Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

05/04/2026

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but let’s be real: your mind deserves attention every single day. If you’re feeling a bit "off" lately, here is your permission slip to:

Unplug: Log off for an hour (yes, even from this app).
Practice Mindful Movement: A 10-minute walk can help you clear your mind.
Ask for Help: If you or someone you know need someone to talk to, call or text 988.

Small steps still move you forward. What’s one thing you’re doing for your peace of mind today? 👇

05/01/2026

Commissioner Tanner was honored to join Rotary District 6910—representing clubs across North Georgia—to highlight the powerful partnership between Georgia’s Rotary network and the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, which Commissioner Tanner oversees as its Trustee.

Over the past year, Rotary District 6910 successfully completed 35 community-based projects aimed at combating the opioid crisis—each supported through grant funding from Georgia's opioid settlement dollars. These projects spanned prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts, including youth education campaigns, Narcan distribution and training, support for first responders, and workforce reintegration programs.

Through this partnership, more than $175,000 in funding was deployed directly into communities, empowering local Rotary clubs to create solutions tailored to their unique needs.

We love to see neighbors helping neighbors, communities stepping up, and partnerships that turn resources into real results.

Thank you to the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust and Rotary District 6910 for your leadership and commitment to building stronger, healthier communities across Georgia.

04/28/2026

This morning, our team delivered an opioid overdose reversal kit to Statesboro High School — continuing our work to expand access to Narcan in public schools. Thank you to Speaker Jon Burns and members of the Georgia General Assembly for supporting this initiative to bring life-saving resources to Bulloch County schools and communities across Georgia.

04/27/2026

“Equipping our schools with Narcan is a critical, life-saving step in protecting our students and school communities.”

DBHDD and the Northwest Georgia Regional Education Service Agency partnered to distribute opioid overdose reversal kits to schools across Northwest Georgia. This effort is part of a broader statewide initiative launched last fall by DBHDD, Georgia DOE, and the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust.

Statewide initiative equips every public school with opioid overdose reversal kits

04/23/2026

Our Assistant Commissioner for Agency Affairs and Chief Legal Officer doesn’t seek the spotlight – that’s why Monica Patel is even more deserving of a shout out for recently receiving the Commissioner’s Triple E Award.

Monica has been instrumental in helping DBHDD tell its story by elevating the voices of the individuals we serve, the staff who support them and the impactful work happening every day across our system. She also shepherded the Department’s efforts in the DOJ Olmstead Settlement Agreement that has recently released DBHDD from ~60 behavioral health provisions. While undoubtedly a huge victory, she would be the first to say that the work isn’t done and our commitment to those we serve continues every day.

Monica says that “her job is easy and that the credit should be given to those doing the work on the front lines.” But her leadership has been critical in keeping that work moving forward and ensuring our progress is clear, coordinated, and meaningful.

She leads with humility, purpose and an unwavering commitment to service. Today, we are proud to recognize her.

Congratulations, Monica and thank you for all that you do!

04/23/2026

🎉Celebrating 16-years of hard work and dedication to Georgians

In February, Georgia was officially released from all behavioral health provisions of the Olmstead/DOJ Settlement Agreement. This milestone reflects the deep commitment and strategic investments made by Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly to strengthen and expand behavioral health services across our state.

And the work will continue with $9.3 million in funding towards:
✅Supportive housing for 541 individuals - including 404 Georgia House Vouchers & 137 additional placements
✅Wraparound services like supportive employment

A special thank you to the many DBHDD employees - past and present - that have led to this agreement.
To learn more, visit: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-18/georgia-reaches-historic-milestone-olmsteaddoj-settlement-agreement

🌟Check back here as we share powerful testimonials that speak to this great work!

04/06/2026

Today, DBHDD kicked off the newly revamped Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training! Thank you, Georgia Tech Police Department, for hosting our first class using our new curriculum.

This special “vetting class” brings together seasoned CIT instructors from across the state to review and provide feedback on our newly developed curriculum. Their expertise is helping us strengthen and refine training that supports law enforcement and improves outcomes for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

We’re grateful for their time, insight, and continued commitment to advancing CIT efforts across Georgia.

03/30/2026

Last week, Region 4 staff proudly represented DBHDD at the Albany State University Career and Resource Fair.

As part of our ongoing workforce development efforts, events like these help connect passionate individuals with meaningful careers supporting Georgia’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities services. To learn more about DBHDD careers, visit: https://careers.dbhdd.ga.gov/

Pictured from left to right: Region 4 SOAR Specialist Tanya Welch and State Services Coordinator Tonya Wright.

Thank you to Albany State University for hosting a great event and for the opportunity to engage with students and community members about joining this important work.

03/18/2026

On March 17th, Region 4 CYF Specialist Todd Jones, and State Services Coordinators Tonya Wright and Karen Fenton represented DBHDD at the Tift County High School Transition Fair. Region 4 BH and IDD staff collaborate regularly on representing the department at community events.

02/27/2026

🌟STAFF SPOTLIGHT 🌟

We are proud to spotlight William Gable, Fleet Manager for the Fleet Management division. Since joining DBHDD in April 2025, William has worked diligently to build a comprehensive framework for managing the department's fleet.

These efforts have earned DBHDD its first Tier 1 ranking from DOAS since 2020 and exemplifies the continued commitment of operational excellence and strong stewardship of state resources.

Join us in congratulating William on this significant achievement!

02/25/2026

DBHDD is proud to announce the opening of Operation New Hope at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus. This new 30-bed unit supports individuals in the forensic system by providing structured treatment, along with vocational and life-skills training, to help residents prepare for successful community reintegration.

We extend our sincere thanks to the leadership and staff of West Central Georgia Regional Hospital for their dedication, collaboration, and tireless work in bringing this important program to life.

Early outcomes from Operation New Hope sites in Savannah and Milledgeville indicate promising results. In 2025, Operation New Hope sites served 43 individuals and discharged five into community programs, freeing inpatient beds for others awaiting placement across two campuses.

Each Operation New Hope bed also plays a vital role in addressing Georgia’s forensic backlog. By transitioning appropriate individuals into step-down settings, critical hospital capacity becomes available for individuals currently waiting in jails for court-ordered forensic psychiatric care.

This expansion represents continued progress toward strengthening Georgia’s behavioral health system, improving patient outcomes, and creating safer pathways back to the community.

02/20/2026

Congratulations, Commissioner Kevin Tanner! So well deserved. We are immensely grateful for your leadership.

Congratulations to Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kevin Tanner, recipient of the 2026 FACS Appreciation Award! This award is given to an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the support of the college.

Commissioner Tanner is a champion for behavioral health and disability services whose leadership has advanced statewide reform and expanded critical supports for Georgia families.

🏆Join us in celebrating all our incredible honorees at the 47th annual FACS Alumni Awards. Register now: gail.uga.edu/events/facs/47th-alumni-awards