Author: Georgia DBHDD

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides treatment and support services to people with behavioral health challenges and addictive diseases, and assists individuals who live with developmental disabilities.

The agency’s mission is to lead an accountable and effective continuum of care to support people with behavioral health challenges, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in a dynamic health care environment.

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Community

CSB spotlight: Aspire works with local law enforcement

Roger Haggerty, safety & security officer; Sandra Myers, chief personnel officer; Deneen Burnett, performance improvement coordinator and compliance officer; Elizabeth McQueen, LPC, chief clinical officer; and Dennis Addison, Jr., IT manager - Aspire BHDD
Aspire2-blog
Jenny McIver, Georgia Department of Corrections; Telly Hartman, Albany probation office; and Nick Perry, Georgia Department of Corrections probation office

Albany-based Aspire Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Services, a community service board that serves eight southwest Georgia counties, is partnering with local law enforcement and stakeholders to address behavioral health crisis response in the community. The Albany Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Training is a collaborative effort between Aspire, the Albany Police Department, Albany State University (ASU) and the Georgia Department of Corrections’ Albany probation office.

Roger Haggerty, safety & security officer; Sandra Myers, chief personnel officer; Deneen Burnett, performance improvement coordinator and compliance officer; Elizabeth McQueen, LPC, chief clinical officer; and Dennis Addison, Jr., IT manager - Aspire BHDD
Roger Haggerty, safety & security officer; Sandra Myers, chief personnel officer; Deneen Burnett, performance improvement coordinator and compliance officer; Elizabeth McQueen, LPC, chief clinical officer; and Dennis Addison, Jr., IT manager – Aspire BHDD

Fifty-six members of the law enforcement community, including emergency services personnel, probation officers, nurse managers, counselors, police officers, sheriff’s deputies and others from Dougherty, Decatur, Mitchell, Worth and surrounding counties, participated in the first training. Representatives from the ASU Police Department, ASU Counseling and Student Disability Services, Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Sylvester Police Department, Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Corrections’ probation offices in Albany, Camilla and Tifton, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles’ Albany office attended.

Aspire1-blog
ASU Chief John Fields; Nick Perry, Georgia Department of Corrections probation office; Telly Hartman, Albany probation office; Sandra Myers, chief personnel officer (Aspire); Captain Michael Persley, Albany Police Department; and Chief Kimberly Persley, Albany probation office

The training session included an overview of Aspire’s mission and services, behavioral health updates, and early intervention and crisis protocols. Deneen Burnett, Aspire’s performance improvement coordinator and compliance officer, and Elizabeth McQueen, LPC, Aspire’s chief clinical officer, led the session. Captain Michael Persley with Albany Police Department, Chief Kimberly Persley, with Albany probation office, ASU Chief John Fields, were instrumental in the planning for and collaboration on this successful event. Aspire anticipates future training sessions and collaborative efforts to support behavioral health crisis intervention. For more information, contact Aspire’s chief personnel officer, Sandra Meyers, at 229.430.4433.

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Department News

New leadership for Georgia Collaborative ASO

DBHDD’s new administrative services organization, the “Georgia Collaborative ASO,” will bring measurable improvements to coordination and efficiency across the behavioral health and developmental disability service network in Georgia. The initiative will be implemented through a partnership with ValueOptions, a national health care improvement firm, and several subcontractors.

AnnaMcLaughlin-web1
Anna McLaughlin

The project represents DBHDD’s ongoing commitment to improve outcomes for the people we serve. “This is a great opportunity for Georgia to build an integrated service system,” said Anna McLaughlin, DBHDD’s new director of ASO coordination. McLaughlin, who previously served as the department’s Region 3 transition coordinator, will spearhead DBHDD’s efforts in the initiative. Prior to joining DBHDD in 2013, McLaughlin spent 20 years in the nonprofit mental health field. She holds a master’s in conflict management, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Jason Bearden Headshot
Jason Bearden

Working alongside McLaughlin is longtime partner of DBHDD Jason Bearden, who was chosen by ValueOptions as the CEO of the Georgia Collaborative. Bearden most recently served as CEO of Highland Rivers Health, one of DBHDD’s community service boards. Prior to his tenure at Highland Rivers, Bearden worked in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget under the health and human services division.

