Sen. Blake Tillery to Announce Plans for New Forensic Mental Health Hospital to Alleviate Jail Overcrowding

ATLANTA (February 18, 2026) -On Friday, February 20, Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), President Pro Tempore Larry Walker (R-Perry) and Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), will hold a press conference to outline plans for the construction of Georgia's first new forensic mental health hospital in more than six decades.

The proposed facility would address a critical gap in Georgia's behavioral health system by ensuring that state prisons and local jails are no longer serving as the largest providers of mental health care in the state. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening public safety while delivering appropriate treatment for individuals with serious mental illness involved in the criminal justice system.

MEETING DETAILS:

• Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Location: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
• This event is open to the public.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting [email protected].

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Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19^th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties, as well as a portion of Coffee County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-5038 or by email at [email protected].