“It’s very humbling to be recognized on this important issue,” said Shedd.
“Even better news about mental health will be coming this year!” he said, referring to the five-piece package of legislation House Majority Leader Nathan Ledbetter, R-Rainsville announced late last month.
That legislation will establish three 24-hour crisis care centers throughout the state. The joint resolution, unveiled as part of a legislative package with four other pieces of legislation designed to expand and improve mental health care in the state of Alabama, was sponsored by Shedd and Gudger. The centers will serve as alternatives to hospital and emergency room visits by providing suicide prevention and other mental health services on an immediate, walk-in basis. These centers will be established in fiscal year 2021 at a cost of $18 million. The other four pieces will aid in other areas of mental health services provided around the state.
Gudger stated, “Mental Illness is an epidemic throughout the state. This is now getting the funding and the attention it desperately deserves. This is just the beginning and I look forward to creating a better Alabama for individuals who live with this illness and their families.”
