Spring/Summer 2020 Newsletter

Mississippi SPRING/SUMMER 2020

We Are Conquerors:

Crisis Management & Looking Ahead Jackson Flooding Threat COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Pages 12-13

Pages 14-15

2020-2021 Board of Directors

Pages 9-11 p. 24

Affiliates p. 6

Conferences p. 16

Day at the Capitol p. 20

Education p. 22

2 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI

Farewell Letter from the President of the Board

Mississippi 2618 Southerland Street Jackson, MS 39216 601-899-9058 • 800-357-0388 Fax: 601-956-6380 • namims.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Farewell Letter 2 Letter from the Executive Director 4 NAMI Pine Belt 6 NAMI Vicksburg 7 NAMI Oxford 8 NAMI Central Mississippi 8 2020-2021 Board Members 9-11 Jackson Flooding Response 12-13 COVID-19 Update 14-15 2020 State Conference Recap 16-17 2020 Minority Mental Health Conference Presenters 18-19 2020 Day at the Capitol Recap 20-21 Education 22-23 NAMIWalks Across the State 24-25 Calendar of Events • Support Groups 26 Membership 27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Harrington, President & Oxford Affiliate Representative Megan Hamm, Vice President & Four Rivers (MS) Representative Harriette Mastin, Secretary and At Large Marcus Ginn, Treasurer and At Large Sherry Bouldin, At Large Sharon Turner-Davis, At Large Christiane Williams, At Large Thomas Carson, Peer Leadership Council Representative Auvergne Williams, Central Mississippi Affiliate Representative Shan Abbott, Coastal MS Affiliate Representative Diane Sellers, Meridian Affiliate Representative Mavis Creagh, Pine Belt Affiliate Representative Stephanie Stout May, Tupelo Affiliate Representative Jenny Drake, Vicksburg Affiliate Representative STATE OFFICERS Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Executive Director Joy Amerson, Account Manager Kawanna Jenkins, Education Outreach Volunteer Claire Keil, Youth Engagement Specialist David Shumpert, Office Volunteer Latasha Willis, Peer Community Outreach Specialist AFFILIATES Central Mississippi Four Rivers (MS) Pine Belt Vicksburg Meridian Oxford Coastal MS Tupelo (Developing) The NAMI Mississippi newsletter is funded by donations from members and partners, and is published to inform, educate and strengthen the community of individuals and families affected by serious mental illness. The articles and opinions within are not necessarily those of the NAMI Mississippi organization. Content is not intended to endorse any political candidates, viewpoint, treatment or medication.

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ear NAMI Mississippi Members: Serving as your Board President for the past four years has been an honor and a privilege. I am so proud of the work you all have done, and continue to do, to serve fellow peers and families across the state. In recent years, we’ve seen an expansion of our affiliates across the state, new partnerships with other organizations and agencies, and an expansion of our services for at-risk youth. All of that even as you continue to invest time and effort into support groups which provide a safe space for working through the challenges of living with mental illness and education programs that develop skills to help our members and fellow Mississippians thrive.

Having completed my second term on our Board of Directors, I am taking some time away to focus on my own mental well-being, but I leave with an abundance of optimism. We have an energized and dedicated Board of Directors, a skilled State Office staff, and a virtual army of dedicated volunteers and stakeholders.

On Saturday, July 25, our new Board elected Mary Harrington of Oxford as your new president. Mary is a brilliant, dedicated advocate for our organization and has served as vice-president for the past two years. She has excellent

organizational and leadership skills that will continue to add significant value as she leads our organization.

Earlier this year, the Board hired Sitaniel Wimbley as our Executive Director. Having worked with Sitaniel since she first started with NAMI Mississippi in 2016, I am confident in her commitment to giving her all to continue building an organization that is responsive to the needs of our communities and advocates for the needs of Mississippians living with mental illness and their families.

I hope that I have served you well in my time as president. It has been a humbling experience for me. I’ve had the opportunity to witness first-hand the dedication of our local affiliate leaders, our board members, and our teachers and volunteers. I’m so glad to be part of an organization that shows such love and service to our fellow citizens and speaks up to address not only our own needs, but the needs of Mississippians across our state.

With a grateful heart,

Brett Mayfield, Outgoing President NAMI Mississippi Board of Directors (July 2016-June 2020)

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NAMI Mississippi’s Free Education Programs

Sign up for a class at namims.eventbrite.com or email stateoffice@namims.org to request a presentation.

Learn more about our offerings at namims.org/programs.

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Letter from the Executive Director

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ello, Members and Supporters, “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol First, to our members: We have new leadership from national on down, and that will help us to understand where we are and allow us to adjust. In order to be the voice on mental health in the state of Mississippi, we will need to adjust and expand. Yes, it will be uncomfortable, and no, it will not be easy. Some things will change, but it will in the best interest of NAMI Mississippi and the individuals we support.