“The new Georgia Collaborative ASO will serve as a key strategy to help accomplish DBHDD’s mission to provide easy access to high-quality care for individuals throughout Georgia receiving behavioral health and developmental disability services,” Bearden said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this new initiative that will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for providers while facilitating system transparency through information-sharing among individuals, providers and policy makers. I look forward to continuing to work with DBHDD to promote an outcomes-driven and recovery-oriented system of care for Georgia’s behavioral health and developmental disability communities.”

McLaughlin and Bearden bring a host of expertise and enthusiasm that will drive the Georgia Collaborative to be an effective instrument for increasing coordination and efficiencies throughout DBHDD’s service system while adding new deliverables and accountability measures, all leading to better care delivery. “I really get excited when I have the opportunity to help bring about change that will make a positive impact on people’s lives,” McLaughlin said.

The collaborative will meet with providers and stakeholders to discuss the transition and implementation beginning early next year. Look for updates and new information as this exciting project moves forward.

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Department News

Announcement from Dan Howell, division director for developmental disabilities

DBHDD is looking for interested stakeholders to become members of the DD Advisory Council.

The council advises the Division of Developmental Disabilities and DBHDD on matters relating to care and service for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the council:

  • Assists the division in assuring that the department’s services and programs for people with developmental disabilities reflect adherence to the standard of “best practice” while providing quality services in a cost-effective manner
  • Recommends improvements to existing programs, as well as the development and implementation of additional programs for people with developmental disabilities in Georgia
  • Reviews DBHDD’s policies and policy revisions, and makes recommendations regarding the adherence to the department’s mission and the cost of proposed policies and amendments
  • Facilitates communication among department staff, providers, service recipients, parents, guardians and advocates of people with developmental disabilities, and other public and private entities involved in delivering services to  people with developmental disabilities

DD Advisory Council members serve a period of two years. Meetings are held in person at least six times a year, with subcommittee workgroups meeting at least four times a year. Conference calls and GoToMeetings may be an additional six times a year.

If you are interested in applying to become a member, please fill out the application form on the DBHDD website. Applications will be accepted until January 2, 2015.

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Community

Profiles in Success: Ronnie

Photo credit: River Edge

River Edge Behavioral Health Center

When Bonnie moved from Wisconsin to Georgia in the early 1990s, she hoped her mom and brother, Ronnie, would follow. After a visit to the South over the winter, they did. Ronnie, who has a developmental disability, lived with their mom until she passed in 1996.

Photo credit: River Edge
Photo credit: River Edge

Bonnie accepted the responsibility as his primary caregiver with love and compassion, but she also knew Ronnie could, and should, have the opportunity to be more independent. Ronnie participated in community access day services, but as a full-time teacher, being able to meet Ronnie’s needs often required creative scheduling on Bonnie’s part. The residential coordinator of River Edge suggested that Ronnie could live more independently. River Edge helped Bonnie navigate the application and qualifying process to find a home for Ronnie. He now lives with three other adults in a neighborhood with independence supports provided by River Edge.

Bonnie says that Ronnie living in his own home has allowed him to broaden his horizons while allowing her to take care of herself. “Family members shouldn’t be afraid to let go,” said Bonnie. “Too often, we hang on trying to provide all the care needed – more out of guilt than anything.” Bonnie is grateful for the specialized services that help Ronnie achieve independence, but most importantly, she still has a wonderful relationship with her brother. “I have been an active sister and freely express my feelings about Ronnie’s needs and the care he receives,” she said. “River Edge listens and responds.”

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Community

Unison brings recovery technology to Southeast Georgia

Jeffrey (left) succeeding in his personal recovery with myStrength
Jeffrey (left) showing his case manager Donald Holland how he’s set up myStrength to send him encouragement and supportive alerts at times of the day he’s most likely to experience depression. Photo credit: Unison.
Jeffrey (left) showing his case manager Donald Holland how he’s set up myStrength to send him encouragement and supportive alerts at times of the day he’s most likely to experience depression. Photo credit: Unison.

Unison Behavioral Health in Waycross is innovating how it treats individuals with behavioral health challenges. A new partnership with myStrength, Inc. allows Unison’s clients to access treatment and supports by the click of a button. MyStrength is a mobile- and web-based application that offers a range of resources to improve mental health and overall well-being. Using their smart phones, tablets or personal computers, clients are now taking advantage of eLearning programs and personalized resources to support mental health and addictive disease recovery.

