NAMI Mississippi Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter

Mississippi SPRING/SUMMER 2021

2021 Virtual Conference Highlights State Conference

Minority Mental Health Conference

Pages 10-13 Board of Directors, p. 9 Conf. Proposals p. 3

Affiliates p. 6

Tribute Donations p. 15

NAMIWalks 2021 p. 16

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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 Letter 2 2022 Conference Proposals 3 Interns and Volunteers Needed 4 NAMI Pine Belt 6 NAMI Vicksburg 7 NAMI Oxford 8 NAMI Central Mississippi 9 2021-2022 Board of Directors 9 2021 State Conference Overview 10-11 2021 Minority Mental Health Conference Overview 12-13 Education 15 Advocacy 15 NAMIWalks 2021 16 Open Up Mississippi Update 17 Calendar of Events • Support Groups 18 Membership 19 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 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 Patricia Battle, Meridian Affiliate Representative Mavis Creagh, Pine Belt Affiliate Representative Kim Benefield, Tupelo Affiliate Representative Jenny Drake, Vicksburg Affiliate Representative STATE OFFICERS Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Executive Director Joy Amerson, Account Manager Kawanna Jenkins, Education Outreach Volunteer Cyntavia Newton, Public Health Intern Latasha Willis, Peer Community Outreach Specialist OPEN UP MISSISSIPPI Laykin Register, State Level Youth Engagement Coordinator Yasmine Ware, Graphic Designer AFFILIATES Central Mississippi Four Rivers (MS) Pine Belt Vicksburg Meridian Oxford Coastal MS (Developing) 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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une 30 marked the end of the fiscal year for NAMI-MS, providing us with the perfect opportunity to look back at our accomplishments and to look forward to our bright future.

One of the most impressive accomplishments of the past year was the tremendous number of classes and presentations we held all over the state. From July 1, 2020 through June 20, 2021, we offered an impressive 50 classes, compared to only 9 during the prior fiscal year. That’s an astounding 555% increase!

While we are indebted to all our teachers, two instructors deserve special praise. Jenny Drake and Deloris McGee together taught an amazing 17 Family and Friends classes this year, reaching 288 participants. What a dynamic pair of dedicated women!

Not only did we hold a record-setting number of classes, but we also dramatically increased the number of teachers trained, from 11 last year to 49 this year, more than a three-fold increase. With these additional individuals being trained, we are well-poised to spread NAMI’s message of hope throughout our state.

As I look ahead to this year, I’m energized by a number of initiatives.

One of the most exciting ones is the implementation of a 988 nationwide number of suicide prevention and mental health crises, which will be available across the country by July 2022. Calls to the 988 number will be routed to regional crisis call center

Not only did we hold a recordsetting number of classes, but we also dramatically increased the number of teachers trained... hubs designed to connect people to services, which may include dispatching mobile crisis teams. Communities that have mobile crisis teams staffed by mental health professionals and peers saw a drastic reduction in the need for law enforcement involvement in mental health crises. It is my fervent hope that the implementation of 988 will prevent many of the tragedies that currently occur when mental health crises are treated like criminal offenses.

Whether we look backwards or forwards, NAMI’s reassurance that “you are not alone” can bring hope and comfort to each of us.

Mary Harrington, President NAMI Mississippi Board of Directors

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NAMI MS 2022 STATE CONFERENCE Theme: “Taking Action for Mental Health” Conference Dates: May 18-20, 2022

Call for Proposals

Location: Jackson, Mississippi area (Venue TBA)

NAMI Mississippi is seeking workshop session proposals for our 2022 spring conference.

• • •

The submission period ends September 30, 2021.

Workshop applicants will be notified via email if they are accepted.

Session leaders receive free registration to the full NAMI Mississippi State Conference.