This is not an attack on what we have already built, but a vision on where we need to go and to determine what is worth keeping to make progress. This organization has survived for 30 years by adapting to change to support the state of Mississippi. I know change is hard, but I am ready to lead this organization into growth and to help us become more stable, but we need your help. We have a unique opportunity to strengthen the mental health system, but we must work together. Our

past is behind us, but our future starts now and I am extremely excited to be part of this turning point in this historic time.

While we all continue to care for our families, neighbors, and selves during the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that NAMI Mississippi and our affiliates are here for you. This is a time to show the strength and resilience of NAMI Mississippi as an organization. We have to understand the world that we are engaging.

We are coming out of where we have been and now we will embrace the new normal.

This is bigger than any individual and any one organization. We must know that mental stability is what we are supporting and that is necessary now more than ever.

We must build a foundation that cannot be shaken. NAMI Mississippi strives to be stability in a time of uncertainty. We are here to support, educate, and advocate.

We need to lay a new foundation so that changes are not able to shake us. We have some cracks, but together we can work towards fixing those cracks and making the organization stronger. Now is our opportunity to help increase community

awareness and understanding of what mental illness is and what it is not; this is our opportunity to increase the circles of understanding and support for those individuals and families experiencing mental health disorders. We pledge to continuously fight stigma and make mental illness okay to discuss.

Now, I would like to ask the community for your help. In order to make this happen, we must have your help. NAMI Mississippi is primarily a volunteer-led organization. The community supports itself through NAMI Signature Programs.

I challenge each of you to try at least one program. If you have suggestions, please share them. We need you as an individual to strengthen the foundation. You, the community, are the reason NAMI Mississippi exists and you are the reason we must evolve and overcome.

Sincerely,

Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Executive Director

We’re now on LinkedIn!

Follow us at linkedin.com/company/nami-mississippi

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V I RT U A L EVENTS

NAMIWalks Your Way Coastal MS namiwalks.org/coastal

NAMIWalks Your Way Meridian namiwalks.org/meridian

NAMIWalks Your Way Oxford namiwalks.org/oxford

NAMIWalks Your Way Vicksburg namiwalks.org/vicksburg

NAMIWalks Mississippi

NAMIWalks Pine Belt

H Y B R ID EVENTS

Virtual and at Virtual and at Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff, Jackson Hattiesburg Zoo Pavilions, Hattiesburg

namiwalks.org/mississippi namiwalks.org/pinebelt Register, join a team, donate or become a sponsor today!

walkmanager@namims.org • (601) 899-9058

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reetings to all of our NAMI members and friends! What a strange year it is (understatement)! Despite the major speed bumps that confront us all, our affiliate continues to set goals and foster programs to defeat stigma and to help people who struggle with mental health issues. We have been holding virtual meetings on the last Tuesday of each month, sharing ideas and discussing NAMIWalks plans in the new virtual world.

We intend to continue our sponsorship of mental health programs such as Crisis Intervention Team Training, Behavioral Health Court, Mental Health First Aid, and other events that will have a positive impact on our Pine Belt community. We have elected a new slate of officers who have already contributed much to our affiliate during the COVID-19 crisis. They are: President, Mavis Creagh; Vice President, Jody Fortenberry; Co-Secretaries, Narjis and Mikal Uqdah; and Treasurer, Joe Kinnan. Thanks to their leadership and the other NAMI members, our affiliate is poised to help meet the increased need for mental health assistance that has already become evident to the regional mental health center professionals.

As a NAMI Mississippi sponsor, the City of Hattiesburg has been supportive to our affiliate programs, contributing monetarily and through in-kind donations where feasible. Even though our NAMI Affiliate Walk in 2019 had to be cancelled due to very bad weather, our walk teams and sponsors were quite understanding and donated funds that helped us closely approach our goal of

Members of the Pine Belt Affiliate CIT Luncheon Planning Team in Hattiesburg.

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

$13,000. This year’s Walk scheduled for October 17th will most likely become a virtual walk via online participation. That does not necessarily mean reduced donations. In fact, the NAMIWalks throughout the nation this spring earned more than $450,000 to enrich NAMI education and outreach programs. Watch for more information on this and please be ready to foster success for this year’s walk.

We are continuing our direct support to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in our State. In fact, we have provided meals for the latest CIT course in the Pine Belt on July 6th. We are represented on the CIT Advisory Committee and help teach the participants. We are also committed to help the City of Hattiesburg Behavioral Health Court to flourish. We help arrange the graduation events for that vital program. Two of our NAMI affiliate members, Khadijah Muhammad and Jody Fortenberry, are significant members of the Court team.

One of the most exciting programs in our state (in fact, in the world) is the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course.

Our affiliate has sponsored MHFA classes in 2018 and 2019. We are committed to hosting more classes as they develop late in 2020. Even if these classes are virtual, our affiliate can help publicize them.

