Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

09/01/2026

September 8th is , and this year's campaign is all about sharing 988-because one conversation can save a life.

We've created a ready-to-use toolkit with graphics, captions, and instructions to make it easy for anyone to participate. Whether you're a business, school, or community group, your voice matters.

🔗 Download the toolkit: 988ga.org/988day
📆 Mark your calendar: On 9/8, we'll post together statewide. Be part of the moment!

08/27/2026

This , we've made it more accessible for everyone to participate. Here's what you'll find in the toolkit:
♦ Graphics: Ready-to-use images for social media.
♦ Captions: Pre-written for Linkedln, Facebook and lnstagram.
♦ Instructions: Step-by-step guide to posting on Sept 8.

Download it now and be part of the movement to make sure every Georgian knows about the 988 Lifeline. You can share to help spread the word about 988's free, confidential, 24/7 support.
🔗 988ga.org/988day

08/25/2026

988 Day is a moment for Georgians to take two minutes to tell a friend about 988 - the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. 988 is free, confidential support available 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress.

This year's campaign is designed to make it easy for everyone to participate—businesses, schools, libraries, community groups and individuals.

September 8th, let's join together to make sure everyone in Georgia knows about this free, life-saving resource.

Save the date and download the toolkit to help spread the word: 988ga.org/988day:

08/21/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Dr. Deborah Cunningham to DBHDD as our first Assistant Commissioner of Hospital Operations!

Dr. Cunningham brings more than 20 years of executive healthcare leadership experience and extensive expertise in behavioral health and hospital operations.

In her new role, she will work to advance quality, safety, workforce development, operational excellence and exceptional care for the individuals DBHDD serves.

We’re excited to welcome her to the DBHDD Team!

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Cunningham: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/dr-deborah-cunningham

08/20/2026

Hey Georgia, is around the corner once again!

On September 8, we're coming together to spread the word about 988 Georgia Lifeline—because one conversation can save a life.

This year, we've made it easier than ever for everyone to participate. Download the ready-to-use toolkit with graphics, captions, and instructions to help your organization be a part of the movement.

📆 Mark your calendar: 988 Day is September 8!
🔗 Download your free toolkit: 988ga.org/988day
988 Day is the day to tell someone about 988--because one conversation can save a life.

07/22/2026

Great work by our partners with Mercer University! Expanding dental care for the IDD community remains a priority for us, and we’re grateful Middle Georgia has access to these services.

Finding a dentist who understands the unique needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) isn't always easy. At the Mercer Center for IDD Care, we're changing that. Through our partnership with the The Dental College of Georgia, we offer compassionate, sensory-friendly dental care designed specifically for adults with IDD. Learn more on our website, linked in the comments.

07/21/2026

🌟Congratulations to Maxwell Ruppersburg, Director of the Office of Supportive Housing for DBHDD, on being elected to serve as Chair for the Balance of State Continuum of Care Board. Serving 152 of Georgia's counties, the program promotes access to and utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families, and optimizes self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

You can learn more about Georgia's Balance of State Continuum of Care here: https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/homelessness-assistance/georgia-balance-state-continuum-care

07/20/2026

🌟Join the DBHDD team!

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven executive to serve as the Executive Director of the Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

Learn more and apply today: https://careers.georgia.gov/executive-director-division-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities

07/16/2026

Today, we celebrate four years of the 988 Lifeline and the thousands of Georgians who have found hope and support through a simple three-digit number.

In 2025 alone, our state had more than 350,000 calls, texts, and chats answered by Georgia's 988 Lifeline call takers. This led to more than 50,000 referrals for individuals needing crisis services and treatment.

Now, we're averaging 1,000 conversations every day with someone seeking help.

When additional support is needed, Georgia's behavioral health crisis system is ready. Mobile crisis response teams now average 1,700 dispatches each month, and our growing network of Behavioral Health Crisis Centers provides care close to home.

Thanks to the continued support of Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia is continuing to strengthen this lifesaving system with more than $5 million in FY 2027 funding for 988 and mobile crisis services.

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988. Chat at www.988lifeline.org.

07/16/2026

Georgia Pines Community Service Board received funding through a grant from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust for their new Health Outreach and Peer Engagement (HOPE) van, a mobile unit dedicated to connecting community members to mental health services and resources in South Georgia.

🔗Watch here to learn more about how this Georgia CSB is meeting people where they are:

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