If you wish to submit a workshop proposal, please review the following important details: • • • • • • •

In an effort to improve our chances of approval for CEUs, we are seeking presenters with presentations that may lead to CEU offerings for these certifications: NHA, LA, MH, AT, CSS, CPSS, IDD, LMFT, MAAP, BLEOST, SW, EDU, CRC, NBCC. It is important to include the perspective of an individual with mental illness and/or a family member in the proposal.

Only one proposal per submitter will be considered by the committee. (If more than one individual from an organization is interested in submitting a workshop, then each individual must submit their own proposal.)

The person submitting this workshop proposal will be the primary contact of this session and will receive all information regarding this session (workshop acceptance, scheduling, A/V requirements, etc.).

A session may only have a maximum of three presenters and one moderator. A moderator must be identified who will navigate the discussion, keep track of time and moderate questions at the end or during the session.

Please review NAMI’s Mission in advance of preparing your workshop application. This will enable you to explain how your proposed workshop helps to advance the goals of the mission.

Having trouble? Contact us or download a proposal form from the website.

For more information about the conference, please contact stateconference@namims.org.

We encourage you to share this information with others whom you feel would be a strong addition to the program.

The proposal form is available at

namims.org/conference2022

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All walks listed are virtual.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

NAMIWalks Your Way Coastal Mississippi

namiwalks.org/coastalms

Saturday, October 9, 2021 (United Day of Hope)

NAMIWalks Your Way Oxford

namiwalks.org/oxford

NAMIWalks Your Way Pine Belt

namiwalks.org/pinebelt

NAMIWalks Your Way Vicksburg

namiwalks.org/vicksburg

NAMIWalks Your Way Mississippi

namiwalks.org/mississippi

•••••••• Register, donate, or sponsor today! ••••••••

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reetings to all NAMI family and friends! This year has seen us “digging out” from the pandemic trauma. Our affiliate continues to produce meaningful moments through our monthly meetings and our interactions with many members of our community.

We collaborate with law enforcement officials and with the professionals from our community mental health center, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, to increase the awareness of police and sheriff departments on ways to help people experiencing mental health crises. Our most recent Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) class was held in Purvis in July, cosponsored with our Region 12 Community Mental Health Center.

Our membership is steadily growing—in fact, we’ve tripled it to 50 active members. Our Affiliate President, Mavis Creagh, has challenged us to collaborate with other community agencies to strengthen the overall impact of our mission.

There is much to learn in the mental health arena, and our monthly guest speakers provide us with an increased understanding of advances in the field.

For example, Dr. Venkat Baskararajan, the Medical Director of Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, spoke to us regarding his creative therapeutic approach to community mental health. Mr. Michael Marks and Ms. Katelyn Brown described the role of “Mississippi United for Health” and its impact on our state’s collaboration among health agencies. Judge Wes Curry, the City of Hattiesburg’s administrator of the Municipal and Behavior Health Courts, and his able assistant, Ms. Khadijah Muhammad, gave us insight into the functioning of those vital programs. In June, Judge Carol Jones Russell briefed us on her vision for the future of the Forrest County Youth Court. Our July meeting hosted the top CIT

Coordinator in the nation, Linda Foley. She brought us up to date on the exciting grant programs that are assisting vulnerable individuals in our community. Indeed, our guest speakers are doing so much to enrich the mental health programs in our state.

A major event occurred again this year when the City of Hattiesburg renewed its commitment as a major sponsor of NAMI. Our local affiliate presented a certificate of sponsorship to Mayor Toby Barker at a City Council Meeting on February 20th.

The collaborative spirit in our city is very refreshing.

Two of our members, Joe and Sandy Kinnan, are representing NAMI-MS on the Governor’s Challenge Suicide Prevention Committee this year.

Their goal is to significantly reduce or eliminate suicides among military active duty, veterans, and military families.

We are naturally planning for our NAMI-MS Pine Belt Affiliate Walk on October 9th. Our Walk Kick-Off was held on August 10 at the Hattiesburg Train Depot. We welcomed many NAMI supporters (sponsors, walkers, city officials, and other friends of mental health). We hope to use the

donated funds to sponsor mental health first aid courses, CIT training, Behavioral Health Court graduations, and several NAMI signature program events.

