Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services, which began operation July 1, 1994, was created under state law to succeed county boards of health as a public provider of mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services to area citizens. Ogeechee Behavioral Health Services, with headquarters in Swainsboro, Georgia, serves six southeastern counties: Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, and Screven. The area encompasses 3207 square miles, is sparsely populated with an average of 26 persons per square mile and is approximately sixty miles east to west. This area was last in the State of Georgia to be developed in community mental health services, with its official establishment in 1976.