UGA Ralston Institute

Join us for the 2026 annual disability history symposium!

We are excited to welcome our keynote speakers for the 2026 Georgia Disability History Symposium! This year’s symposium will feature Tim Vogt and Jan Goings from Starfire Council as they share their experiences and insights around the theme:
“We Make It Happen: Mutual Aid as a Call to Action.”

Through their work, Tim and Jan have helped communities rethink what is possible when we move beyond systems and focus on relationships, connection, and the power of people supporting one another.

📅 October 8, 2026
📍 Hybrid Event – Attend in person or online
Learn more and register:
https://www.fcs.uga.edu/chdd/2026-disability-symposium

Richard B. Russell Jr. Special Collections Libraries Building
Inclusion Seekers
UGA Ralston Institute

The David Ralston Institute was proud to attend the Georgia School of Addiction Studies conference in Savannah, bringing together professionals and leaders from across Georgia to connect, learn and share ideas around substance use and recovery.

The Ralston Institute partnered with the Georgia Opioid Settlement Trust on a workshop exploring the landscape of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in Georgia. The workshop highlighted the needs across the state, the importance of the Trust, and much more.

Thank you to the Georgia School of Addiction Studies for bringing together such an impactful community and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about the future of behavioral health in Georgia.

Understanding the power of lived experience is an important part of conversations around recovery.

The David Ralston Institute joined the UGA School of Social Work, CARES and the Georgia Council for Recovery to present a Recovery Training focused on The Power of Lived Experience.

The training created space for open conversations about substance use, recovery and support systems among community members, professionals and individuals with lived experience.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this training a meaningful opportunity for learning and connection.

Every role has a story, and every person makes an impact.

This week, we’re featuring Robert Yohnka, Business Manager III. Learn more about Robert’s role at the David Ralston Institute, what he’s passionate about, and what he enjoys most about being part of the Institute.

Today is 988 Day. Help is available, hope is possible, and no one has to face a mental health or substance use crisis alone. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline connects people with trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Call or text 988 whenever you or someone you know needs help.

The David Ralston Institute is proud to join the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities in spreading the word. Take two minutes today to share 988. You may help save a life.

Behind every successful organization is a dedicated team working behind the scenes.

This week, we're highlighting Kasie Russell, Assistant to the Executive Director, whose work helps keep the David Ralston Institute running smoothly. Read on to learn more about her role, what she’s passionate about, and what she enjoys most about being part of the Institute.

Learn the warning signs of su***de for the people in your life, and for yourself. Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior; withdrawing from others; talking about having no reason to live: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs
***deprevention

Every role has a story, and every person makes an impact.

Get to know another member of the David Ralston Institute team and learn more about what inspires their work, what a typical day looks like, and what they enjoy most about being part of the Institute.

This week, we're featuring Samhitha Subbaraju, Research Professional III.