Race to Resiliency is a comprehensive initiative designed to build resilient communities across Georgia counties, focusing on mental health, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention. This program aims to increase the utilization of local mental health resources by youth and families through a multi-faceted approach.

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1. Community-Based Approach: The program emphasizes community engagement, establishing coalitions of residents, non-profits, health providers, schools, faith-based organizations, and local government agencies.

2. Mental Health Integration: Mental health services will be integrated into primary care settings and school curriculums to reduce barriers to access and stigma.

3. Crisis Response: Implementation of crisis text lines in schools, Mental Health First Aid training, and local crisis hotlines to provide immediate support for at-risk youth.

4. Substance Abuse Prevention: Increasing drug drop box locations and launching public awareness campaigns about opioid addiction risks.

5. Educational Outreach: Development and distribution of educational materials on mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention through various channels, including social media.

6. Data-Driven Improvement: Implementation of robust data collection systems to track program outcomes and inform continuous improvement.

7. Capacity Building: Providing training for healthcare providers on trauma-informed care and offering workshops for community organizations on grant writing and program sustainability.

8. Policy Advocacy: Working with local policymakers to implement supportive policies and increase funding for mental health and substance abuse services.

9. Sustainability Planning: Developing long-term plans to ensure the continuation of successful interventions through diverse funding sources and regular program reviews.

10. Incentive Structure: To encourage participation, the program includes a state-wide recognition system, free training programs, peer learning networks, and policy incentives. It also aligns with existing state initiatives and provides data management support to participating communities.

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Qualify for community race through data collection of each objective. Every event, material, trainings, and family impacted will be tallied as a community resiliency point.

 

Every community that qualifies through participation will receive the Race 2 Resiliency certificate signifying their community resolve to increase crisis response trainings and programming for mental health safety.

 

The community to earn the most resiliency points will receive the 2025 Race 2 Resiliency Award presented at the 2026 Mental Health Day at the Georgia State Capitol.