Mercer University Trail
Commissioner Patrick provided funding for the PATH Foundation to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a trail that would connect Mercer University as part of the North Fork Peachtree Creek and Henderson Mill Creek trail systems. In 2020, the PATH Foundation entered into a master contract agreement with DeKalb County to allow the organization to provide planning, designing, and construction management of greenway trails in DeKalb County. The proposed Mercer University Trail would connect PATH’s Segment 3-Shallowford Road to Chamblee Tucker Road-to the university providing a critical access point. Students of Mercer University and Strayer University would have the option to commute to class via the greenway. The study is expected to take 6-8 months before completion.
Social Media and Mental Health
In collaboration with DeKalb County's Office of Youth Services, Commissioner Patrick launched the Social Media and Mental Health Youth Summit to discuss the impact that social media is having on our youth. This summit resulted in exploring ways to assist DeKalb youth struggling with mental health and social media addiction. In 2024 he will be partnering with mental health counselors to provide group and individual sessions for teens.
Homeless Initiative
On April 12, 2024 Commissioner Patrick held the It Takes a Village: A Town Hall Conversation on Homelessness at Mercer University. The town hall unveiled the complexities and problems with coordinated efforts to assist the unhoused. In order to tackle this multi-layered issue, Commissioner Patrick has committed to coordinating a countywide strategy to effectively assist our unhoused neighbors.
