Community service board representative urges county to form Mental Health Collaborative

Connie Graham, reporting for the Legacy Behavioral Health Community Service Board, told the Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners that mental‑health issues are widespread in the community and that services are fragmented and difficult to navigate. "There is a presence of Mental Health issues within our community," Graham said, adding that "many residents struggle to access timely, affordable, and culturally competent mental health care."

Graham emphasized the role of early prevention and schools as frontline responders, arguing that teachers and staff need support to identify and respond to students' needs. She proposed establishing a county Mental Health Collaborative to coordinate prevention, school‑based supports and culturally competent services.

The board received the report during county board reports; no formal action or funding allocation was recorded in the meeting minutes. If the commission pursues a collaborative, follow-up would likely involve staff and community partners to outline scope, responsibilities, and any budget implications.