Wednesday, July 25, 2001

State agency addresses mental health issues

The Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse serves people of all ages and those with the most severe mental illnesses, mental retardation and substance abuse problems.

Georgia's MHMRSA regional boards are the contact points for people needing help. The regional boards are responsible for planning, coordinating, contracting for services and evaluating all publicly supported hospital and community programs.

Services are provided across the state through seven state hospitals, one mental retardation institution, and through contracts with 27 Community MHMRSA Service Boards, boards of health and various private providers.

In addition to providing treatment and support services, community programs screen people for admission to state hospitals and give follow-up care when they are discharged.

Regional boards bring decision making and accountability for public mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services closer to the local level. They are responsible for identifying local needs, planning and coordinating hospital and community services and contracting funds to support needed programs. They also monitor and evaluate contracted community services and investigate complaints.

Fayette County is served by Region 2, whose board office is located at 211 Prime Point, Bldg. 1, Suite A, Peachtree City, GA 30269-3334. For more information, call 770-254-7474.