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Children and families often interact with more than one community system at a time. A student struggling with attendance may also be facing behavioral health needs, transportation challenges, family stressors, academic concerns, or other barriers. When schools, courts, providers, families, and community organizations are able to work together, there is a greater opportunity to identify those needs earlier and connect families with appropriate support. Two efforts underway in

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, promote hope, reduce stigma and make sure people know where support is available. At Mental Health Matters, we believe awareness is important, but it must also lead to action. That means talking openly about mental health, learning how to recognize when someone may be struggling, sharing resources like 988 and building a community where asking for help is treated as a sign of strength. The Impact Here

Mental Health Matters is working with Houston County public-safety leadership to explore a local co-response model for calls involving a person in crisis. The goal is to build a better response pathway that helps match the person, the need, and the response. Early planning conversations have included Houston County public-safety leaders, with a vision of pairing a dedicated deputy with a behavioral-health co-responder for appropriate calls involving mental health or behaviora

Looking for an easy way to take charge of your health? The Houston County Health Department and Mayor's Health Initiative are partnering to host Wellness on Wheels, a community health event offering free screenings, health services, and educational opportunities. The event will take place on July 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 98 Cohen Walker Drive in Warner Robins. Services available include blood pressure checks, hearing screenings, mental wellness screenings, im

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to focusing on mental well-being and encouraging people to take care of themselves. You might feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, but setting aside time for your mental health is essential. This month offers a perfect opportunity to build habits that support your emotional and psychological wellness. Here are five practical ways you can prioritize your mental health this May. 1. Create a Daily Mindfu

Over the past year, Houston County has taken meaningful steps toward strengthening how our community responds to mental health and substance use challenges. On March 4th & 5th , leaders from healthcare, courts, schools, behavioral health providers, and community organizations gathered to participate in the Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) process —a nationally recognized framework used to examine how individuals move through crisis response, healthcare systems, and the just

Over the past year, Houston County has taken meaningful steps toward strengthening how we respond to mental health and substance use challenges in our community. Through the Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) process, leaders from healthcare, courts, schools, behavioral health providers, and community organizations came together to take an honest look at where people are falling through the cracks—and where we can do better together. Mental Health Matters Summit 2025 Panel W

Mental Health Matters in Middle Georgia is proud to partner with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank to help support families participating in the Truancy to Triumph (T2T) Program in Houston County. Truancy is often a signal that families are navigating deeper challenges — including basic needs insecurity and increased stress at home. When families are worried about food, housing, or other essential resources, it can affect school attendance, emotional well-being, and ove

We are seeking a mission-aligned Treasurer to join our Board of Directors. This leadership role supports financial accountability, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability for Mental Health Matters in Middle Georgia.

This past weekend, Mental Health Matters of Middle Georgia proudly hosted a Mental Health First Aid training—and we are thrilled to share that it was a tremendous success. The training brought together individuals committed to learning how to better support mental health and well-being in our community. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, practical learning, and skill-building designed to help recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and subst

Mental health challenges affect individuals and families across Middle Georgia every day. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety or depression, dealing with substance use, or facing a crisis, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. That’s why 988 is such an important resource for our community. 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , available 24/7 by call or text. It provides free, confidential emotional support to people in distress — ri

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often remains a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. In Georgia, as in many places, the conversation around mental health is gaining momentum, but there is still much work to be done. This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of mental health awareness in Georgia, explore the resources available, and encourage individuals to join the conversation. Understanding Mental Health Mental health

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overlooked, especially in rural areas like Middle Georgia. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent individuals from seeking help, leading to a cycle of suffering that affects not only the individual but also their families and communities. This blog post aims to shed light on the mental health landscape in Middle Georgia, exploring the challenges faced, available resources, and the i