River Edge Behavioral Health Acquires Oconee Center in Middle Georgia Merger

This merger extends River Edge's responsibilities to six additional counties in Middle Georgia, namely Baldwin, Hancock, Jasper, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson.

Recently, River Edge inaugurated a $20 million inpatient crisis and diagnostic center aimed at individuals with disabilities, alongside another facility supporting adults struggling with addiction, both situated in Macon. They have also partnered with local law enforcement to provide mental health support within the city’s jail system for those undergoing a mental health or behavioral crisis.

CEO Cass Hatcher noted that they are evaluating the specific needs of the newly acquired counties, particularly in crisis care. "It starts with the jail and how significant the crisis problem is in those counties," Hatcher said.

State reports reveal that local jails address the needs of thousands of individuals experiencing crises annually, particularly in rural areas.

Community service boards serve as a critical safety net for mental health and disability services, funded yearly by the state to offer therapy, crisis intervention, and addiction support to both adults and children. However, there have been concerns over the consistency of service outcomes.

This year, a state law enabled Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to reform community service boards. The reforms include reorganizing governing boards and expanding the roles of executive directors, who will now be appointed by the DBHDD commissioner. Additionally, mandatory training for board leadership and new performance measures will be implemented to evaluate effectiveness.

Jade Benefield, the new director of the community service board network, emphasized the need for accountability and better understanding of service performance across the state. Each board will also establish new standardized bylaws.

Kaleb McMichen, a spokesperson for the DBHDD, indicated that the merger was driven by concerns over financial stability and aimed at ensuring seamless patient care. "As happens from time to time, it became necessary for the state to intervene," he said.

The DBHDD did not confirm whether further mergers of community service boards are planned.