NAMI Mississippi Newsletter Winter 2018-19

Mississippi WINTER 2018/2019

Walks Gulf Coast • NAMIWalks Pine Belt • NAMIWalks Meridian • NAMIWalk NAMIWalks Mississippi • NAMIWalks Gulf Coast • NAMIWalks Pine Belt • Pine Belt • NAMIWalks Meridian • NAMIWalks Mississippi • NAMIWalks Gul

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lt • NAMIWalks Meridian • NAMIWalks Mississippi • NAMIWalks Gulf Coast NAMIWalks Pine Belt • NAMIWalks Meridian • NAMIWalks Mississippi • alks Gulf Coast • NAMIWalks Pine Belt • NAMIWalks Meridian • NAMIWalks Affiliates p. 4

Cupcakes & Cocktails p. 8

NAMIWalks p. 10

Board of Directors p. 19

Letter from the Executive Director

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the President of the Board 2 2019 State Conference & Gala 3, 14, 15 NAMI Pine Belt 4 NAMI Vicksburg 5 NAMI Oxford 6 NAMI Meridian • NAMI Four Rivers (MS) 7 Cupcakes & Cocktails 8-9 NAMIWalks

10-11 StigmaFree 12 Education 13 Friends of NAMI MS Board 15 Volunteer Highlight 15 Advocacy 16 Membership 16 System of Care 17 Calendar of Events 18 Support Group Contacts 18 Board of Directors 19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brett Mayfield, President Mary Harrington, Vice President Sharon Turner-Davis, Secretary Marcus Ginn, Treasurer Sherry Bouldin, At Large Jesse Coppenbarger, At Large Hanne Gaycken, At Large Clinton Smith, At Large Harold White, At Large Nancy White, At Large Auvergne Williams, At Large Christiane Williams, At Large Thomas Carson, Peer Leadership Council Representative Patricia Battle, Meridian Affiliate Representative Kimberly Brownlee, Pine Belt Affiliate Representative Richard Raymond, Central Mississippi Affiliate Representative Randall Williams, Vicksburg Affiliate Representative STATE OFFICERS Tameka Tobias, Executive Director Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Program Director Kinshasa Watson, Development Director Rita Hodges, Account Manager Tamara Jones-Smith, Conference Coordinator Kawanna Jenkins, Education Outreach Volunteer Latasha A. Willis, Community Outreach Specialist Amanda Prevost, Community Outreach Specialist AFFILIATES Central Mississippi Four Rivers (MS) Gulf Coast [Program Affiliate] Pine Belt Vicksburg Meridian Oxford Yazoo [Program Affiliate] NAMI ON CAMPUS Jackson State University USM Gulf Park Millsaps College [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.

2 NAMI Mississippi

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appy New Year! I would like to take this time to personally “Thank You” for your dedication to NAMI Mississippi. As we move into the new year, please know we will work diligently to continue the mission.

In doing so, we will work collectively alongside NAMI Vicksburg/Yazoo City, NAMI Pine Belt, NAMI Oxford, NAMI Central MS, NAMI Four Rivers, and NAMI Meridian to support and strengthen their great efforts by way of training and visioning sessions.

In addition to working alongside our active affiliates, we will revitalize the MS Gulf Coast and provide services in the Yazoo City, MS Delta, and Desoto County areas.

Revitalization efforts will include awareness events in the form of town hall meetings, face-to-face meetings, membership recruitment, social media marketing efforts, and listening sessions.

To strengthen our NAMI MS Signature Programs by way of statewide training, we are in the preliminary stages of confirming trainer availability, identifying and securing venues, participant recruitment, and marketing efforts. If you know or someone that you know is interested in becoming a Mental Health Ambassador, please contact the state office.

In addition to hosting NAMI Signature Programs Trainings, we will also offer Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes in the following areas: Meridian, Oxford, Jackson, Natchez, Hattiesburg, and Vicksburg.

As many of you already know, we are working with MS Department of Mental Health and MS System of Care (SOC) Sites to develop the MS Peer Support Youth Council, MS Youth Peer Support Curriculum and provide an annual Youth Leadership Training Academy. In addition to

providing state-level assistance and youth training, we will offer local training and support to SOC families, staff and communities.

