Fulton County, Georgia – This spring, when the Board of Commissioners convenes on May 7 to formally establish May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Fulton County authorities will raise awareness of mental health. This annual celebration reaffirms the county’s commitment to raising awareness of behavioral health issues and promoting candid discussions about mental health.
The national topic for this year’s proclamation is “Turn Awareness into Action,” which encourages residents to go beyond recognition and toward practical assistance. The county aims to dismantle obstacles and promote an inclusive and empathetic culture by changing the emphasis from just acknowledging problems to actively working toward solutions.
LaTrina Foster, Director of the Fulton County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), emphasized that awareness must lead somewhere.
“As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is embracing the theme ‘Turn Awareness into Action’ – a powerful reminder that recognizing the importance of mental health is only the first step,” Foster said.
To put that philosophy into practice, the DBHDD has lined up several opportunities throughout May for residents to learn more about available services and pick up practical tools:
- “Getting to Know Us” Information Sessions
- Thursday, May 8, 11 a.m. at the Government Center (141 Pryor Street, Atlanta)
- Thursday, May 15, 11 a.m. in Room 212 at the North Fulton Service Center (7741 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs)
- Thursday, May 22, 9 a.m. in Room 103B at the South Fulton Service Center (5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park)
These hour-long gatherings are open to county employees, local partners, and the general public. Attendees will get an overview of behavioral health programs, eligibility requirements, and referral processes.
- Community Open House Workshops
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Adamsville Regional Health Center (3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta) — “Basics of Mental Health”
- Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the North Fulton Service Center — “Helping Your Child Cope: Essential Mental Health Tools for Parents”
These interactive workshops will spotlight DBHDD’s range of services and offer hands-on guidance, whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for a family member.
- “Mental Health Mondays” Social Media Series
Each Monday in May, Fulton County’s official social channels will publish bite-sized videos covering simple habits for better mental health, tips on building supportive relationships, and reminders about where to turn for assistance.
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With the inaugural national designation of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949, these programs continue a long-standing tradition. The yearly commemoration highlights the need of open communication and convenient access to resources, as well as the role that mental health plays in daily life.
Residents can contact the Fulton County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities at (404) 612-6520 if they would like additional information or require support outside of these events.