We were extremely impressed with the awesome job that our NAMI-MS State Office did with the development and presentation of the State Conference in May and the Minority Mental Health Conference in July. The State Office team is filled with talented, can-do people who inspire all of us to commit ourselves to the NAMI mission and to the people we serve.

Recently, we were quite inspired by the Mississippi PBS program on Mental Health Issues that hosted Mrs. Wendy Bailey, the Executive Director of the MS Department of Mental Health, and our own NAMI State Executive Director, Sitaniel Wimbley, as well as other mental health specialists.

The panelists were exceptional in discussing the mental health challenges and potential solutions in Mississippi.

Until next time, we wish you wonderful mental health “happenings” with many victories. We consider you key companions on our journey.

Submitted by Joe Kinnan, Ph.D.

NAMI Pine Belt Affiliate Steering Committee meets at Depot Venue to plan the NAMIWalk Kick-Off scheduled for August 10. (Depot rendering displayed on wall.) Left to Right: Cathy Ventura, Maureen Martin, Mavis Creagh, Sandy Kinnan.

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reetings from NAMI Vicksburg! Although we are in the throes of a long hot summer, we know that the cooler days of fall are thankfully just around the corner!

Despite the continuation of the pandemic, the heat wave, the lack of in-person classes and group meetings, NAMI Vicksburg has been busy and productive through it all. Thanks to the retraining, the restructuring, yes, even the rethinking about how we do what we do, we have successfully continued to offer much needed mental health support to Vicksburg and indeed all over the United States.

Teachers and trainers have stepped up and made this possible. Special thanks go out to our “Rock Stars,” Jenny Drake and Deloris McGee, who made use of the Virtual Family and Friends presentations to present to several different audiences. The presentations included our 2021 NAMI State Conference and the Minority Mental Health Month activities sponsored by the NAMI Meridian Affiliate. One highlight resulting from their various virtual presentations was their appearance on the website Facebook Live Streaming Broadcast. Miss Vicksburg 2019, Alexis Murrell, hosted her Virtual Mental Health Fair for Vicksburg and surrounding communities in May. Jenny and Delores along with other community support organizations were able to bring valuable information and awareness concerning what is

Deloris McGee and Jenny Drake are state trainers and instructors with the NAMI Vicksburg Affiliate’s Family and Friends presentation. They are truly Rock Stars!

available in our city and state especially for the youth of our community.

Due to the logistics of the pandemic, our in-person birthday celebrations with the residents of Wisconsin Cove were paused. However, as of May 19th, they are back on schedule! The diligent efforts of affiliate member Mary Pope has made this possible. Hopefully this is an indication of normal times ahead for everyone.

Two of our NAMI Vicksburg members were elected to the NAMI Mississippi Board of Officers for 2021. They are Secretary Harriette Mastin and Director Appointee Thomas Carson.

Jenny Drake will continue her term as Vicksburg’s affiliate representative on the Board. Thanks to all of you for your willingness to serve!

It’s walk time! Our final and most important fund raiser for this year is the 2021 Virtual NAMIWalks Your

Way. NAMIWalks Your Way Vicksburg, under the leadership of Thomas Carson, will be an all-virtual walk. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m. with the theme “A United Day of Hope.”

Our affiliate and other affiliates all over the country continue to seek sponsors and donations in order to reach our set fund raising goals. We encourage everyone to go to our website, sign up, donate and join NAMI Mississippi in this virtual quest!

For more information, email vicksburg@namims.org or text 601218-0843.

For walk info, go to namiwalks.org/ vicksburg.

Respectfully submitted by Jenny Wilson Drake NAMI Vicksburg Affiliate Vice President

Thanks to the retraining, the restructuring, yes, even the rethinking about how we do what we do, we have successfully continued to offer much needed mental health support to Vicksburg and indeed all over the United States.