Training provided to SOC youth, families, staff and communities will include: Say It Out Loud Presentations, Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes, Basics Classes, Family-to-Family Classes, etc. In addition to working with System of Care Sites, we are currently working to restructure and revitalize our NAMI MS Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The purpose of the NAMI MS Youth Advisory Council is to promote awareness, recruit future facilitators, presenters, and leaders.

Also, we are pleased to announce the newly formed "Friends of NAMI MS" workgroup. This group will be responsible for fundraising planning efforts, advocacy efforts, and awareness initiatives. The work of “Friends of NAMI MS” will include but will not be limited to the NAMI MS Gala, Cupcakes & Cocktails and NAMI Walks.

Fees from Friends of NAMI MS fundraising efforts will be used for emergency assistance to help members and support for the operations of NAMI MS not covered with grant funds.

Lastly, as many of you know, “NAMI MS Turns 30” this year! This is a great milestone and we are honored to share the years of progression! To do so, our theme for all of our events will be NAMI Mississippi Turns 30: The Journey Continues.

Please mark your calendar to attend some of these great events we have planned!

Sincerely, Tameka Tobias NAMI Mississippi Executive Director

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NAMI Mississippi invites you to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor, and/or advertiser during our annual state conference. Persons living with mental illness, their families, various provider organizations, and public and private agencies, attend our annual meeting for continuing education and networking opportunities. Attendees look forward to networking with exhibitors to learn about services and products. Reserve with your payment by April 15.

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• Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor • Recognition during each plenary • Full page ad in conference program • Social Media Mentions with Promotions • 1 Exhibit table • 2 Complimentary conference registrations • 4 Tickets to NAMI Turns 30 Gala • Friends of NAMI membership

Sponsorship Opportunities

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$5000 - PLATINUM STAR SPONSOR

$2500 - GOLD STAR SPONSOR

• Recognition as a Gold Sponsor • Plenary sponsor signage • Full page ad in conference program • Social Media Mentions with Promotions • 1 Exhibit table • 1 Complimentary conference registration • 2 Tickets to NAMI Turns 30 Gala • Friends of NAMI membership

$1000 - SILVER STAR SPONSOR

Thursday, May 16 – Friday, May 17, 2019 Dr. Billy Kim International Center Belhaven University 1500 Peachtree Street Jackson, Mississippi This year, we are also hosting a 30th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Purchase your gala ticket with registration and save $20 (reg. $75). Event details pending. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

$125 Thursday, May 16th $125 Friday, May 17th $225 Both Days $55 Gala Ticket (this discounted price only if purchased with conference registration)

• Full page ad in conference program • Listed as a supporting organization • Signage • Social Media Mentions • 1 Exhibit table • 1 Complimentary conference registration • 1 Ticket to NAMI Turns 30 Gala

$500 SPONSOR

Listed as a supporting organization.

$250 CONTRIBUTOR

Listed as a contributor in program.

EXHIBIT TABLE ONLY

$350 – FOR PROFIT / $200 – NON-PROFIT

PROGRAM AD ONLY

$550 FULL PAGE / $350 HALF PAGE / $225 QUARTER PAGE

If you have questions, please call our office at 601.899.9058.

Register by April 30, 2019, to avoid a $25 Late Fee.

Register at namims.org.

See pages 14-15 for more Conference and 30th Anniversary Gala information.

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reetings to all NAMI members and friends! As we close out a great year fostering mental health initiatives, we are grateful for the partners who have joined our efforts throughout the Pine Belt. Our affiliate continued to meet each month, learning from some outstanding guest speakers.

Our August meeting was used as the Kick Off for our NAMI-MS Pine Belt Affiliate Walk, slated for October 27th. The Kick Off was a huge success. Mr. James Moore, a statewide advocate for appropriate use of opioids, was our guest speaker. He was followed by Sitaniel Wimbley from our NAMI State Office who schooled us in the best ways to develop Walk Teams. Our Walk Captain, Lauren Parker, challenged us to maximize our efforts to make the $10,000 goal we had established. Delicious refreshments were provided by the Subway Shop at Forrest General Hospital. Several Walk team captains and sponsors joined us at the event.

We were happy to welcome Tameka Tobias, our NAMI MS Executive Director, to our September meeting. She complimented the Walk Planning Team for their early success at fundraising and asked us to host the NAMI State Training for 2019 in Hattiesburg. We voted to accept her offer for us to be hosts for such a significant occasion.

