Throughout the course of the current situation surrounding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, we have made sure and will continue to make sure that we provide special guidance on how to approach this unique situation. Listed below are the communications we have sent so far.

The best place to find the most up-to-date information is at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and/or the Georgia Department of Public Health websites: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.

On these sites, you will find helpful information for your teams and partners including guidance targeted for clinicians, public safety, and prevention measures, among others. These sites will be the primary mechanism to share up-to-date information; I encourage you to check them routinely.

Joint Non-Discrimination Statement

Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line

Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line

The Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential assistance to callers needing emotional support or resource information as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emotional Support Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals and others who have received training in crisis counseling from 8 am - 11 pm.*

*Effective June 1, 2020 - DISCLAIMER: The Support Line (“Line”) is not licensed or unlicensed mental health care or treatment of any type regardless of what is discussed or who provides support.  It is for emotional support purposes only.  The use of the Line does not create any confidential provider-therapist relationship of any type.  The Line not a substitute for professional health care.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical or behavioral health emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.  

By using this Line, you acknowledge and agree that the State, GCAL, BHL, Beacon Health Options or any State or DBHDD employee(s), and/or any community volunteers involved with the Line in any manner (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”), have no liability of any type related to your use of the Line, including but not limited to any decision you make, or a third party makes, as a result of your use of the Line, or because you were not able to access the Line for any reason.  By using the Line, you agree to fully indemnify the Indemnified Parties and hold them harmless for any and all damages or causes of action that may arise out of your use of the Line.  Without limiting the foregoing, in no event shall any of the Indemnified Parties be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, or indirect damages of any type arising from your use of the Line, or for any other reason.

The Line is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.  None of the Indemnified Parties shall be liable for any inability by you to access the Line, including but not limited to interruptions in the Line due to technical reasons or delays due to a high volume of calls.

Guidance for Direct Service Providers, Caregivers, Parents, and People with Developmental and Behavioral Disorders

Providers who are in need of decontamination assistance from the National Guard should go to the Georgia Emergency Management website at GEMA - Find A Location. Once at that website, choose the county where the facility in need of decontamination is located and contact the Emergency Management Director with your request.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in DBHDD Hospitals

Behavioral Health

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Webinar Resources:

• COVID-19 Webinar: BH Provider - Telehealth
• 2x2 Series: Self-Care Tips and Support for Managing Life
  These WebEx events are designed to provide self-care tips and support for managing life during these unprecedented times.  The 2x2 Series is held live twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and each session provides attendees with mental health tips about managing stress, grief, work/life balance, and wellness.
• COVID-19 Emotional Support Training
  Password: Covid19Training

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

• Appendix K for Participant Directed Services - FAQ
• Appendix K for Participant Directed Services - Guidance
• Appendix K for Participant Directed Services - Guidance (8-6-2020)
• Appendix K for the NOW and COMP Waiver Programs
• Appendix K for Support Coordination
• Appendix K for Participant Directed Services - Family Hire
• Updated COVID-19 IDD Provider Information Presentations - 5/21/2020
• Participant Directed Webinar Appendix K and Reopening Updates IDD
• COVID-19 Appendix K Amendment: Retainer Payment Reimbursement Changes
• Participant Directed Family Hire Ending for Appendix K
• Appendix K Amendment and Reopening Guidance for Participant-Direction (video)
• DD Provider Network - Appendix K and Provider Reopening Guidance (video)
• Improving Health Outcomes Initiative Learning Center
  • The Improving Health Outcomes Initiative is dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and personal outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who care for and provide services and supports to them. A part of the Improving Health Outcomes Initiative includes this Collaborative Learning Center where information about critical health issues that affect people we serve.

• IDD Covid-19 Vaccine Update – March 19, 2021
  Webinar / Presentation

• Appendix K Extention Provider Meeting - April 6, 2021
  Webinar / Presentation

• DD NOW/COMP Waiver Webinar (PD Appendix K Update) – April 6, 2021
  Webinar / Presentation

• Statewide Family Support Services (FSS) Provider Meeting
  Webinar / Presentation

• COVID-19 Fact Sheet
• Social Story (Home)
• Social Story (Stay Healthy)
• Face Masks Fact Sheet