This year (as in the past), we plan to support the holiday parties for the participants in the Region 12 Mental Health Center AOT and PACT treatment programs. Both parties are the highlights of a successful year. The Region 12 staff is outstanding in all respects.

We are very pleased with the NAMI Mississippi State Office’s proactive education programming. They conducted a highly successful virtual State Conference in June and have other virtual programs well under way, such as NAMI Connection and In Our Own Voice. They are quite helpful to the affiliates, leading walk preparations and assisting with training of instructors. They have accomplished all of that despite COVID-19 and floods in Jackson. Well done!

In an effort for our affiliate to develop more supportive outreach to Pine Belt citizens, four of our members completed

the NAMI Connection virtual training in June: Mavis Creagh, Jody Fortenberry, Sandy Kinnan, and Joe Kinnan. We look forward to establishing a Connection support group as the COVID crisis begins to diminish.

Congratulations to the new NAMI Mississippi board members who have agreed to help lead us. We truly appreciate the entire Board for the way they have guided the “NAMI Ship” through perilous waters this year. Also, sincere congratulations to the Coastal Affiliate as they join the NAMI team. They inspire us as well.

Pre-COVID meeting of NAMI Pine Belt affiliate.

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Our affiliate usually has a general meeting at 6 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at the Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. However, because of the COVID virus, we intend to hold our July meeting (face to face, six feet apart, with mask if needed) at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center on July 28th at 6:00 p.m. You should watch your e-mail for any updated information regarding time and place. You may call Joe Kinnan (601-550-8219) to gain further insight.

We encourage every NAMI member to volunteer to be trained as facilitators of the NAMI Signature Programs. One of our most crucial needs is to develop facilitators for Family Support Groups. We often receive calls for help and seem to scramble to find assistance for people. A strong, well-established Family Support Group is a must to foster healing and bright futures.

We’re privileged to be a part of the NAMI advocacy team in our state and nation. Indeed, we are companions on this exciting and meaningful journey!

Respectfully submitted by Joe Kinnan, Ph.D.

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NAMI Mississippi Pine Belt Affiliate New Officers: President: Mavis Creagh; Vice President: Jody Fortenberry; Co-Secretaries: Narjis and Mikah Uqdah; Treasurer: Joe Kinnan.

PHOTOS COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

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reetings from NAMI Vicksburg to all of our NAMI members and friends around the state. It seems that we all have been living in a time warp so far during most of 2020. The pandemic has certainly affected us all in many ways, and the need for social distancing has left us in many cases feeling lonely and sad.

We must remember though that we are not alone, and we must reach out to others through texting, calling, and emailing in order to maintain that important human contact each of us needs.

As of this writing, our state has more than 35,000 cases of COVID-19, and numbers are rising so there is more uncertainty as to what steps will be taken to control the rise we see. Let us remember to care for and encourage each other during this frustrating time and know that this trying season will eventually pass. May we use this time for inward reflection, growing our faith, and learning new ways to cope. NAMI Mississippi is always ready to help, and they can be be reached at stateoffice@ namims.org or 601-899-9058. Also, the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline is available sever days a week by calling 877978-6453 between 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

January of 2020 brought hopes for a bright New Year, and NAMI Vicksburg started off the year with a quarterly Affiliate Meeting on January 28th, hosting a guest presentation by Dr. Casy McNemar, coordinator of the Warren-

Yazoo Behavioral Health Enhanced Crisis Services, a grant-funded program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

The primary purpose of the program is to reduce adult psychiatric commitment/ readmissions in Region 15 by 10 percent through evidence-based community mental health intervention services. Dr. McNemar provided extensive information to the audience and then answered questions following the presentation.

February brought with it plans for several educational programs. On February 10, 2020, Jenny Drake and Deloris McGee presented the 90-minute seminar Family & Friends to the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion TynerFord Post #213. A follow-up manual was emailed to each participant. On February 24th and March 2nd, Sarah Johnson and Randall Williams presented the four-hour Family & Friends seminar to participants in the Merit Behavioral Health conference room. This seminar was presented in lieu of the traditional Family-to-Family class that had been advertised but lacked sufficient registrants. Participants were also invited to attend the Family Support Group meeting on March 3rd.

March brought with it news of the COVID-19 outbreak and the time of remaining at home. Merit Health contacted NAMI Vicksburg to say that their meeting rooms would no longer be available for public meetings until the threat of the virus had passed.

In April, May, and June, everyone still sheltered at home. Support groups were contacted by email and/or text to reassure

members that they were not alone and to ask them to share their thoughts as a means to continue active communication.

The 2020 State Conference was changed to a virtual conference and rescheduled for June. Business that was to be discussed at the quarterly April 28th Affiliate Meeting was handled via email with election of new officers (President Thomas Carson; Vice President Jenny Drake; Secretary Denise Mounger; Treasurer Bill Mounger; At-large appointees to the Governance Committee: Deloris McGee, Shirley Hedrick, Nicholas J. Larkins). Jenny Drake was confirmed for a three-year appointment as the new Vicksburg Affiliate Representative to the NAMI Mississippi Board of Directors.

