ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The City of Atlanta is exploring new alternatives to address mental health among first responders.

A new proposal by Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhatiari looks to add psilocybin and ketamine as mental health treatments.

Psilocybin is the active compound found in some mushrooms that causes a psychedelic effect, also known as “magic mushrooms.”

Ketamine is a synthetic pharmaceutical originally developed as an aesthetic. Ketamine is legal in Georgia under the supervision of a licensed professional. Psilocybin, which is illegal, is making similar strides in the medical setting.

Dr. Bradley Cooke, a former Georgia Tech professor of neuroscience, said clinical trials have proven the drugs are effective in treating severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

“There is considerable evidence especially from placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials that drugs like psilocybin and ketamine are quite effective at treating people with depression and anxiety and PTSD,” Cooke said.

It’s something police, fire and EMS departments across the nation are exploring across as suicide rates continue to rise.

Bakhtiari said she was at an out-of-state event with first responders who praised how the drugs helped with trauma experienced on the job. She said the resolution directs the human resources department to research the positives and negatives.

Bakhtiari said the goal is to see if they can be added as mental health treatments under the city’s healthcare plan.

“We have a higher case of suicide rates and suicide ideation. If we expect people to be here in our city on the front lines protecting folks, we need to expand what mental health services, look like,” she said.

The human resources department is set to bring those findings back to the city council at the end of this year.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.

ATLANTA – It doesn’t matter if you are into comedy, music, science, nature, biking or running, puppies, beer, cool cars or plants, there’s something for everyone on this week’s list of things to do in metro Atlanta. There’s even a bridal show for those who are planning a wedding! 

David Spade: Catch Me Inside
When: 8 p.m., Friday, May 31
Cost: $45 and up
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall on Peachtree Street
Info: Stand-up tour by David Spade, SNL alum and podcast host. More Info

Fernbank … but later
When: 6-9 p.m., May 31
Cost: Nonmembers $22.95, members $15.95
Where: Fernbank Museum on Clifton Road
Info: A night at the museum with science experiments, drinks, and snacks. More Info

Parker McCollum: Burn It Down Tour
When: May 31
Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta
Info: Concert with special guests Corey Kent and George Birgie. More Info

Museum of Graffiti: Sneaker Stories
When: May 31 – June 2
Where: Ponce City Market
Info: Exhibition exploring graffiti art and sneaker culture. More Info

Big Tigger BeltLine BikeFest
When: June 1
Where: Westside Park
Info: 1.5-mile bike ride followed by a festival with food, music, and activities. More Info

Zoo Atlanta: Summer of Celebration – 25 Years of Giant Pandas
When: 9:30 a.m., June 1
Where: Zoo Atlanta
Info: Activities include a Chinese lion dance, DJ, and more. More Info

How Sweet the Sound
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 1
Cost: $55 and up
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Info: Gospel competition featuring choirs, soloists, and more. More Info

The Secret Gardens of Avondale
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 1
Where: Avondale Estates
Info: Tour five beautiful backyards. More Info

Braves Country 5K
When: 6 a.m. (pickup), 7:30 a.m. (start), Saturday, June 1
Cost: Home Run Porch Ticket Package $70, Grandstand Reserved Ticket Package $60, Dash $25 through May 31, $30 on race day
Where: Truist Park
Info: 5K race, includes T-shirt and ticket to a Braves game. More Info

Megan Thee Stallion – Hot Girl Summer Tour
When: June 1
Where: State Farm Arena
Info: Megan Thee Stallion’s tour following her hit song “HISS”. More Info

First Free Saturday — Beautiful Bees
When: 1-2 p.m., June 1
Cost: Free, online registration
Where: Dunwoody Nature Center
Info: Guided hike, learn about bees, arts, and crafts. More Info

Dog Days of Summer Pop-Up Market and Pup Party
When: 2-7 p.m., June 1
Where: East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
Info: Local vendors, spray and splash zone, contests, and more. More Info

Howie Day 20th Anniversary Tour
When: June 1
Where: Eddie’s Attic, Decatur
Info: Concert celebrating 20 years of “Stop All The World Now”. More Info

Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest
When: June 1
Where: Downtown Alpharetta
Info: Beer, live music, and dancing in the street. More Info

Cars for Causes
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 1
Where: Johns Creek City Hall
Info: Car show with music, food, children’s activities, and a raffle. More Info

25th Annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival
When: June 1-2
Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center
Info: Celebrate butterflies and pollinators. More Info

Jazz, Blues & Barbeque
When: 6-10 p.m., June 1
Where: Town Center Park, Suwanee
Info: Free admission, food, and live music. More Info

Orville Peck: Stampede Tour
When: June 1
Where: Cadence Bank Amphitheatre, Chastain Park
Info: Concert with special guests The War and Treaty and Goldie Boutlier. More Info

Atlanta Pride Run 5K
When: 8 a.m., June 2
Cost: $45 through May 30
Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta
Info: Fundraiser supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations. More Info

Georgia Plant Swap + Sale
When: 12-5 p.m., June 2
Where: Wild Heaven Beer, Atlanta
Info: Plant and art sale, plant swap, and classes. More Info

Georgia Bridal Show
When: 12-3 p.m., June 2
Cost: Free with online registration, $10 day of show
Where: Gas South District, Duluth
Info: Wedding planning resources and vendors. More Info

Next Week

Atlanta Fringe Festival
When: June 3-9
Where: Various venues, Atlanta
Info: Live theater, dance, puppetry, comedy, and more. More Info

Les Miserables at the Fox Theatre
When: June 4-9
Where: Fox Theatre, Midtown Atlanta
Info: Musical set in 19th-century France. More Info

If you would like to submit an event for a future things to do list, send an email with details to wagaweb@fox.com. 

ATLANTA – Changes may be coming to the taxi services offered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

On Wednesday, the Atlanta City Council’s Transportation Committee voted to approve an amendment to the city’s regulations on taxicabs.

The updated ordinance will allow taxis and rideshare vehicles to operate until they are 10 years old. 

Currently, only taxis, limousines, and cars used for rideshare apps that are younger than 7 years old are allowed to operate at the airport – a restriction that many drivers say they can’t afford.

The proposal would also allow taxicabs to use portable wireless devices like cell phones or standalone computers as the taximeter and would repeal a rule saying that taxicab companies must have all their taxis painted the same color.

The change to the ordinance is now moving to the full council for a vote.