The State Bar of Georgia congratulates the judges and attorneys who have been appointed to serve as members of the newly established Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.

They include Justice Michael P. Boggs of the Supreme Court of Georgia, Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian J. Amero of McDonough and Bibb County Probate Court Judge Sara S. Harris, who were appointed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold D. Melton; Jason E. Downey of the Law Office of Nancy W. Phillips in Macon, who was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp; and Appalachian Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Brenda S. Weaver and state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of Decatur, who was appointed by Speaker David E. Ralston of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Created by legislation approved earlier this year by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Kemp, the commission is charged with examining how the state government can improve access and delivery of behavioral health services across Georgia. The state has allocated $20 million for local health departments to better treat mental health issues and has doubled funding for a successful program in Georgia schools to help students in crisis.

With their acceptance of the appointments, these judges and lawyers demonstrate their ongoing commitment to serving the public and the justice system. Their fellow State Bar of Georgia members wish them well in this new capacity of statewide leadership.

Darrell Sutton President, State Bar of Georgia