Chatham's new

Behavioral Health Unit

ARPA-Funded Mental Health Services and Alternative Care

"Mental illness isn't a crime, and we don't want to criminalize those who are having underlying issues with mental health." Officers of the law are sworn to protect and serve, and they are often the ones called to serve some of society's most vulnerable members when no other solution seems readily available. The Behavioral Health Unit is a new initiative aiding Chatham County Police in that call to answer problematic situations with real solutions that go beyond immediate intervention or enforcement.

"The BHU is designed to follow up and provide connectivity to resources for individuals who are suicidal, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who have the types of disorders that are affecting their day-to-day activity." Cpl. Hiram Rivera is leading this mission, because this wholistic approach to finding real solutions for real problems is not new to him.

Chatham's strategy is to INCREASE the number of first responders who have Crisis Intervention Training, TRAIN first responders and dispatchers on new processes and tools designed to assist in diffusion and diversion, and ALLOW a follow-up to ensure that individuals stay connected to care and treatment.

The need is great, and the mission is clear: to provide alternative services and improve mental health support within the criminal justice system.

(BEHIND THE SCENES)

Learning to GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE at Occupational Safety's CPR Training for Team Chatham

Two Ways to Chill

with Chatham County Parks and Recreation

Team Chatham Works Together

To make fire fee work for Chatham County

The fire fee is a big undertaking for Chatham County, and it's a very big deal for every one of the many thousands of county residents covered by the fire service and therefore subject to the fire fee. Roughly two dozen Team Chatham members spread through five different departments know better than anyone else the scale and impact of the fire fee. They have been the ears and the voice of the County when residents reach out with questions, concerns, and even criticisms. These team members are responsible for the knowledgeable answers to untold thousands of emails. the personal and caring responses given to even more phone calls, and sometimes the in-person handling of individual accounts.

And it's made a difference. Calls that used to add up to 3,000-4,000 every ten days are now coming in more like 3000 per month. Billings that previously languished ignored or unpaid are now settled up and doing their part to fund the required fire service. Indeed, halfway through fiscal year 2024 now, 63.4% of billings are paid in full for the current cycle, and 96.4% of fiscal year 2023 is also now paid. Just as importantly, the county residents we serve have gotten real answers to questions and real assistance with issues.

This commitment to seeing each and every county resident as an individual while also keeping an eye on the real-world requirements of providing fire service to them is the balancing act that Team Chatham members have performed since the inception of the fire fee last year. If you've interacted with any of them, then chances are you know -- when a Team Chatham member asks, "How can I help you?", they are actually there to help.

No Better Gift

for our four-legged friends than a safe and loving Home For The Holidays (and beyond)

"Every day, stray and unwanted animals are brought to our shelter or to one of the many local rescues in the area -- some are lost, some can no longer be cared for by their owners for one reason or another."  Chatham County Animal Services Director, Dr. Jake Harper takes care of the many wonderful dogs and cats that currently call the shelter home, and he wants nothing but the best for each one of them. "Adopting one of these animals not only adds love to your family but also helps to make space to allow us to care for other unwanted animals. It's more than just that one life that is changed for the better!"    

Chatham County Animal Shelter's Forever Home for the Holidays Adoption Event began on Monday, December 11th and runs through the end of this month. All dog adopters get surprise reduced adoption fees from the PUNCH-A-PRICE TREE, and all cat adoptions are free!

The Adoption Center is open 1:00 - 4:30pm, six days a week, closed on Wednesdays and major holidays.



Learn more about our adoption process and view a list of adoptable animals here:

https://animalservices.chathamcountyga.gov/Ser.../Adoptions/

Curiouser and Curiouser

Walking In A Whimsical Wonderland

On select nights through Saturday, Dec. 23, guests at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will be greeted with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme. Visitors can follow Alice down the rabbit hole through a mesmerizing tunnel of lights, join an unforgettable tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, and stroll through the Queen of Hearts’ dazzling rose garden. 

This year’s event is bigger than ever, covering more than 5 acres with nearly a mile of magically lit trails. Other newly created themes include Once Upon a Time (with a real fire-breathing dragon), Octopus's Garden and Carnival of Color. 

Santa Claus will be visiting each night of Holiday Lights. The Dawg House Café will be open during the event offering light dinner options. Visitors will also be treated to coffee, hot chocolate and s’mores stations, and are encouraged to drop in the Holly Jolly Market for holiday gift shopping.

The staff and volunteers at UGA’s Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens spend all year planning, designing and installing December Nights and Holiday Lights. All proceeds from the event support the operation of the gardens.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will be open rain or shine, and it takes about an hour to complete the walking tour. The event is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

Children under 3 are admitted at no cost, and free parking is available at Southwest Middle School with continuous shuttle service to the event.

General admission is $15 per person, and tickets can be purchased at coastalbg.uga.edu.

Does your tree have plans for after the holidays?

Maybe taking a trip?



Follow the steps below or check out this quick video for the steps that will help make it a breeze to bid farewell to your live Christmas tree after the holidays are over.

1. Take off all those festive decorations.

2. Pile up your yard waste neatly, including Kraft bags and any loose bits, but make sure to keep it away from utility boxes and mailboxes.

3. Stack those loose branches, limbs, brush, and larger tree prunings by the curb for collection.

4. Have everything ready by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.

5. Remember, we can't collect yard waste mixed with plastic bags, bulky items, or non-vegetative materials.

Not sure when your yard waste is picked up? Find out HERE.

And how about all those boxes? We know you don't want to look like you're bragging about how good you were this year, so if Santa brought you lots of toys in big boxes, you may not want to pile them up at your curb. Drop them off at one of Chatham County's Recycling Centers instead! Just be sure to flatten them first -- that'll keep you on Santa's nice list for next year.