Fulton County Breaks Ground for New Behavioral Health Crisis Center
Fulton County Breaks Ground for New Behavioral Health Crisis Center
August 21, 2023
The first Crisis Center in Fulton County will help reduce deaths from suicide and overdose.
After much anticipation, Fulton County is proud to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony of its new Behavioral Health Crisis Center. County and state officials will celebrate construction kickoff on Monday, August 21 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Hill Child, Family, & Adolescent Center located at 2805 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315.
This will be the first publicly funded Behavioral Health Crisis Center located in Fulton County. Like communities around the nation, Fulton County has seen increases in deaths from suicide and drug use in recent years. The Georgia 988 crisis hotline reports that its highest number of calls has come from Fulton County residents.
In 2021, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners allocated $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the construction of this facility. The Georgia General Assembly allocated funds in the state’s FY 24 budget for operation of the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center. Georgia’s Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and Commissioner Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities will provide remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, along with Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and other officials.
The 24 Beds/16 Observation Chair center will provide behavioral health crisis services 24-hours 7-days a week and is expected to serve at least 5,000 people each year. The Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center will incorporate a “living room” model in which patients with lower acuity of need will receive services through other programs, allowing crisis beds to be used by patients with the greatest need. Security will also be a key feature of the renovated facility.
“Fulton County’s new Behavioral Health Crisis Center will undoubtedly save lives,” said Chairman Robb Pitts. “Working closely with the state of Georgia, we will knock down barriers so our residents will be able to get the help they need.”
The Oak Hill Center is currently being used for many community needs, including services of the Fulton County Board of Health and twice-monthly food distribution. All services will continue to operate on the site with improved facilities. The renovated facility will also incorporate community meeting space for surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center will be complete in early 2024. The facility will be operated by a contracted operator with experience in delivery of crisis mental health services.
For more information about the new Behavioral Health Crisis Center, please call the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities at 404-612-6520.
This will be the first publicly funded Behavioral Health Crisis Center located in Fulton County. Like communities around the nation, Fulton County has seen increases in deaths from suicide and drug use in recent years. The Georgia 988 crisis hotline reports that its highest number of calls has come from Fulton County residents.
In 2021, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners allocated $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the construction of this facility. The Georgia General Assembly allocated funds in the state’s FY 24 budget for operation of the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center. Georgia’s Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and Commissioner Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities will provide remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, along with Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts and other officials.
The 24 Beds/16 Observation Chair center will provide behavioral health crisis services 24-hours 7-days a week and is expected to serve at least 5,000 people each year. The Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center will incorporate a “living room” model in which patients with lower acuity of need will receive services through other programs, allowing crisis beds to be used by patients with the greatest need. Security will also be a key feature of the renovated facility.
“Fulton County’s new Behavioral Health Crisis Center will undoubtedly save lives,” said Chairman Robb Pitts. “Working closely with the state of Georgia, we will knock down barriers so our residents will be able to get the help they need.”
The Oak Hill Center is currently being used for many community needs, including services of the Fulton County Board of Health and twice-monthly food distribution. All services will continue to operate on the site with improved facilities. The renovated facility will also incorporate community meeting space for surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center will be complete in early 2024. The facility will be operated by a contracted operator with experience in delivery of crisis mental health services.
For more information about the new Behavioral Health Crisis Center, please call the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities at 404-612-6520.