The July Family Support Group met via conference call with Deloris McGee and Sarah Johnson, and it was great to hear the voices of our friends for the first time in months!

Plans for the coming days will include extensive use of conference calls and virtual meetings. In the fall, NAMI Vicksburg will host a virtual walk to raise awareness locally of mental wellness.

Originally scheduled for September 26th, the date has been changed to October 10th to coincide with the NAMI Mississippi State Walk and National Day of Hope. Watch for more info via our NAMI Vicksburg Facebook page!

Hang tough, everybody! Wishing you all the very best!

Submitted by NAMI Vicksburg namivicksburg@gmail.com 601-630-9470

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he coronavirus pandemic severely impacted our affiliate’s scheduled outreach activities this spring.

Activities we are usually involved in, such as the quarterly breakfast of the Oxford Lafayette County Mental Health Association, were canceled. Because the campus was closed, interaction with Ole Miss was also impacted.

One highlight was NAMI Mississippi’s virtual state conference in May. Mary Harrington and Hanne Gaycken registered for the event and were impressed with the programming. Several of our affiliate members also planned on registering for the virtual NAMI National Conference on July 13-14.

Our last face-to-face meeting of the Family Support Group took place on March 13. But thanks to NAMI Mississippi staff, we have been able to proceed with our Family Support Group and Connection meetings via conference call.

We have decided to continue to meet via conference call until we feel comfortable meeting in person. One of our members has identified a meeting space that will allow us to socially distance when we are ready to meet face to face again.

Our affiliate welcomed a new member this spring: Hal Ferguson, a retired lawyer, originally from Birmingham, joined us and impressed us all with his engagement and insights.

Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms, our Affiliate met face to face (with appropriate distancing) on June 24 on Hanne’s

screened-in porch. We approved the treasurer’s report and budget, and expressed thanks to the State Office for providing a report of affiliate financial transactions.

We also reviewed the membership list provided by NAMI Mississippi, and will contact several people with lapsed memberships to encourage them to pay dues.

The following officers were elected for the upcoming year: • President: Hanne Gaycken • Vice President: Hal Ferguson • Secretary: Clarice Ivy • Treasurer: Carol VanBesien • Member at Large: Michael Danahy • Connection Representative: Karsten Gaycken • Affiliate Representative: Mary Harrington Our affiliate brainstormed ideas for more effectively promoting our presence in the community and expanding our membership. Ideas include creating a social media presence for our Family Support and Connections Groups, as well as contacting the Oxford Chamber of Commerce about including our literature in their welcome packet.

The Oxford Affiliate agreed to hold a virtual NAMI Walk scheduled for October 10 during the NAMIWalks National Day of Hope. Mary Harrington is the walk manager for the event and can be reached at ccmary@olemiss.edu.

To register for the walk online as an individual or team member, donate or sponsor, visit namiwalks.org/oxford.

Submitted by Mary Harrington NAMI Oxford Affiliate Representative

Attendees at the NAMI Central Mississippi affiliate meeting on March 9, 2020 at Galloway United Methodist Church. Micah Dutro of Disability Rights Mississippi is the speaker.

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ince the last newsletter, our affiliate has had two meetings. The first was on March 9 at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, and the guest speaker was Micah Dutro, legal director of Disability Rights Mississippi. He explained the purpose of and the need for the organization. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the second meeting was held via videoconference on July 29, and the speaker was Dr. Tiffany Anderson-Washington of Hinds Behavioral Health Services. She explained how mobile crisis units work and the challenges facing them.

NAMI Central Mississippi is going through a vigorous restructuring process, and the first part of that process was to elect officers, who are as follows: • Auvergne Williams, President and Affiliate Representative • Latasha Willis, Vice President • Kawanna Jenkins, Secretary • Dr. Tiffany Anderson-Washington, Treasurer The officers also agreed to have pre-scheduled monthly meetings on first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for the remainder of 2020. These meetings will be virtual as well. If you want to be emailed with the videoconference link and call-in number prior to each meeting, join our mailing list at bit.ly/namicmlist.

We are also excited about our upcoming NAMI Peer-to-Peer class starting September 5. Central Mississippi members Jessica James and Latasha Willis will be leading the eight-week course virtually, and the free class is open statewide to individuals with a mental health condition.

Register by August 28 at centralp2pfall20. eventbrite.com. Space is limited.

NAMI Central Mississippi has a bright future, and we are asking our members to reach out to us if you wish to help us increase awareness of our affiliate or volunteer. Our email address is centralms@ namims.org. Be sure to keep up with us on Facebook. Thanks for your support!

Submitted by: Latasha Willis, NAMI Central MS Vice President

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2020-2021 BOARD MEMBERS

We would like to welcome and introduce our new and returning board members.

illness and to increase access to quality mental health services for those in rural, lower socioeconomic, and underprivileged communities in Mississippi. She has a passion to help children and youth in being empowered to live healthy and productive lives.

