December 30, 2008 – After dedicating more than 30 years to Georgia’s juvenile justice, mental health and child welfare systems, Gwen Skinner, director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD), announced today her plan to retire from the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) in fall 2009.
December 17, 2008 – As part of an effort to help Georgia’s foster children make a “lifelong connection,” the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services (DHR DFCS) is partnering with a nationally-renowned private foundation that specializes in helping child welfare agencies find permanent homes for more children.
December 11, 2008 – On December 1, the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) unveiled a new website to improve customer service by expanding access to DFCS programs and services. Georgia COMPASS (Common Point of Access to Social Services) creates a one-stop shopping portal for citizens seeking to tap into the state’s network of social services programs.
December 11, 2008 – The Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services (DAS) forensic specialist is promoting training/education to first-responders and mandated reporters on identifying and reporting elder abuse. Many professionals who work with older and disabled adults are considered mandated reporters and are required by Georgia law to report when they suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation.
December 09, 2008 – The State Public Health Laboratory (PHL) confirmed today the first positive influenza virus case of the 2008/2009 flu season. The specimen was sent to the PHL by an outpatient influenza-like illness volunteer provider. The patient is from Thomasville, Georgia.
December 9, 2008 - Georgia Public Health Preparedness efforts met eight of the 10 indicators in the sixth annual "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism" report released today by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
December 9, 2008 – The Board of Human Resources will hold its official monthly meeting at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, in room 29.250, Two Peachtree Street N.W. in Atlanta.
December 5, 2008 – On December 19, the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health will meet with decision makers across the state to develop a blueprint for addressing infant mortality in Georgia. The Summit on Infant Mortality will include 75 guests to discuss various perspectives, current research, policy and best practices.
December 1, 2008 – According to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, proper hand washing is the simplest and most effective preventive measure individuals can take to reduce the spread of colds, flu, skin infections and diarrhea. Public health experts indicate that most infections are spread by picking up germs on the hands from contact with other people or by touching contaminated surfaces.
We trust the private sector to deliver innovative healthcare for the most difficult and life-threatening diseases. Doesn’t someone with mental illness deserve the same level of care as a cancer patient?