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n April, we sponsored a virtual NAMI Family & Friends, a 90-minute seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them.

The 10 participants were able to interact, ask questions, and make comments in real time. Input and feedback were very favorable.

NAMI Builds Better Coping Skills This is one of our fundamental principles. Throughout the pandemic, the NAMI Oxford Affiliate has maintained its two local outreach programs: the NAMI Family-to-Family support group and the NAMI Connection support group. We have used phone conferencing provided by the State Office. What follows are heartfelt statements by some of our members about the personal impact of NAMI. Connecting in a Contactless World One of the beauties of belonging to a Connection group is that every week you are given the opportunity to revisit the many obstacles and worries the previous week may have thrown your way.

Sharing your troubles with others who may be facing some of the same issues can be truly liberating. The positive presence the group as a whole has on the individual imparts a healing influence.

But what happens when something disrupts the carefully-nurtured bond the group has established over time? What if the group were suddenly dissolved?

Could the closeness and rapport among its members translate to another form of gathering?

This kind of abrupt upheaval occurred as a result of the emergence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What each week was a source of enthusiasm and anticipation was no more. We turned to our electronic devices to somehow maintain the little communities as before, but now at a distance. We tried our best to adapt to changed circumstances, but now at a cost. Somewhere within the phone

lines and on computer screens the whole person went missing. Eye contact, body language, a person’s physical being, all were poorly represented. Laughter that was once frequent and contagious had its power substantially lessened. We just couldn’t be our entire selves, separated as we were.

Nearly two years into the pandemic, we still feel the dreary weight of this separation. So, when will the new normal finally relent and go back to normal?

When can we finally free ourselves from all the constraints and again be our true selves? As for now, we carry around the burden of wait, and hope a better world awaits us.

— Karsten, Co-Facilitator of the Connection Group My Take: Avenues of Comfort As I reflect back on the beginning of the pandemic and its effects on Oxford, I never dreamed I would be experiencing a stay-at-home life for many weeks that eventually moved into several months. I began to wonder if life would be normal again and had to develop avenues of comfort to sustain a positive attitude. My involvement in volunteering had ceased and I missed the community interaction with many people I appreciated seeing and spending time with each week.

Fortunately, our NAMI Oxford Affiliate Support Group maintained connection on a twice a month basis via phone conference. I needed that support for my own good and I hope others in the group felt the same. I suppose I knew we were

all in the COVID thing together; thus, I didn’t feel alone and isolated. I missed the personal gathering we had in the past, but the phone conversation and support made me have the confidence that we were all surviving the crisis with our family members and friends going through the same process. It was good just to be together. I have been involved in NAMI since 2011 after a period of anxiety and depression after my husband’s death. I found a group who gave me support, not only in our meetings each month but also other times when I needed just to talk about my feelings. Thank you, NAMI, that I found you.

— Carol Open Arms to Lean On and to Learn From I lived with a wife who suffered with depression all her life and I didn’t understand how depression affected a person nor how to ease the effects of it. It wasn’t until her death that I learned of NAMI. I wish I had known of NAMI before.

NAMI provided me with open arms to lean on and to learn from. Through the members of NAMI, I have learned the effects of mental illness on family members. I also received support that I needed to help me learn to deal with the grief of losing my wife of more than 50 years. I have one regret and that is: I was unaware of NAMI until after my wife’s death.

— Hal Submitted by Michael Danahy NAMI Oxford Affiliate President

We have elected the following officers for the year: (l.-r.) Vice President: Hal Ferguson; Secretary: Hanne Gaycken; President Michael Danahy; Treasurer: Carol Van Besien; (not pictured) Peer Representative: Clarice Ivy; Affiliate Representative to Board: Mary Harrington.

