VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, 55 of Georgia’s counties, many in South Georgia, have no licensed mental health professionals. An estimated 34% of adults dealing with mental health struggles go untreated due to cost and access barriers.

For more than 30 years, the Lowndes Drug Action Council (LODAC) has worked to remove barriers by offering free counseling and classes.

“It gives people access to services that they may not have otherwise had, and it’s an opportunity to have a voice,” LODAC Program Specialist Marilyn Orr said.

LODAC recently received two grants to expand its Truancy Intervention Program (TIP). The program provides mentoring and counseling for students in Lowndes County and Valdosta City Schools with attendance issues, helping to eliminate transportation challenges by meeting them at school.

“We’re excited about the truancy grants because we get to go into the schools even more than before. And that’s our main focus is the students in the school,” Orr said.

By working with students, LODAC also connects with parents —offering additional counseling and support aimed at improving mental health for the entire family.

Natasha Boone, a licensed social worker, said that many parents of students request that counselors come to the schools. She said this helps to support the students and parents.

LODAC offers free services on select days in the Lowndes County area. LODAC is located at 601 N Toombs Street, Valdosta. Call (229) 333-5175 Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

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