Mary Harrington, President and Oxford Affiliate Representative Mary Harrington recently retired from the University of Mississippi, where she served as Director of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Strategic Planning. She has been a member of the United Way Board of Directors for the past 10 years, and is active in many other community projects. Mary has taught Family-to-Family classes, served as Walk Captain for the NAMI Oxford Affiliate (the state’s top fundraiser), and is a regular participant in the NAMI Oxford support group.

Mary is the mother of an adult daughter living with mental illness, and has firsthand experience of the stigma, the challenges and the heartbreak of mental illness. NAMI has been a source of support, strength and inspiration to Mary as she deals with her daughter’s illness. As a board member, Mary will remain firmly committed to NAMI’s goals to educate, advocate and support in order to improve lives for those living with mental illness in our state.

Megan Hamm, Vice President and Four Rivers (MS) Representative

Megan Hamm, Ed.S, LPC-S, RPT is the Owner & Therapist at Time For A Change Counseling, LLC; a private practice in Brookhaven, MS. Megan has over 12 years working in the behavioral health field. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Megan has a broad exposure to many facets of mental health and wellness. She shows leadership skills through her volunteer work and in her career. Megan is active in her community through board memberships and service to others. She is an active member with NAMI Four Rivers; being on the steering committee and serving as Affiliate Representative on the MS NAMI’s Board of Directors. She also serves as an adult advisor for Open Up Mississippi. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

She also serves a board member, executive committee member, and coach for Dr. A. L. Lott Youth Sports. Megan enjoys attending trainings and conferences to help her develop, personally and professionally.

Megan’s life’s work and passion is to help erase the stigma associated with mental

Committee descriptions at namims.org/committee-descriptions.

Harriette Mastin, Secretary and At Large Harriette Mastin is a longtime NAMI member and supporter, and she has served on several board committees such as the Executive Committee, Bylaws Committee, and the Chartering Committee. She is a State Teacher Trainer for Family-to-Family, Basics, and Provider Education. She is also qualified to facilitate the Family-to-Family and Basics Support Groups. For her work, she was recognized with the NAMI Mississippi Volunteer Award in 2011.

At the affiliate level, Harriette is a member of the Governing Committee of NAMI Vicksburg and has served for several years on the WarrenYazoo Mental Health Advisory Council. She is also a longtime member of the DMH Planning Council and has additional certifications.

Marcus Ginn, Treasurer and At Large

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Sherry Bouldin, At Large

Sherry Bouldin is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Mental Health Therapist.

She has a successful private practice in psychotherapy where she treats a range of disorders with the application of practical modalities. She has held major roles in promoting the transformation of the state’s mental health system into a recovery and oriented system of care along with the development and sustainment of the Peer Specialist Program. With ten years plus as a mental health professional, she has held positions through the ranks as a Division Director, Program Administrator, Mental Health Therapist, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator, Consultant, Presenter and an Advocate of mental health. Sherry holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling/Human Resources.

Sharon Turner-Davis, Secretary

Sharon Turner-Davis holds both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in sociology and criminology from Mississippi State University. Throughout her professional work both in and out of the classroom, she has developed an astute awareness and understanding of the social, racial, economic, health and educational needs of diverse populations within society. Having been born and reared in one of the most economically stagnated, educationally challenged and racially oppressed areas of this country, the Mississippi Delta, she is aware of the need to provide essential mental

health support services, community organization and planning for diverse populations.

Sharon has served as a full-time or adjunct instructor of sociology for more than 10 years at several institutions of higher learning throughout the state of Mississippi. She is a full-time instructor of sociology at Hinds Community College and an independent research evaluator for various federally-funded projects.

As a research evaluator for more than 20 years, Sharon has conducted evaluation research and analysis on an array of community, educational and social issues including health and wellness, early childhood development, parental engagement and involvement, teenage pregnancy prevention, community engagement in early education and family social problems.

Christiane Williams, At Large

Christiane Williams has been in law enforcement/corrections for 20 years.

She has extensive training in all aspects of law enforcement/corrections. She is certified in law enforcement with an educational background in criminal justice. She is active in the behavioral health community in the area of law enforcement/corrections, a Certified Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Instructor, and also currently serves as a Priority 7 Committee Member of the Mississippi Urban Research Center (MURC). In the last four years, she has been very active in the mental health community assisting persons with a mental illness get the help they need when they become a part of the criminal justice system. In May 2015, she gave a presentation at the statewide NAMI conference entitled, “Mental Health and Probation.” She is involved in various community organizations involving adults and youth, serving as president and a board member. Christiane currently works as an agent with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. She resides in Jackson, Mississippi and has one son.

Thomas Carson, Peer Leadership Council Representative Thomas is a Certified Peer Support Specialist at Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health in Vicksburg, working in housing services.

