Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

👉DBHDD is proud to announce that historic provider rate increases have been approved by CMS. The rate increases will empower providers to increase quality of services, recruit and retain skilled staff, and ultimately improve the quality of life for those DBHDD serves. DBHDD thanks Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly for their support and investment in these critical services. The Department also commends the provider network, advocacy community, individuals and families for their unwavering partnership and dedication to this important initiative. Read our press release here: https://lnkd.in/eamVGi_i

One step closer to opening up another one-of-a-kind crisis care setting in Georgia. Located in Macon, the Crisis Services and Diagnostic Center will serve as a beacon of hope to individuals with developmental disabilities all across the state. The 34,000-square-foot facility will offer a broad range of services, including behavioral health assessments, dentistry, psychiatry, neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, ophthalmology, and other specialized services. The CSDC will also offer outpatient services, ensuring that Macon area residents with IDD can receive walk-in services close to home. This one-stop-shop is a collaboration of DBHDD, River Edge Behavioral Health, and Mercer University School of Medicine.

Join us on Saturday, September 21, 2024 for the 2024 Teen Summit: "Hope Changes Everything" , at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA featuring performances by Mae Estes and Chase McDaniel! Register at https://bit.ly/Teen-Summit

⭐️ PRACTITIONER TRAINING SIGN UP NOW: When practitioners get the training and resources they need, they can: 1️⃣ Identify Early Signs: Early detection of mental health/substance use issues can lead to timely interventions, preventing more severe conditions. 2️⃣ Provide Better Care: Practitioners equipped to offer holistic care, addressing both physical and mental well-being. 3️⃣ Reduce Stigma: Training fosters understanding and empathy, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. 4️⃣ Support a Healthier Community: Trained practitioners contribute to a community where mental health is prioritized, leading to overall better health outcomes. SAMHSA’s training isn’t just about enhancing skills—it’s about building a healthier, more supportive environment field your patients.

We are immensely grateful for the Georgia Department of Community Health’s hardworking team that took this historic provider rate increase across the finish line. Stay tuned as DBHDD works to operationalize the rate increase, which is retroactive to July 1, 2024.

👏🏻 Georgia is the birthplace of the certified peer specialist movement. In July 1999, Georgia was the FIRST state to request and receive Medicaid reimbursement for Peer Support as a statewide mental health Rehabilitation Option service. Since then, leaders across the country have looked to Georgia to replicate peer support in their own states. 🤗 Certified peer specialists have saved countless lives, and we are grateful to partner with Lexicon Strategies to share their stories.

Commissioner Tanner and members of our DBHDD team joined Attorney General Chris Carr’s State Opioid Task Force meeting at Columbus State University today. As Trustee of the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, Tanner detailed the ongoing work to steward the funds received by the State of Georgia toward recovery, treatment and prevention projects. Taylor Peyton and Melissa Malcom shared the Trust’s efforts to review its inaugural round of grant apps with the task force. Thank you Governor Kemp, members of the General Assembly and Attorney General Carr for their support of this important work. Special thanks to all the law enforcement officers, recovery advocates and other stakeholders who joined this lively discussion.

Thank you Rotary Club of Atlanta for hosting an important conversation about mental health - and discussing future partnership opportunities to spread the word about the #988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

We are thrilled to share that the Perry Police Department has achieved 100% training in Mental Health First Aid as part of the "One Mind Campaign." This milestone ensures successful interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health conditions by uniting local communities, law enforcement agencies, and mental health organizations. The One Mind Campaign requires participating agencies to pledge to implement four promising practices over 12-36 months, including Mental Health First Aid training. This training equips officers with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises effectively. Special thanks to Jennifer Dunn, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, and Jimmy Bennett, Regional Services Administrator for Region 4, for hosting the training. Congratulations to the Perry PD on this significant achievement! Interested in bringing Mental Health First Aid Training to your community? Visit DBHDD’s website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ef9VR8jV

We are thrilled to announce the premiere of “Stigma to Strength: Georgia & the Certified Peer Specialist Movement” at The Carter Center on August 8. This documentary highlights individuals' incredible journey and resilience in the Peer Support Movement, which started in Georgia. Join us for an evening of inspiration and empowerment. The premiere will kick off with opening remarks from DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner and Eve Byrd, Director of the Carter’s Center Mental Health Program. Following the screening, guests will hear directly from individuals at the forefront of this movement.🎬 Special thanks to our many partners for helping us celebrate 25 years of Peer Support, including the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, The Georgia Council for Recovery, The Carter Center, and Lexicon Strategies. Register online to attend this special event: https://lnkd.in/dyVFzcng #StigmaToStrength #PeerSupport #RecoveryisReal