Ms. Tobias gave us an excellent summary of each NAMI Signature Program. She pointed to the NAMI Mission Statement and its emphasis on mutual support. After some interesting discussion, we introduced Ci

Ci Ard to our group. She is a senior at Columbia High School who is producing an impressive video on “Stigma”.

Our October meeting was replaced by our superb NAMI Walk at Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. We resume our regular monthly meetings in January 2019. Please join us on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Forrest General Hospital Cafeteria Elm Room to share ideas and learn more about the issues in mental health.

As we’ve mentioned before, the City of Hattiesburg has become a great partner as our NAMI-MS Sponsor. Mayor Toby Barker and State Representative, Missy McGee, spoke at our NAMI Pine Belt Walk on Oct. 27th. We had more than 150 participants and earned close to $12,000, exceeding our goal by 17 percent. We honored first responders with recognition and gifts and had a stellar music group to help us celebrate the occasion. The Walk Team arrived very early and stayed late to help close out the event.

On December 1, we held a follow-up meeting to assess the Walk process. That should serve us well next year. We hope to use some of our funds in the new year to support the local mental health outreach programs, the Crisis Intervention teams, and the Behavioral Health Court. Several of our affiliate members serve on advisory boards for these vital programs.

We wish many blessings for each of you who continue

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

Kim Brownlee and Sandy Kinnan prepare holiday gift bags for clients of the Behavioral Health Court and the Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources. Over 90 bags were presented.

the quest for parity for mental health, who fight the “stigma battle”, and who support vulnerable people throughout our state. A special thank you to the NAMI State Office team who does so much every day for all of us. We also are grateful for the superb leadership from the NAMI -MS Board.

Their diligent service and creative approach to mental health in the state have refreshed the entire process. Most of all, we admire the commitment to victory that so many people in our state possess as they fight to succeed in their daily battle with mental illness. We salute you!

- Submitted by Joe Kinnan, Ph.D.

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

Above: NAMI-MS Pine Belt planning team set to launch the kick-off.

Left: Hattiesburg Fire & Rescue and medical personnel supporting the community at NAMIWalks Pine Betl Below: A walk team prepares for action on the day of the walk.

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

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COURTESY NAMI VICKSBURG

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reetings from NAMI Vicksburg!

Another year has come and almost gone, and NAMI Vicksburg has been busy carrying out the NAMI mission of education, support, advocacy, and awareness. From the time of our April Town Hall on Mental Health, our affiliate has been focused on bringing CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training to Vicksburg.

To that end, we have met with representatives of the MS Department of Mental Health as well as individuals from law enforcement, the local community mental health center, the local hospital, and other stakeholders to learn what is necessary to establish a CIT program here. The most recent meeting on November 27th involved the decision makers from local agencies who would actually plan the steps necessary to developing CIT. In the course of this process, we have met many supportive community leaders who have been encouraging in their response to what NAMI Vicksburg is trying to do.

Our Education Program has continued with the offering of two Family-to-Family classes, one beginning March 5th and another, September 10, 2018. In addition, a Mental Health First Aid course was offered

by Randall Williams at Bowmar Church beginning in February.

Teachers for a new four-hour seminar/ course entitled Family and Friends were approved by NAMI to be trained online beginning in October 2018. The Affiliate will be eligible to receive a small $500 grant upon the completion of the teacher training, the setting up and presenting of at least two seminars, and the submission of the course data online. Five teachers [Jenny Drake, Sarah Johnson, Mary Pope, Deloris McGee, and Harriette Mastin] have completed the training with one person still in the process.

The Affiliate is excited over the prospect of being able to provide a shorter education course for families based on the Family-toFamily program. The new course can be presented also as a 90-minute presentation although NAMI Vicksburg will plan to present it as a four-hour course on one day or divide it into two hours per day on two

NAMI Vicksburg walking unit participating in the Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights.

subsequent days.

Thomas Carson has been recertified online as a Peerto-Peer mentor. He also attended the NAMI National Train the Trainer in VA for Connection Recovery and recently trained his first group of Connection Recovery facilitators in Ocean Springs.

Thomas continues to co-facilitate the Vicksburg Connection group along with Thomas Spates on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of Merit River Region West Campus.