He has been active in NAMI since 2003 and has served as a trainer, mentor, facilitator and presenter in several of its educational programs, including Peer-to-Peer, In Our Own Voice and NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group.

Auvergne Williams, Central Mississippi Affiliate Representative

Shan Abbott, Coastal MS Affiliate Representative

Diane Sellers, Meridian Affiliate Representative

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Mavis Creagh, Pine Belt Affiliate Representative

Stephanie Stout May, Tupelo Affiliate Representative

Jenny Drake, Vicksburg Affiliate Representative

NAMI Mississippi’s Mission The families and members of NAMI Mississippi are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness.

Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically based medical problems.

Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating. This results in substantially diminished capacity for dealing with the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness can affect persons of any age and occur in any family. They are not caused by bad parenting and not evidence of weakness of character.

MISSION Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.

OUR GOALS Advocate at the county, state and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing , education and employment for people with mental illness.

• Educate the public about mental illness.

• Work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.

• Advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness.

OUR VISION In our envisioned future mental illness will no longer thwart a person’s fulfillment of his or her potential. With early pinpoint diagnoses, interventions and targeted medications and services there is no pervasive disability. Ultimately, we envision a day when prevention or a cure is found.

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The Jackson, Mississippi Flood of 2020 In February 2020, the city of Jackson, Mississippi experienced a historic flood comparable to the flood of 1979. The NAMI Mississippi State Office was in the flood zone and had to take immediate action to protect office equipment, furniture and document. Staff members, board members and volunteers pitched in to move items out of harm’s way. Thankfully, the floodwaters did not enter the building. Thanks to everyone who worked to help to protect the State Office from the natural disaster.

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NAMI MISSISSIPPI’S RESPONSE TO

During this initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI Mississippi needed to act quickly to protect the safety of the staff and members, so the following actions were taken:

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 · 15 • The State Office began operating at a reduced capacity. Fewer staff members were on site at a time to practice social distancing. Often one staff member was in the office at a time. Calls were returned and emails were answered remotely or when a staff member was in the office. Appointments were recommended for on-site visits. Updates were given via the e-newsletter and social media.

• Some support group and affiliate meetings began being held via conference call instead of in person.

• Scheduled trainings were converted to a virtual format, which resulted in many members in Mississippi and beyond being trained as In Our Own Voice Presenters and Connection Recovery Support Group facilitators.

• The State Conference had to be rescheduled and converted to a virtual format with such great success that an additional Minority Mental Health Conference was planned the following month. More on those events starting on page 16.

Social media graphic from April 6 of State Office staff working remotely to practice social distancing.

We strongly urge everyone to follow the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as: • Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; • Avoiding large gatherings of 10 or more people; • Practicing social distancing and staying three to six feet away from others; • Staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel except for tasks such as work, buying food or picking up prescriptions; • Going into self-quarantine if you feel ill and using telemedicine to contact a health professional before being asked to going to a doctor’s office.

• Also view this web page from NAMI with tips on dealing with the pandemic: https://nami. org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMIUpdates-on-the-Coronavirus.

If you need emotional support during this time, please call the NAMI HelpLine Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT at (800) 950-6264 or text NAMI to 741-741.

Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline: 877-978-6453

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2020 STATE CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

This year’s conference was originally scheduled for April at the Jackson Medical Mall’s Thad Cochran Center. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue was no longer available, and the conference was converted to a virtual format and rescheduled for June 8-12. This was a first for our organization, so many obstacles had to be overcome, and the results were worth it.

Attendees enjoyed five days of dynamic speakers and earned continuing education credits from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

Special thanks to the following conference sponsors for their support of our first-ever virtual conference: Premium Sponsors:

Basic Sponsors:

Fashion Mississippi Week, LLC

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We also want to thank all of the dynamic presenters who made our first virtual conference a success:

Mrs. Dion Lucas

Sitaniel J. Wimbley

Dr. Tiffany Anderson-Washington

Kimberly Massey

Justin Mendonca

Dr. Cedrick Von Jackson

Angela Mallette

Christiane Williams

Henry Moore

Dr. Joy Hogge

Abraham Scully

Jacquelyn McDougle

Whether the next conference is in-person, virtual or both, we look forward to you joining us next year!

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Theme: Minorities and Mental Health: Moving Beyond Stigma

2020 OVERVIEW After the success of the virtual 2020 State Conference, we planned an additional conference in recognition of Minority Mental Health Month in July. The program held July 28-29 was also virtual with the option of continuing education credits from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

Special thanks to the following conference sponsors for their support of our first-ever virtual conference: Premium Sponsor:

Basic Sponsors:

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We also want to thank all of the dynamic presenters who made this debut virtual conference a success:

Bridgett Bradley-Brown Mrs. Dion Lucas

Deborah McNeal

Jordan Graves

Dr. Tiffany Anderson-Washington

Megan Hamm

Dr. Joy Hogge

Henry Moore

Dr. Cedrick Von Jackson

Albertstein Johnson-Pickett

Nichole Wray

Yolo Akili Robinson

We’re already looking forward to our second annual conference next July. Stay tuned for details!