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t is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of NAMI Central Mississippi member Margaret Williams, who passed away on August 8, 2021. Margaret was the beloved wife of Affiliate President Auvergne Williams and a longtime supporter of NAMI Mississippi. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Williams family, and all who loved and knew her. In Margaret’s memory, the Williams family requests that donations be made in her memory to Galloway United Methodist Church and NAMI Mississippi.

2021-2022

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Harrington

Megan Hamm

President & Oxford Affiliate Representative

Patricia Battle

Director Appointee #1 & Meridian Affiliate Representative

Shan Abbott

Vice President & Four Rivers (MS) Affiliate Representative

Thomas Carson

Director Appointee #2 & Peer Leadership Council Representative

Coastal MS Affiliate Representative

Harriette Mastin

Sharon Turner-Davis

Mavis Creagh

Pine Belt Affiliate Representative

At Large

Marcus Ginn

Secretary & At Large

Treasurer and At Large

Christiane Williams At Large

Kim Benefield

Tupelo Affiliate Representative

Auvergne Williams Central Mississippi Affiliate Representative

Jenny Drake

Vicksburg Affiliate Representative

Bios at namims.org/about-nami-ms/board-members.

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2021 marked the second year that our annual conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this was also the first year in which the final day of the conference was a time for magic, music, and making memories with fun activities.

We wish to thank everyone who attended, presented, or supported us through sponsorships. This conference was one of our best yet, and we know it was because of you.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO: Platinum Sponsors: Brentwood • Gulfport Behavioral Health System • NAMI Oxford Affiliate • NAMI Pine

Belt Affiliate • Communicare Gold Sponsors: NAMI Four Rivers (MS) Affiliate • Genoa Healthcare • Open Up Mississippi • Otsuka • NAMI Meridian Affiliate Silver Sponsors: Hinds Behavioral Health Services • NAMI Vicksburg Affiliate Bronze Sponsors: BankPlus • Be Undefeated Therapeutic Solutions, LLC • Time For A Change Counseling, LLC • NAMI

Coastal MS Affiliate • NAMI Central Mississippi Affiliate

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Our second annual short-and-sweet virtual conference packed a lot of punch!

With topics ranging from COVID-19’s impact on those with mental health conditions who are incarcerated, to impostor syndrome, to the influence of music on mental health, the attendees walked away with a lot of rich information. We’re thankful for the rich content that the presenters provides, the attendees who engaged with them, and the sponsors who supported us. Thanks to everyone for another great conference.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO: Silver Sponsors: NAMI Pine Belt Affiliate • Perspectives Psychological Resources Bronze Sponsors: Hinds Behavioral Health Services • NAMI Meridian

Affiliate • NAMI Vicksburg Affiliate

2021 Conference Committee

Staff Joy Amerson Kawanna Jenkins Latasha Willis Sitaniel Wimbley

Board Members Mavis Creagh (Chair) Sherry Bouldin Mary Harrington Megan Hamm Sandy Kinnan

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EDUCATION REPORT

These students successfully completed the eightcourse program and have the tools needed to help maintain good mental health:

SPRING 2021 CLASS Leader: Latasha Willis

Annita Bonner Jocelyn Mathis Amanda Mims Deirdre Thurmond Earnestine Varnado Congratulations!

If you are interested in taking any of NAMI Mississippi’s classes or inviting us to give a presentation, send an email to education@namims.org.

By July 2022, people in mental health crisis will be able to access help by dialing 988. But what help will be available when they make that call? Our state needs to act quickly to make crisis services available. Read NAMI’s statement on what is needed: bit.ly/2TlHDLO Note: 988 will not be available nationwide until July 2022. If you are experiencing a crisis now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “NAMI” to 741741.

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Tribute Donations Page

We now have a dedicated web page to list donors who recently gave in memory or in honor of someone special, and we will continue to update the page over time.

View donors at namims.org/tributes.

The following resources are available for individuals experiencing difficulty due to COVID-19 or Hurricane Ida: The DMH Helpline is available at 1-877-210-8513 and can provide information about services near you.