Randall Williams has also recently been trained as a teacher for Youth Mental Health First Aid in addition to his certification as an Adult MHFA teacher. There are several other affiliate members who are interested in being trained as teachers for BASICS and as mentors for Peer-to-Peer.

Family Support Group continues the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference room of Merit River Region West Campus. The Affiliate is very happy to report that Warren Yazoo Behavioral Health has completed the renovation of its conference room and has invited NAMI Vicksburg to hold its quarterly 4th Tuesday Affiliate meetings there at 6 p.m. in January, April, July, and October.

Other activities the Affiliate has enjoyed are the NAMI MS State Conference “Thrive” May 17-18 and Annual Statewide Membership Meeting on May 19, at which Randall Williams received the “Outstanding Member” Award for NAMI Vicksburg; the NAMIWalks & Wellness Festival November 10th at the MS State Capitol; quarterly Affiliate meeting October 23rd with guest speaker Judge Toni Terrett, who spoke on the value of CIT and Mental Health Courts; the Vicksburg Christmas Parade of Lights with our Walking Unit carrying the large NAMI Vicksburg banner and other members carrying smaller hand signs with words such as love, educate, advocate, listen, be kind, show empathy, etc. Of course, the

highlight of the holiday season is always our festive Christmas Party which we give to honor our friends living in the group home at Warren Yazoo and in the apartments at Wisconsin Cove. On Dec. 6th at 6 p.m. in the conference room of Warren Yazoo Behavioral Health, we had our annual gathering complete with wonderful food, fun, fellowship, gifts, Christmas songs, and Santa along with his Chief Elf. We also were graced by the presence of our ED Tameka, who made the long evening drive over to be with us after a morning roundtrip all the way up to Southaven and back. We so appreciate her, her staff, and volunteers and their dedication to NAMI. They do such a good job for all of us.

We cannot close this article without remembering our longtime NAMI friend, board member, teacher, state trainer, and former staff member Ricky Quinn, who left us much too soon in November. He was many things to many people, but I will remember him especially as a caring advocate for those who did not have a voice.

He will certainly be missed.

As we close out this year, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Peaceful New Year filled with many opportunities!

- Submitted by Harriett Mastin

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 / 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location TBA - Watch for more details.

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Hanne Gaycken, Amanda Williams, and Carol Van Besien volunteer on campus at an Ole Miss Health Fair.

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he Oxford NAMI Affiliate has been very active during the past fall/winter. Highlights from our activities are summarized below: • Our affiliate members were invited to tour Right Track, a new outpatient mental health clinic that opened in Oxford in August. We met the staff, learned about the services they provide, and toured the facility. We were impressed that Right Track provides same-day or next-day access to licensed care providers, which fills a great need for our community. Right Track opened an additional office in Tupelo in November.

• For three weeks during September, Suicide Prevention Month, our affiliate set up a table at our local Kroger grocery store, to distribute NAMI materials, particularly those dealing with suicide. The floral department at Kroger provided us with flowers that we gave to customers as they exited the store, which gave us an opportunity to provide them with information about our support groups. Although this was not specifically a fundraiser, sever-

al people gave donations which we donated to the NAMI Walk. We were very pleased with the visibility this provided for NAMI, and hope to continue this type of outreach activity.

• Amanda Williams and Hanne Gaycken were speakers for the NAMI MS “Learn and Grow” program that addresses areas and communities without affiliates. Tameka was present at both “Learn and Grow” programs and she distributed NAMI materials.

— On October 10, Hanne spoke to a group of 15 people at the Clarksdale public library. She told her personal story and shared info on the Oxford Affiliate.

— On November 14, Amanda did a presentation in Yazoo City to about 20 attendees on suicide prevention.

— On October 19, Hanne was invited as the speaker at the Oxford Ability Works during their staff development. She told the counselors about our affiliate, our NAMI activities, classes, support groups, and her personal connection to NAMI. • The Oxford Affiliate was awarded the grant for training for the Family and Friends class from National. Amanda, Hanne, and Mary Harrington are going to participate.

Left: Mary Harrington and Amanda Williams man a NAMI Oxford table at a local Kroger store.

Right: Flyers produced by NAMI Oxford to highlight area support groups.

COURTESY NAMI OXFORD

Saturday, April 6, 2019 / 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location TBA - Watch for more details.

