DBHDD Awarded $210K Grant
DBHDD received a $210,000 grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant will offer Peer Supported Whole Health and Wellness Coaching Certification through a partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Georgia is one of 11 states to receive the grant award.

DBHDD will support a workforce of more than 600 Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) and train them to support individuals with behavioral health issues in meeting their health goals. The grant award will help develop a standard Georgia curriculum for CPSs to provide health and wellness supports. The program will also guide network providers on how to utilize trained CSPs to achieve health goals within their service framework.

DBHDD Conducts New Rate Study
Georgia is proposing to increase the amount it pays to providers of developmental disability services by $24 million a year. Rates that are too low will increase while those that are too high will be reduced so that all rates are fairer. The amount individuals and their families have to buy services will increase or stay the same, but not go down. The study is available online.

DD Releases QMS Report
DD recently released its third Annual Quality Management System Report. Data was collected by the Delmarva Foundation from July 2010-June 2011 to determine the effectiveness of service delivery from the perspective of the individual. The report also measures provider's compliance with DD's standards for policy, procedures and training qualifications.

To view a copy of the report, see the Developmental Disabilities Resources page.

DBHDD Recieves $20K Grant
DBHDD received a 20K grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for Olmstead Activities. The funds will support State assessment and planning activities, community training and education to help individuals transition from a hospital to community setting.

Since the launch of DBHDD's Georgia Crisis Response System for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in June 2011, incidents involving law enforcement and people who are developmentally disabled have dropped 40 percent.

DBHDD TIDBITS
The Division of Addictive Diseases will host a National Women and Girls  HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event entitled, "Let's CHAT". This event will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 5:45-9:00 p.m. at the Paula Crane Life Enrichment Center located at at 1792 Mount Zion Road, Morrow, GA 30260.

SHBP-sponsored Biometric Screening Events are taking place throughout the state. If you are enrolled in the Cigna or UHC Wellness Option, be sure to register online or obtain a screeing from your physician before June 30, 2012.

DBHDD is currently working with Middle Flint Area Housing Authority and Region 6 CSBs (Phoenix, Middle Flint and McTrail) to secure housing for individuals who are being served in the community.

DBHDD partnered with Hope House, Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, Behavioral Health Link, and American Work to provide 70 total units of supportive housing on the campus of the Veteran's Administration in Augusta.

On February 26, the Division of Addictive Diseases was featured on CW69's Focus Atlanta. The show highlighted resources the agency provides for teens who struggle with substance abuse and support provided for their parents.

Mercer University will assist the Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital with setting up a satellite medical school to train doctors that will have a far-reaching impact on local health care in the Columbus area.

February 8 was Mental Health Day at the Capitol. Governor Deal received huge applause when he spoke about the importance of recovery and providing more effective services for more people closer to home. Afterward, mental health consumers and advocates spoke with legislators to build support for their priorities.

DBHDD In the News

Georgia a Focal Point for Disability Rights
03/06/2012

Drug court gave woman 'stability' to get life back
03/06/2012

Music Therapist Licensure Bill Passes Senate
03/05/2012

Center 'Aspires' to help teens with social, mental health
03/05/2012

Floyd Behavioral Health Center not impacted by NW Ga Regional closing
02/29/2012