Substitute
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Districts
Appointment of Cicely Austin to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Region 3 Advisory Council
Body
Information Contact: Michael L. Thurmond, Chief Executive Officer
Phone Number: 404-371-2881
PURPOSE:
Pursuant to OCGA Sec. 37-2-5 (b)(3), appointments for membership on the regional advisory council shall be made by the county’s governing authority.
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has six regional field offices
across Georgia in an effort to be more accessible to the stakeholders involved with the public behavioral health
system. Each field office coordinates a community-based system of care through contracted providers for
eligible individuals, helping them obtain a life of recovery and independence. Region 3 serves Clayton,
DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale.
The Advisory Council is a volunteer board comprised of citizens from each of the six counties in Region 3. It is
created by law passed by the General Assembly, OCGA 37-2-5 and operates under the authority of the DBHDD
with membership appointed by the County Governing Authorities.
Ms. Austin has been vetted and recommended by the DBHDD for this appointment.
NEED/IMPACT:
The Council’s mission is to identify community needs and gaps in the current service system and make recommendations to DBHDD. Ms. Austin will assist the Council is accomplishing this mission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Appoint Cicely Austin to the DBHDD Region 3 Advisory Council for a 3-year term.