River Edge Behavioral Health (River Edge) is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Adult Peer Support and Community Integration Center in Macon. The ceremony will commence at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2016 Ingleside Avenue, Macon, GA 31204.

Special remarks will be made by Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller and Mayor Pro Tem and Macon-Bibb District 5 Commissioner Seth Clark.

In an effort to improve behavioral health equity and meet the growing needs of Macon-Bibb County, River Edge will construct a new “Adult Peer Support and Community Integration Center” to provide support services for Macon-Bibb County residents facing mental health challenges or psychiatric disorders.

The center will serve as a safe place for those seeking help through daily support groups by providing a welcoming environment for any adult (18 or older) experiencing behavioral health issues or struggling with significant challenges.  This may include traumatic events, mental health concerns and/or substance use. The center will also provide services specifically tailored to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This new center is a much-needed resource for Macon-Bibb County residents, extending access to a wide array of affordable, evidence-based behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities services,” said Cass Hatcher, Chief Executive Officer at River Edge. “From the center’s accessible location in Macon’s historically significant Pleasant Hill community, the center will enable residents to gain a deeper level of independence through classes teaching and reinforcing daily living skills, as well as providing activities that improve health outcomes, quality of life and overall life expectancy.”

The 35,480 square-foot, two-story center, designed by Azar + Walsh Architects and constructed by Sheridan Construction and Stafford Builders & Consultants, is anchored by an all-inclusive gymnasium and includes large group session rooms, common areas, staff offices, arts and crafts rooms, music rooms, calming rooms and a teaching kitchen.

The financial backing of $14 million to construct the center comes from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities and River Edge.

The center’s projected opening is in December 2025. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. Those in attendance should enter the parking lot from Ingleside Drive. Light refreshments will be provided at the ceremony.

All marketing and media inquiries should be directed to Kelly McWilliams at [email protected] or 478-803-7707.