Former NFL player visits Valdosta to raise awareness for mental health

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – A former professional NFL football player is in town to raise awareness about mental health issues.

People from all backgrounds can be victims of mental illness. Tra Battle, a former football player, knows his struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Battle played for the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys and was also a football player at the University of Georgia.

“Overcoming my mental health challenges can be summed up in one word and community. I found myself in a place where I was isolated,” Battle said.

United Way and The Haven raised money at a dinner Thursday night to fight these issues. The money raised can help fund special programs.

Haven saw a 25% increase in domestic violence incidents last year. They saw a 90% increase in cases involving stalking and protective orders.

“Thanks to ‘Resilient Georgia,’ we have funds to bring mental health awareness and suicide prevention and first responder training to an eight-county area in South Georgia,” said Michael Smith, CEO of United Way Valdosta. “What resources do we have, the issues that South Georgia faces with the lack of resources and mental health awareness and our campaign ‘It’s okay not to be okay.'”

Eighth District Senator Russ Goodman said societies are measured by how we treat the weakest among us. He added that the Georgia General Assembly has passed bipartisan legislation to address mental health issues across the state.

“This bill aims to address that. We want insurance companies to have a monopoly on physical illness and mental illness because it’s part of a person’s well-being,” Goodman said. More resources to help law enforcement get more equipment and help.”

Goodman said the good work The Haven and United Way are doing is a strong step to protect victims.

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