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October 6, 2021 | Spotlight

Institute plans, supports largest event in history for Georgia’s DBHDD

The Institute of Government recently organized the largest event in the history of Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Writer: Staff Reports

The Institute of Government recently organized the largest event in the history of Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The 2021 Behavioral Health Symposium was held virtually in October. More than 900 behavioral health professionals registered to participate in more than 30 sessions led by close to 50 presenters. This year’s event was themed Grand Rising: Where There is Challenge, Virtually Everything is Possible. The symposium aims to inform professionals about best practices in the delivery of behavioral health services and supports. This year, it helped DBHDD provide timely information, appreciation and motivation to mental health professionals across the state in the midst of historic demands for services and extreme workforce shortages. The symposium also recognizes providers and community partners whose leadership, service, and collaboration have had a significant impact on the field of behavioral health. This year, 38 awards were given across five categories. David Ralston, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, received the Commissioner’s Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Frank Berry, who retired as Commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Community Health in June.