CSBMG Selected to Help Lead Georgia’s Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
Community Service Board of Middle Georgia
The opioid epidemic continues to impact communities across Georgia, affecting individuals, families, healthcare systems, and public safety organizations. While every community faces unique challenges, data-driven partnerships are helping direct resources where they are needed most. Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (CSBMG) is honored to be among a select group of organizations chosen by the CDC Foundation to participate in the Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership (GOPP)—an initiative focused on reducing opioid overdoses and strengthening prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts throughout the state.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this recognition is highlighted in the program materials through a map of Georgia identifying coalition sites. CSBMG was selected as one of these locations because our region has experienced a significant number of opioid-related overdose deaths, emphasizing both the urgent need and the tremendous opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Turning Data Into Action
The Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership brings together community coalitions, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, public safety agencies, and local leaders to implement evidence-based strategies that save lives. Through collaboration, coalition partners work to expand overdose prevention education, increase access to naloxone, strengthen community partnerships, and improve pathways into treatment and recovery services.
Across Georgia, participating coalitions are sharing innovative approaches to reaching individuals at risk, developing post-overdose response strategies, improving access to care in rural communities, and building stronger connections between behavioral health and public safety. These collaborative efforts demonstrate that meaningful progress happens when organizations work together toward a common goal.
A Commitment to Rural Georgia
Most communities served by CSBMG are rural, where barriers such as transportation, limited healthcare access, and provider shortages can make it difficult for individuals to receive timely behavioral health and substance use treatment. The Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership recognizes these unique challenges and provides technical assistance, educational resources, and opportunities for coalition partners to share successful strategies with one another.
By participating in this statewide initiative, CSBMG has access to additional tools and expertise that support local efforts while contributing to a broader statewide response aimed at reducing opioid-related harm.
Leading Local Change
Ashley Black and her team at RISEUP are leading CSBMG’s efforts within the Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership (GOPP). Through collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, first responders, schools, and local organizations, our RISEUP team is implementing evidence-based overdose prevention strategies designed to save lives and strengthen communities.
Recognizing that CSBMG was selected as one of the CDC Foundation’s coalition sites due to the high number of opioid overdose deaths within our service area underscores the importance of this work. We are committed to expanding prevention education, increasing access to naloxone, promoting recovery resources, and building partnerships that address the opioid crisis from every angle. Our goal is not only to reduce overdose deaths today, but to create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Through leadership, education, and collaboration, our RISEUP team is helping ensure that individuals and families affected by substance use have greater access to hope, support, and recovery.
Collaboration Makes the Difference
The July Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership update highlights the importance of partnerships between healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, law enforcement, schools, first responders, and community organizations. Throughout Georgia, coalitions have reported success by consistently engaging their communities, expanding naloxone distribution, developing outreach initiatives, and learning from one another through statewide collaboration.
This collaborative model reflects CSBMG’s longstanding commitment to bringing people together to address complex behavioral health challenges through various time-tested avenues of education, prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
Looking Ahead
Being selected as a CDC Foundation coalition site is both an honor and a responsibility. It recognizes the seriousness of the opioid crisis affecting our region while providing an opportunity to implement proven strategies that can save lives and strengthen communities.
CSBMG remains committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while working alongside local and statewide partners to reduce the impact of opioid use disorder. Every conversation, every partnership, and every life touched represents another step toward healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities.
Together, we can make a difference toward wellness, hope, and recovery.
References
CDC Foundation. (2026). Georgia Overdose Prevention Partnership monthly program update: July 2026.