Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Frank Berry, Commissioner
2 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Georgia Crisis &
Access Line
(GCAL)
1-800-715-4225 www.mygcal.com


January 30, 2014

DBHDD Impact

State senator recognizes work of Georgia's leading suicide prevention organization

Senator Renee Unterman (R-45), Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, offered SR 760 last week to commend the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Georgia, Inc. (SPAN-GA) for its efforts to prevent suicide in Georgia.

"Unfortunately, the incidence of suicide has been rising, especially among young adults between the ages of 20-28. Suicide is preventable and is often the result of a long struggle with mental health issues. We must increase our suicide prevention efforts by acting quickly and doing more to educate Georgians about the impending signs and symptoms of depression and other mental health challenges," said Unterman.

The resolution keys in on the work SPAN-GA has done since its incorporation in 2002 to establish suicide prevention coalitions throughout Georgia and increase statewide awareness about suicide.

For more information on suicide prevention resources in Georgia, visit http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/suicide-prevention, or contact: Sally vander Straeten, ACSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for DBHDD at (404) 657-1686 or savanderstraeten@dbhdd.ga.gov.

View the Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan.

DBHDD promotes statewide awareness of fair housing practices

Department general counsel Amy Howell presented fair housing practices for individuals with disabilities to mayors, council members, and city officials from across the state at the Georgia Municipal Association's 2014 Mayors' Day Conference in Atlanta on January 24, 2014.

Georgia Department of Public Health to sponsor Hepatitis C Training

The Georgia Department of Public Health will offer two free Hepatitis C training workshops, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and other information. The events will be held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Monday, February 24th at Kennesaw State University and Wednesday, February 26th at the Clayton County Board of Health. Lunch and educational materials provided. Contact Ami P. Gandhi, MPH, Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator for the Georgia Department Public Health, Division of Epidemiology:

(404) 463-0849 (Phone)
(404) 657-2608 (Fax)
apgandhi@dhr.state.ga.us
http://dph.georgia.gov/viral-hepatitis

Registration form must be received via fax or email by Tuesday, February 4th.