20 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI

Mental Health & Wellness

Day at the Capitol MARCH 11, 2020

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The Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Capitol was held in the 1st Floor Rotunda, and East and West Hallways at the Mississippi State Capitol. Hosts included NAMI Mississippi and the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. Event highlights included: • Exhibits from Mississippi mental health organizations.

• Personal stories from two young adults: Laykin Boyette and Alina DeSpain.

• A press conference introducting the new Mental Health Mississippi website.

To see the new Mental Health Mississippi website, visit mentalhealthms.com.

22 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI

EDUCATION

by Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Executive Director

Peer Trainings

Congratulations to the following participants for completing the virtual NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training facilitated by State Trainer Monica Wolters:

April 25, 2020

July 11, 2020

Shan Abbott

Kim Benefield Amanda Clement Mavis Creagh Tameka Garrett G.L. “Chip” Lechner Cynthia Shields Tracy Stopson Auvergne Williams

Jessica James Claire Keil Sakda (Nate) Nomichith Latasha Willis

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program developed by NAMI, in which two trained consumer speakers share compelling personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery. More at namims.org/programs/in-our-own-voice.

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Congratulations to the following participants for completing the first-ever virtual NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator Training led by State Trainers Thomas Carson and Jessica James on May 2-3, 2020:

Shan Abbott Kim Benefield Chad Cashio (NAMI St. Tammany, Louisiana) Mavis Creagh Jody Fortenberry Aimee Harris

Valerie Hartmann Dr. Joe Kinnan Sandy Kinnan Jocelyn Mathis Stephanie Stout May Latasha Willis

NAMI Connection is a weekly recovery support group for people living with mental illness in which people learn from each others’ experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.

More at namims.org/programs/connection-recovery-support.

NAMI Mississippi classes and support groups are listed on the website. Please visit for more information on conference call numbers and contact details.

If you are interested in attending a class or support group, please visit namims.org.

24 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI by Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Executive Director

2020 NAMIWalks Update Anyone interested in participating in the walk should go to NAMIWalks.org and search for the city they would like to join.

The following walks are scheduled to be held at physical locations and are subject to change, so please watch for updates on our website and social media: NAMIWalks Mississippi Location: Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff, Jackson Saturday, October 10 Check-in: 9:00 a.m.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m. namiwalks.org/mississippi

NAMIWalks Pine Belt Location: Hattiesburg Zoo Pavilions Saturday, October 10 Check-in: 9:00 a.m.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m. namiwalks.org/pinebelt

Thanks for your support!

NAMIWalks Mississippi is going to be a little different this year. We’re not canceling it – we wouldn’t think of it when our collective mental health needs are at their greatest. NAMI’s programs and advocacy are needed more than ever, and with your help, we are pleased to present a walk for our times.

What is NAMIWalks Your Way?

NAMIWalks will be a virtual experience and joined by NAMIWalks across the country. NAMIWalks Your Way means what it sounds like: participants get to make NAMIWalks their own. You can walk a 5K—through your neighborhood, around your backyard, on your treadmill. Or you can do something else meaningful and fun to celebrate our virtual walk day.

What participants are doing: • • • • • •

Walking 3,500 steps for a 5K their way Planning a craft day with their kids Holding a virtual bake-off with their team Practicing self-care with a favorite hobby: yoga, gardening, knitting Doing a 5K on the treadmill or stationary bike Hosting a virtual paint and sip party

Take photos and videos and share your activity on a favorite social media with the link to your walk fundraising page and the hashtag #NotAlone and #MentalHealthForAll. Together we can make this a day to remember.

This year’s virtual walks taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2020 during the NAMIWalks National Day of Hope include: NAMIWalks Your Way Coastal MS • namiwalks.org/coastal NAMIWalks Your Way Meridian • namiwalks.org/meridian NAMIWalks Your Way Oxford • namiwalks.org/oxford NAMIWalks Your Way Vicksburg • namiwalks.org/vicksburg

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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sign up as a volunteer to help us with this year’s walk by going to

namims.org/signup2020 walkmanager@namims.org • (601) 899-9058

26 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI

CALENDAR OF EVENTS September National Recovery Month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September 10 World Suicide Prevention Day October 4-10 Mental Illness Awareness Week October 6 National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding October 10 World Mental Health Day

NAMIWalks Your Way: A National Day of Hope (Coastal MS, Meridian, Oxford, Vicksburg)

NAMIWalks Mississippi - Virtual and at Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff, Jackson NAMIWalks Pine Belt - Virtual and at Hattiesburg Zoo Pavilions, Hattiesburg November National Family Caregivers Month December (Date TBA) Holiday Hello

AFFILIATE & SUPPORT GROUP CONTACTS

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please check with each affiliate contact for information on whether meetings have been changed to a virtual format or have been placed on hiatus. Physical locations are listed below in case in-person meetings resume for any location in the near future.

