Augusta, GA
Augusta University receives $2.4 million grant to address behavioral health challenges
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new $2.4 million grant is empowering Augusta University students with hands-on training to address the community’s behavioral health challenges.
Local experts say that while the community may struggle with many of these challenges, they hope a new grant will help change that in the long run.
For students like Talynn Saxer, Mahogany Davis and Ariel Figueroa O’Farrill, this is more than just a part of their studies.
“Working out in the community, it’s made me more comfortable working within an interdisciplinary team,” said Saxer.
“It relieves the financial burden while we’re also able to gain the benefit of the clinical experience in field and out of field,” said Davis.
“It really much prepared me for a career in research, if I so choose to,” said Figueroa O’Farrill.
Alicia Becton, Chair of the Department of Research, Counseling & Curriculum at Augusta University, says it’s a pipeline for students to do hands-on learning and give community clinics support.
“So we secured the HRSA grant, which is a $2.4 million training grant to increase workforce development and increase mental health professionals in the community,” Becton said.
The program focuses on training students in behavioral health practices while targeting young people.
“We need nurses, social workers, mental health professionals, everyone at the table,” Becton said.
With recent health care shortages in underserved areas, Dr. Tommy Ginn says health care workers are needed now more than ever.
“The mental health needs are huge in, I would say, all communities. We see anxiety, depression, drug use, all of those things, from kids on up through adults. And like I say, it’s really hard because the number of people taking care of patients like that is limited,” Ginn said.
The program continues with the hope that students will fall in love with the passion to serve.
This is a 4-year program where they partner with other community groups to give these graduate students real world experience to prepare them for next steps.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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