Georgia’s Newest Behavioral Health Crisis Center to Open in Fulton County

ATLANTA - Officials from the State of Georgia, Fulton County, and Grady Health System will cut the ribbon on the new Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. at 2805 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315.

"I'd like to thank Fulton County and Grady Health System for their incredible partnership in making the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center a reality," said Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DHBDD) Commissioner Kevin Tanner. "The local investment from Fulton County, combined with state operational funds, has been a major reason this center was built and opened so quickly. This successful collaboration demonstrates the power of local commitment and is a model we aim to replicate in other areas of the state. Facilities like this one ensure vital crisis care is closer to home."

The new Behavioral Health Crisis Center is the first publicly funded crisis center in the county. Like communities around the nation, Fulton County has seen increases in deaths from suicide and drug use in recent years. The Georgia 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's websitereports that its highest number of calls has come from Fulton County residents.

The Georgia General Assembly has appropriated more than $9.4 million in state funds to DBHDD to operate this facility. Grady Health System will serve as the operator for the center. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners provided funding for renovations to an existing facility, supplemented by $15 million by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The 24-bed, 18-observation chair center will provide behavioral health crisis services 24-hours 7-days a week. The BHCC will incorporate a "living room" model, which patients with lower acuity of need will receive peer support from individuals with lived experience with behavioral health or substance use issues. This model will allow crisis beds to be used by patients with the greatest need.

Last fall, DBHDD released a 10-year strategic plan forecasting statewide needs for psychiatric crisis beds. Conducted by Alvarez & Marsal, the study recommends the creation of eight new BHCCs by 2032. The report identifies immediate need for additional crisis beds in metro Atlanta, Central Georgia, and the Coastal region. The Fulton County BHCC is among the three centers already underway to address the areas of highest need.

During the ceremony, the following state and local officials will highlight this historic state-local collaboration: State Senator Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts, and others. The Fulton County BHCC's opening date is forthcoming.

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