Special to the Herald
Springfield — Effingham Health System officially opened its new Behavioral Health Center Oct. 9. This game-changing milestone in Effingham Health System’s transformational journey is a partnership between Effingham Health System and Savannah’s Curtis V. Cooper Behavioral Health team.
The new healthcare practice will provide this fast-growing rural community and the surrounding areas with an integrated behavioral health program. The county is currently underserved in specialized care for mental illness, with just one provider for every 2,300 residents, while the State of Georgia has one provider for every 640 residents, according to Effingham Health.
An integrated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers will ensure each patient's mental health needs are met. Among the most prevalent mental illnesses the staff will treat are anxiety disorders, including those brought on by significant life changes; depression, postpartum, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, binge eating, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The ribbon-cutting was attended by several local elected officials including Rep. Buddy Carter, Speaker of the Georgia House Jon Burns, Kaleb McMichen, executive director of external affairs, Georgia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; County Commissioner Forrest Floyd; Stephanie Johnson and Chairperson Patricia Ann Yarbrough from the Effingham Hospital board of directors; Dr. Fran Witt, president and CEO, Effingham Health System; and Albert Grandy, CEO, Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care.
“This win for our community is close to my heart and has been integral to our vision since I became CEO,” said Grandy.
Dr. Fran Witt said the urgent need for behavioral healthcare services in this community is evident, sharing statistics about mental health needs and access to specialty services.
“We respect your reputation in this specialty. Access to mental health services in rural communities like ours is not just a need; it's a lifeline,” added Yarbrough. “When resources are scarce or difficult to obtain, the presence of mental health support can mean the difference between silent suffering and the possibility of healing and hope. Strengthening these services is essential for building a healthier, more resilient community.”
Dr. Witt made the point that mental health is a disease—just like hypertension or diabetes. “It is treatable and manageable. It is not taboo. Life happens and causes us to shift physically, emotionally, and mentally,” Dr. Witt said. “When it does, some of us need assistance. Learning to manage mental illness can enable a healthier, happier life for ourselves and those who care about us.”
Effingham Behavioral Health Center is located within the Effingham Family Medicine at 21 office, 1451 Hwy. 21, Springfield, next to Food Lion. Prospective patients should call 912-999-1586 for an appointment. Behavioral health services are offered Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
