The recently formed nonprofit organization Mental Health Advocacy of Alabama will be giving area professionals an opportunity to discuss what they believe to be the most pressing local issues during a town hall meeting Thursday, Sept. 19.

According the organization’s website, MHAA advocates for mental health professionals and the patients whom they serve. The group also actively encourages a cross-agency approach between professionals, law enforcement and community leaders to address the mental health needs of Alabamians.

In an open invitation letter to attend the meeting, MHAA Board President and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Captain Edward Potter Ph.D. said he believed it would be through local efforts that discussions on mental health were brought to the forefront of community concerns.

“The mental health requirements of our community are not adequately being addressed because of the absence of clear leadership or guidance from state and/or national authorities. We can collaborate to accomplish the best possible outcomes for our communities by fostering collaboration among ourselves,” Potter said in his letter.

The meeting is open to psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric mental health nurse practioners, counselors, therapists and social workers. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to discuss the current issues they are experiencing in their respective fields and which of those issues might need to be addressed through legislative efforts.

The meeting is set to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 and will be held at the CCSO Training Facility located at 1920 Beech Avenue SE.