LISTEN: Fulton County launched a mobile mental health unit — a bus designed to make mental health resources more accessible. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.
Fulton County launched its new mobile mental health unit this month to raise awareness about the resources available to the public and make them more accessible.
The mobile mental health unit is a bus, featuring three rooms where the public can show up and meet privately with a licensed therapist for a mental health screening.
Fulton County Behavioral Health Director LaTrina Foster said she hopes to make people more comfortable seeking care.
“We have the excellent caption, right? 'Are you OK?'" Foster said. "We know a lot of our community members, right now, are not OK. So we asked the question, 'Are you OK?' But then we also let you know at the same time, help is here. Literally, right here in this mobile unit.”
In addition to the “Are you okay?” slogan on the side, the bus has "Help is here” written across the front. It was paid for with a nearly $4 million grant from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson said it's important the county puts money into things they value.
“First and foremost, behavioral health is a priority for Fulton County," he said. "And I believe we spend more than any other county in the state of Georgia, about $60 million a year, delivering behavioral health services.”
The mobile mental health unit will rotate visits to public locations around Fulton County throughout the summer.
