ACCG Advancing Georgia's Counties

County Examples:

Gwinnett County Addresses the Intersection of Mental Health and Policing
Law enforcement officers in Gwinnett County underwent CIT training to assist in calls that involved mental health crisis. One day, a CIT-trained officer responded to a call involving a person in a mental health crisis who was wielding a weapon. Instead of resorting to force, the officer utilized the de-escalation techniques learned in CIT training. By maintaining a calm demeanor, actively listening, and employing non-threatening body language, the officer successfully persuaded the individual to put down the weapon. The person was then connected with appropriate mental health services, avoiding a potentially dangerous situation, and ensuring they received the necessary care and support. To learn more, click here.

Dougherty County’s Two-Track Accountability Court
Dougherty County in partnership with Aspire, the local community service board, has a two-track or co-occurring Accountability Court. This allows patients suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders to receive specific and separate advanced treatment. These teams have offered stringent pathways for recovery to much success. This could be a process that other court systems may mirror across the state. To learn more, click here.

Stepping Up Yields Results for Rockdale County
Rockdale County was one of the first five counties in Georgia to pass the Stepping Up Resolution in 2015. Since that time, the board of commissioners, the courts, the sheriff’s office, the city police, the community service board, community members, the local hospital, school board members, pastors, and peers have come together to educate themselves and the community about mental health. A steering committee made up of these members, which originated out of the resolution, continues to meet today. To learn more, click here.

Local, State, and Community Collaboration Opens Doors to Recovery in Chatham County
Chatham County partnered with the city of Savannah to initiate the Opening Doors to Recovery project. This project is geared towards helping those who are facing mental health and substance abuse disorders and frequently return to jail or hospitals. Furthermore, this project was a collaborative effort by Chatham County, the City of Savannah, the Governor’s office, state agencies, public safety associations, and local non-profits. To learn more, click here and here

Georgia County Government Magazine Articles