NAMI FOUR RIVERS (MS), REGION 11 Affiliate Meeting Held quarterly.

Contact: fourriversms@namims.org

Forrest General Hospital Cafeteria Meeting Room 6051 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS Contact: Amanda Clement 601-297-7014

Family Support 3rd Thursday of the month Merit Health Natchez, Magnolia Room 54 Sergeant Prentiss Dr., Natchez, MS 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Contact: Emily Fox – 662.801.8700, Arrick Rice – 601.951.0887 agingmatters@gmail.com fourriversms@namims.org

NAMI MERIDIAN, REGION 10 Affiliate Meeting First Tuesdays, Noon – 1 p.m.

Meridian Activity Center, 3300 32nd Ave., Meridian, MS Contact: Patricia Battle at 601-527-3734 or Jill Walsh at 601-917-1474

NAMI CENTRAL MS (JACKSON), REGION 8, 9 Affiliate Meeting First Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Galloway United Methodist Church 305 N. Congress St, Jackson, MS 39201 Contact: Auvergne Williams 601-259-7176 Connection Recovery Support Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m.

Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr., Ste D-10, Jackson, MS Contact: John McFadden - 601-956-1856 NAMI PINE BELT (HATTIESBURG), REGION 12 Affiliate Meeting Last Tuesdays (January-October) at 6 p.m.

Connection Recovery Support Tuesdays, 5 p.m.

Wesley House Community Center, 1520 8th Ave., Meridian, MS Contact: Jill Walsh at 601-917-1474 NAMI OXFORD, REGION 2 Family Support 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m.

North Mississippi Regional Center, Administration Building 967 Regional Center Dr. (off Hwy 7 South), Oxford, MS Contact: Hanne Gaycken - 662-234-9572, 662-801-6530, or gaycken@bellsouth.net Connection Recovery Support Sundays, 3:30-5 p.m.

North Mississippi Regional Center, Administration Building 967 Regional Center Dr.

(off Hwy 7 South), Oxford, MS Contact: Clarice Ivy - 662-816-0469 clariceiam@yahoo.com NAMI VICKSBURG, REGION 15 Affiliate Meeting (Quarterly) Jan./April/July/Oct., 6 p.m. Call for dates.

Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health Conference Room 3444 Wisconsin Avenue, Vicksburg, MS Contact: Harriette Mastin at 601-630-9470 or 601-218-0843 Connection Recovery Support 1st Wednesday of the month, 4:30-6 p.m.

Merit Health River Region West Campus, Conference Room 1111 North Frontage Road, Vicksburg, MS Contact: Thomas Carson at 601-529-4677, or Harriette Mastin at 601-630-9470 or 601-218-0843 Family Support 1st Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Merit Health River Region West Campus, Conference Room 1111 North Frontage Road, Vicksburg, MS Contact: Mary Pope at 601-437-3156, or Harriette Mastin at 601-630-9470 or 601-218-0843 NAMI COASTAL MS (DEVELOPING), REGIONS 13, 14

Affiliate Meeting Second Monday of the Month, 6:30 p.m.

The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Led by Cynthia Shields and Shan Abbott Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org Connection Recovery Support 1st and 3rd Mondays, 6:30 p.m.

The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org Family Support 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Facilitators: Anna Northcutt and Cynthia Shields The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org NAMI TUPELO (DEVELOPING), REGION 3 [Until further notice, please confirm that meetings will be held as scheduled.]

Affiliate Meeting Last Monday of the month, 6 p.m.

Health Connect America 109 Desert Cove, Suite D, Saltillo, MS Contact: Stephanie Stout May at 662-416-5714 tupelo@namims.org

Support group descriptions at namims.org/programs.

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MEMBERSHIP

As a reminder, the NAMI Board of Directors has decided to add a Household membership category to our membership structure as well as increase the dues for Regular and Open Door memberships. All of these changes became effective July 1, 2017.

Household Membership - $60 Regular Membership - $40 Open Door Membership - $5 A Household membership will apply to everyone living in a single household whose names are provided to NAMI. Regular and Open Door memberships will continue to apply only to one individual. For voting purposes, each membership (including Household) will be counted as one (1) membership.

Encourage your friends and family to join at namims.org/join.

MEMBERSHIP CARD DESIGN

As an added membership bonus, every NAMI Mississippi member will receive a personalized membership card. Look for yours in the mail after your dues are received by the State Office.

Carry it proudly!

Front MEMBERSHIP CARD DESIGN MEMBERSHIP CARD DESIGN Front

Front

Back Back

Back

Mississippi

2618 Southerland Street Jackson, MS 39216

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In our efforts to “go green,� our newsletter is being produced in digital format only until further notice. If you have any questions, please send an email to stateoffice@namims.org.