Dear Recovery Leaders:
It was a brilliant Session for the Georgia Recovery Community. The Georgia Council for Recovery was on duty for the Georgia Recovery Community advocating for those bills which advance peer positive policy and working to educate those who supported bills less than positive for peers and families impacted by the disease of addiction.
We are excited to report that 15 bills, supported by the Georgia Council for Recovery, passed the General Assembly.
Some of these bills have already been signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp and we have every confidence the others will, likewise, be signed into law oner the next few weeks.
We made history with three bills which advance the availability of opioid antagonists to be available in time of crisis in more places across Georgia. Opioid antagonists are now required in primary schools and most state and local government buildings across Georgia. There was also a bill to clarify and make legal opioid antagonists in vending machines. This will save lives in communities across Georgia.
The positive work to advance peer positive policy and reform the behavioral health system in Georgia continued and we made tremendous strides. Significant work was done to build a stronger workforce, with peers included, and allow for historic reforms in licensing to allow for more services to more people in more communities across Georgia.
There were other important bills passed addressing serious policy issues such as local governments and compliance with federal law regarding zoning applications and addiction services and how Georgia will address the fentanyl crisis.
The Georgia Council for Recovery:
- Led on passing 15 peer positive behavioral health bills.
- Hosted four General Assembly Town Hall Meetings.
- Gave testimony six times before legislative committees.
- Hosted the largest ARAD – Addiction Recovery Awareness Day in history.
- Co-hosted the Third Annual Rural Recovery Rally.
- Hosted The Inaugural Recovery Is Real Under the Gold Dome Advocacy Day.
- Coordinated the effort to include peers on the six Opioid Settlement Community Meetings.
- Participated the 25th Anniversary of Peer Support in Georgia Celebration on the House Floor.
- Hosted the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour announcement for Commissioner Kevin Tanner of DBHDD.
- Co-hosted 11 Mental Health Monday Advocacy events.
- Served as a local host partner for the Rx Summit – the largest addiction conference in America.
- Hosted an event to celebrate the installation of the Overdose Reversal Kit in the State Capitol.
- Delivered remarks at Mental Health Day at the Capitol.
- Delivered remarks at Harm Reduction Day at the Capitol.
- Delivered remarks at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Housing Symposium.
- Delivered remarks at Health Mothers Health Babies Day at the Capitol.
- Participated in Prevention Day at the Capitol.
- Participated in Mental Health Parity Day at the Capitol.
- Participated in the Unholy Tour – in support of ending human trafficking.
It was a busy Session. It is important to thank Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker David Ralston and Commissioner Kevin Tanner for their resolute leadership and support. It is equally important to thank the General Assembly Working Group on Addiction and Recovery and the General Assembly Mental Health Caucus for their bipartisan support for peers and families impacted by addiction.
Additionally, our deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone who volunteered in response to an advocacy call to action. No matter how you participated: via sending e-mails, making phone calls, on social media, or in person at the Capitol – it was your voice that made the difference – you are the power behind peer led recovery advocacy and we thank you – very much.
One special note, there was one person who went above and beyond. Without this person driving several hours a day, several days a week, every week of the Session. Paying for parking and gas at their own expense. Missing their day job and being away from family. Jon Langston showed up, spoke up, and showed what peer led advocacy can accomplish. Thank you, Jon Langston, for your leadership and commitment – you saved lives.
It is a tremendous privilege to serve you as we advocate. I have good news…now that the General Assembly has adjourned Sine Die, we will do four things:
- Prepare our efforts to educate and advocate with our Georgia Congressional Delegation
- Work in local communities across Georgia with local elected officials.
- Bring a number of FREE advocacy training courses (with a new format) to a community near you.
- Prepare for the 2025 Georgia General Assembly, ARAD, and Rural Recovery Rally.
Recovery is Real.
Onward.
For Recovery,
Jeff Breedlove
#GARecovers
