FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2007

CONTACT: Jana Scoville
(404) 508-7875

DeKalb CSB Increases Advocacy Efforts

DECATUR, Georgia -Several groups within the DeKalb CSB are engaged in on-going advocacy efforts on behalf of the DeKalb CSB and its consumers and staff. One of these groups is the Advocacy Committee of the DeKalb CSB’s board of directors. The purpose of the Advocacy Committee includes:

• Promoting an environment that is supportive of the agency’s mission
  Assuring that DeKalb CSB’s services are highly valued and fully funded
  Educating elected officials so that they are free from misconceptions related to behavioral health disabilities and aware of gaps in service
  Advocating on behalf of those suffering with behavioral health disabilities and collaborate with others who share common goals
  
  
• A second group that is engaged in advocacy on behalf of the DeKalb CSB is the DeKalb CSB Advisory Council. Members of the Advisory Council are a group of concerned community stakeholders that serve as community liaisons and advocates and assist in linking the DeKalb CSB to other important community resources. Members of the Advocacy Committee and Advisory Council meet regularly with advocacy groups such as NAMI, DeKalb County Commissioners, and DeKalb Legislators to be proactive in updating these groups on important issues facing DeKalb CSB. Below are some of the current Challenges that are currently being discussed with stakeholder groups along with the Initiatives that are in place to make improvements in the challenge areas.

  To access behavioral health services, the DeKalb CSB has a Central Access line, 404-892-4646. Clinicians are available for assessments, appointment scheduling, referrals and crisis calls.
  
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