Implemented in July, myStrength is already making a big impact on the people served by Unison’s recovery programs, according to Director of Outpatient Services Tiffany Henderson. “MyStrength makes it easy for clients to get started right away. In our first month, we had 69 clients begin using the application,” she said.

Clients receive a user name, and they are able to set up their private, personalized website to access through their phone or computer. MyStrength offers a range of evidence-based interactive tools and daily inspirations tailored to their specific recovery needs. “Many of our clients use mood tracker to identify what triggers and times of day they’re most likely to have symptoms and then set up custom tools and alerts to better manage those times,” Henderson said. “We also love the fact that myStrength is completely self-directed so it’s up to each person how they wish to use it or whether they want to share their work with others.”

Jeffrey (left) succeeding in his personal recovery with myStrength
Jeffrey (left) succeeding in his personal recovery with myStrength
Angel (left) with Child and Family Therapist Rachel Arnold
Angel (left) with Child and Family Therapist Rachel Arnold

At the age of 55, Jeffrey found himself facing debilitating depression. In March 2014, he became homeless. He struggled to find hope and the means to get through the day. In July, Jeffrey’s intensive case manager introduced him to myStrength. Jeffrey is energized by what the new resource can do. Through his smart phone, he uses the mood tracker and motivational video tools to manage his depression. “MyStrength has given me the strength to carry on and push through each day between my sessions,” said Jeffrey.

Clients throughout Unison’s mental health and addictive disease programs are discovering new ways to use the mobile application. Twelve-year-old Angel, who is in Unison’s child and family program, struggled with self-esteem due to challenging events in her life. MyStrength has offered her new ways to cope with bullying and other difficult circumstances.

For many people, recovery means having a day-to-day awareness of personal wellness. Although recovery programs are very effective, the amount of time clients spend out-of-session working towards recovery is much greater than the time they spend in program sessions. MyStrength bridges the gap by providing Unison’s clients with easy-to-use tools they can access at any time during their daily lives. Because myStrength has become such a great resource for clients, Unison has also made it available to staff and board members.

The implementation of myStrength supports Unison’s vision of creatinghealthy, vibrant, caring communities where all persons have the opportunity to live productive, meaningful lives.Unison is one of DBHDD’s 26 community service boards and a leading provider of behavioral health and developmental disability services in southeast Georgia. For more information on about myStrength, contact Tiffany Henderson at thender@unisonbh.com or visit Unison online.

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Community

Profiles in Success: Lasuandra

Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services

In her teens, Lasuandra was admitted to a psychiatric institution in another state because her parents were unable to support her behavioral needs. After relocating to Georgia with her family, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and later to Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services’ crisis support home. When she first arrived, she exhibited no spontaneous speech and had crying and screaming episodes that lasted up to four hours.

After several months of receiving supports from Ogeechee, including psychiatric care and reassurance from staff, Lasuandra’s daily outbursts decreased. During this time, Ogeechee staff also worked to obtain Medicaid for her.

Knowing that Lasuandra needed the support of a family to thrive, Ogeechee helped her find a host home. From her initial visits with the family, she was included in regular activities. She returned from these visits happy and excited, and shared this verbally with Ogeechee staff.

Soon after settling into her new home, Lasuandra realized that her new family would keep her safe. Today, she has blossomed and become more independent. She socializes with her peers at the Ogeechee Emanuel County Developmental Disabilities day program. She is involved in her community and loves going to the library, where she uses a computer and looks at books. She also enjoys helping her host family prepare meals.

Lasuandra is happy in her new home and enjoys living in the community while still being able to access the services she needs from Ogeechee.

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Community Events

From heroin addiction to helping others rehabilitate: Judge Albert Zweig shares story of recovery, hope

Alby Zweig, magistrate judge, Denver County Drug Court Photo credit: The Colorado Independent
Alby Zweig, magistrate judge, Denver County Drug Court
Photo credit: The Colorado Independent

During a lunch session at the 10th annual Accountability Courts Conference, Judge Albert “Alby” Zweig shared his story from heroin addiction to law school to helping others as a magistrate judge in Denver, Colorado’s drug court.

