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. – Augusta managed just five hits and one run and fell to Georgia Southwestern 12-1 Sunday as the Hurricanes win two of the three games of the series. The Jaguars are now 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 11-8 overall. The Canes improve to 7-2 in conference play and 12-7 overall.
Georgia Southwestern scored runs in all but one inning including four runs in the first two innings and plated five runs in the fifth, highlighted by a grand slam.
The only Augusta run would come in the fourth inning. Landon Leonard would reach on an error and would come around when Kent Moon reached on a fielder’s choice that would plate Leonard.
Leonard, Moon, Davis Newman, Harris Bachelder and Jakob Cowart would collect the hits for the Jaguars.
Augusta will next be in action on Friday when the open up a three game series with Lander at Jaguar Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:00 p.m.
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.
Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.
50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.
Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.
One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.
“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.
The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.
In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”
People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.
Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.
There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.
Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.
The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.
All areas of the park will be closed.
However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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