The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is at 1-800-9855990 and provides counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 1-800-273-8255 and provides free and confidential support for people in distress.

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peersupport service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine is not a hot line, crisis line or suicide prevention line.

In a crisis? Text NAMI to 741741.

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NAMIWalks Your Day Ways to Participate in NAMIWalks Your Way

ENGAGE INDIVIDUALLY:

■ Do a short video message on what Mental Health for All means to you and post it on social media.

■ Let everyone know why you’re fundraising and how NAMIWalks impacts you.

■ Use NAMIWalks Signs of Hope to show why you support Mental Health for All. ■ Entice your donors with a challenge. Say something like “If I raise $500 today, I will perform a song of your choice on Facebook Live.”

Make it fun and silly – remember, humor is healthy!

■ Share a quick video or post a picture of how you take care of your mental health.

■ Honor who you are walking for – yourself, your family member, a friend – by posting a picture online. We all have a personal connection to mental illness.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

■ Be sure to use the hashtag #NotAlone and your local hashtag (check your local NAMIWalks’ webpage) when posting on social media, so we can share your engagement with others.

■ ALWAYS link back to your fundraising page or team page when communicating about the event so people know exactly how to support your NAMIWalks Your Way efforts.

Can we count on your support this fall?

To participate, register by going to namiwalks.org, selecting Find a Walk and choosing MS in the dropdown box. namiwalks.org A list of Mississippi walks can also be found on page 5.

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Laykin Register

Yasmine Ware

State Level Youth Engagement Coordinator

Graphic Designer

Participated in Biloxi’s Pride Day on June 26.

First-ever Learn & Grow presentation on openupms.org.

Was at NFusion Metro’s Back to School Giveaway on August 20.

Meet the new Public Health Intern, Cyntavia Newton!

Learn more about Open Up Mississippi at openupms.org.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS September September 25 October 3-9 October 9 December February March May

May 2-8 May 6 May 18-20

National Suicide Awareness Month NAMIWalks Your Way Coastal Mississippi (Virtual) Mental Illness Awareness Week NAMIWalks’ United Day of Hope (Virtual) - four Mississippi walks at namiwalks.org Holiday Hello (Date TBA) CIT Awareness Month Mental Health & Wellness Day at the Capitol (Date TBA) Mental Health Awareness Month Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day NAMI Mississippi’s 2022 State Conference

AFFILIATE & SUPPORT GROUP CONTACTS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please check with each affiliate contact for information on whether meetings are being held in a virtual or hybrid 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 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 CENTRAL MS (JACKSON), REGIONS 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.

Forrest General Hospital Cafeteria Meeting Room 6051 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS Contact: Joe Kinnan - 601-550-8219 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 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, REGIONS 2, 3 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 - 662-2349572, 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 at 662-816-0469 or clariceiam@yahoo.com or Karsten Gaycken at kgaycken@yahoo. com or 662-801-2439 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 Family Support 1st Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Warren Yazoo Behavioral Health Conference Room, 3444 Wisconsin Ave., Vicksburg, MS Contact: Harriette Mastin at 601-218-0843 (call/text) or email vicksburg@namims.org

NAMI COASTAL MS (DEVELOPING), REGIONS 13, 14 Affiliate Meeting Second Thursday of the Month (April October), 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org Connection Recovery Support 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org Family Support 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS Contact: The State Office at (601) 899-9058 coastalms@namims.org NAMI TUPELO (DEVELOPING), REGION 3 Affiliate Meetings Dates TBA Southern Recovery Advocacy 1020 N. Gloster St., Tupelo MS For more information, contact Stephanie Stout at 662-416-5714

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

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

COMING SOON: AD SPACES FOR SALE Look for details in the Winter 2021-2022 newsletter.

In our efforts to “go green,” our newsletter can be sent to you in digital format only by request. If interested, please send an email to stateoffice@namims.org.