Members of the media are invited to join DBHDD Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald and the 9-8-8 Steering Team for an update on the first 45 days of the gradual rollout of 9-8-8 in Georgia.

Georgia has completed the first phase of planning for its implementation of 9-8-8, the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is pleased to announce the addition of Ashley Fielding to our team as the Assistant Commissioner for Agency Affairs.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) operates the Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support Line to assist people who have been emotionally, physically, or financially impacted by COVID-19. The Emotional Support Line is free, confidential, and anonymous. Trained mental health professionals are available to provide a “listening ear” to Georgians who need emotional support and referrals to resources in their communities.

ATLANTA—On October 15th, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, DBHDD, will join the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS), in celebrating Global Peer Support. We will be launching a webpage dedicated to honoring over 3000 CPSs trained and certified in Georgia.

ATLANTA— Please join the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Behavioral Health Prevention and Federal Grants on Thursday, October 22nd from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM on DBHDD’s Facebook Live Watch Party as we premiere the 2020 Governor’s Red Ribbon Campaign Week Kick-Off in collaboration with special guests, Q99.7 Radio Host, Jade, and Epic recording artist Madison Beer.

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has re-launched the Georgia Recovery Project, a perennial grant-funded program that activates upon a presidential disaster declaration and serves to support Georgia’s mental health disaster response. The current initiative is designed to help people whose mental health has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to reach 80,000 Georgians during the lifecycle of the grant, which runs through June 15, 2021.

Atlanta, Ga. – Georgia youth are returning to school either virtually or in an environment that is drastically different from the one they left in March. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, our kids were already facing a mental health crisis – one that is now exacerbated by these uncertain times. More than ever, mental health advocates must come together to ensure youth find the help and resources they need. Voices for Georgia’s Children (Voices) and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) have partnered to raise awareness about youth mental health.

ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ (DBHDD) Suicide Prevention Program has unveiled the 2020-2025 Georgia Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. This new document serves as a comprehensive update to the previous strategic plan released in 2015.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is partnering with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to implement an evidence-based prevention curriculum, Sources of Strength (SOS), in various Georgia middle and high schools. According to the developer of the program, “this strategic partnership between multiple state agencies and dozens of communities across Georgia is one of the most comprehensive and coordinated efforts to implement Sources of Strength in the nation.”