Judge Zweig emphasized the role that community supports play in recovery. People struggling with addiction are “worthy of your compassion, not your scorn,” said Zweig. “A lot of people don’t understand the level to which addicts cannot stop using without help-and how successful they can be if we help them.”

Read: “Denver Drug Court Second Chance: From Addict to Magistrate“

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Community Department News Events

Accountability Courts Conference: DBHDD session supports veterans’ treatment courts

Governor Nathan Deal delivering welcome address Photo credit: Derrick Bryant, Judicial Council of Georgia, Administrative Office of the Courts

In September, DBHDD joined Georgia’s Administrative Office of the Courts to host the 10th annual Accountability Courts Conference. The five-day conference in Cobb County featured education and training sessions for over 1,000 law enforcement professionals and stakeholders who attended.

DBHDD conducted an all-day session, Veterans Treatment Court: Mentor Boot Camp. During the workshop, which was open only to veterans, participants received mentor training, enabling them to help other veterans successfully navigate veterans’ court treatment programs. Graduates of the workshop are trained veteran mentors and are eligible to be assigned by a veterans’ court to mentor a defendant. The workshop was provided through DBHDD’s Jail Diversion Trauma Recovery grant initiative.

Currently, there are five veterans’ courts in Georgia. They operate using either drug court or mental health court models. In April, Governor Deal signed SB 320, which established the creation of a veteran’s court division in Georgia’s judicial system. The new law will allow for make it easier for jurisdictions to create veterans courts.

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Community

Gateway expands services in Camden County

Image credit: Gateway Behavioral Health Services
Image credit: Gateway Behavioral Health Services

Gateway Behavioral Health Services of Camden recently announced the addition of new behavioral health services, including an open access program accepting walk-ins for new intake appointments and crisis/hospital discharge.

Beginning November 1, open access will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Scheduled appointments may be made outside of these times. For information on this or any of the services below, please call (912) 576-4357.

The Camden center also started an intensive outpatient substance abuse group for adults who are on Medicaid or do not have insurance. The group is led by substance abuse counselor Vanessa Walker. She is also available for substance abuse assessments for adults or children.

Peer specialist Chris Baker runs a daily peer program which helps people with social skills and social support. They take weekly trips out into the community and learn skills like budgeting, shopping and socializing. Daily transportation to and from the group is available, and referrals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Tiffany Lemery, Gateway of Camden’s case manager, meets Medicaid or uninsured patients in the community or in their homes and helps them access disability, phone, employment, housing, food stamps and Medicaid services. She also assists individuals with life skills such as cleaning, budgeting and other activities of daily living.

The center has also started new groups for both anger and pain management. For more information or to make a referral for any of these services, please call (912) 576-4357.

Gateway Behavioral Health Services is one of twenty-six community service boards in the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ statewide public safety network. Gateway serves individuals with mental health and addiction disorders and developmental disabilities in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties.

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Community Department News Events

First Lady Sandra Deal visits DBHDD to celebrate recovery

Celebrating the work of the late Gregory Van Butler, the featured artist of the exhibit (pictured L to R: Denise Butler, First Lady Sandra Deal, Tiffany Butler, Commissioner Frank Berry) Photo credit: DBHDD staff

DBHDD recently welcomed stakeholders and community partners to the opening of a new consumer art exhibit. “The Art of Recovery” is a unique collection featuring artwork by individuals recovering from serious mental illness, substance abuse or both. The exhibit showcases the talents of these individuals and the role that creative outlets play in the recovery process.

First Lady Sandra Deal joined Commissioner Berry to honor the individuals who have contributed their work to the exhibit. “Art is a way for [people] to express themselves,” said Mrs. Deal. “What [these artists] have done is so great. It’s really wonderful work.”

DBHDD is dedicated to serving individuals in long-term recovery by helping them find their voice and offering a venue in which to share it. “The exhibit demonstrates that when given the opportunity to participate in effective treatment and recovery supports, people can and do recover,” said Mark Baker, DBHDD’s director of recovery transformation.

The artwork will remain on display in our central office in downtown Atlanta and will rotate on a bi-annual basis, creating a living gallery with a message of hope. State Representative Lynne Riley (R—Johns Creek) also attended in the event.