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COURTESY NAMI OXFORD

• Mary designed a very eye-catching flyer advertising our support groups that we had printed and are going to distribute in offices, churches, and various other places around town.

• We participated in the Ole Miss Health Fair on September 29 on campus. Many students came to our table, and we gave out quite a few flyers – and candy.

• Mary is serving on the planning committee for the NAMI Mississippi Annual State Conference this spring. She is also serving on the NAMI Mississippi Legislative Committee.

• Although we did not organize a local walk this year, the Oxford Affiliate raised over $700 for the state walk.

• Our two support groups continue to thrive, with a core group of members plus new people attending.

- Submitted by NAMI Oxford affiliate members

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eason’s Greetings! NAMI Meridian Affiliate has still been hard at work ...

For National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the Meridian Affiliate hosted our signature event unique to Meridian on July 19 – Voices of Hope.

Our speaker for the evening was Mrs. Ruth Sanders, MSN, RN, Community Educator for New Beginnings Adult Day Care Services. She spoke on Caregiving: Navigating the Journey.

Our affiliate supported and attended the Mississippi Alliance To End Suicide (MAtES) event on September 15 in Meridian in conjunction with National Suicide Awareness and Prevention month.

And we attended the 2018 Trauma Conference in Jackson.

On October 9, the affiliate held its annual Candlelight Vigil for National Mental Illness Awareness Week. Later in the month we also presented another signature program: Mind Matters. This year for Mind Matters we hosted a mini health fair and town hall meeting. Speakers were Spencer Blalock,

DHA, LCSW, BCD and Clinical Specialist, Senior Care at Rush Health Systems; Ray Gullette, RN, BSN, MHS, Community Education Coordinator at Anderson Regional Medical Center – South; and Lisa Bozeman, Bureau Director, Mississippi Medicaid Department of Health. Special thanks to East Mississippi Electrical Power Association for continued use of their auditorium.

Then our first-ever NAMI Meridian Walk, which was on a cold and rainy November 4, produced success! We had a good turnout despite the weather, and nearly reached our monetary goal of $7,000 with wonderful sponsors and walkers. In addition, we were able to secure great in-kind donors.

Silver Sponsor Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals Bronze Sponsor NFusionX Crossover Weems Community Mental Health Center In-Kind Donors Budget Printing, Brown Bottling Group, Cater’s Market, Coca-Cola Bottling Com-

pany, Fox 30, Logan’s Roadhouse, Mitchell Distributing, Newk’s Eatery, WGBC 30, WMDN 24, Twin States News At present, we are gathering items for our annual service project – Christmas gift bags for less fortunate people, especially consumers. This year we are creating 170 bags colored by elementary students from Clarkdale Attendance Center and Southeast School. Christmas cards were colored by West Lauderdale Elementary students and by youth in Alliance Health Center. Some gift items were donated by Weems Community Mental Health Center and other affiliate members. We will assemble and deliver the bags on December 18, following which our Connection Support Group members will meet for a Christmas supper at Olive Garden.

We are also busy planning our next Crisis Intervention Team Appreciation Event, which will be held February 8, 2019.

The Meridian Affiliate wishes everyone a blessed and safe Christmas and New Year!

- Submitted by Jill R. Walsh, NAMI Meridian Affiliate president

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nder the leadership of the Officers listed below, NAMI Four River has successfully completed the NAMI Re-Affiliation process and partnered with Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex, Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center (SMRMC), Freedom Behavioral of Magnolia, Merit Health Central, Pike County Sheriff Office, City of McComb Police Department, City of Magnolia Police Department, Town of Summit Police Department, Town of Osyka Police Department, Faces and Voices of Recovery Mississippi (FAVOR), and AAA Ambulance Services (AAA) to develop the Pike County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

• Emily Fox, President • Harold White, Vice-President • Nancy White, Secretary • Ann McCraven, Treasurer • Curtis Oliver, Outreach / Public Relations NAMI Mississippi 7

PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

Above: Kaitlyn Watson, Amy McNeill, Kimmie Sweett, Maria de la Barre, Katelyn Brown, Tameka Tobias.

Below: NAMI Executive Director Tameka Tobias and Leanna Range-Norwood

PHOTO BY RODNEY MCGEE

The NAMI Mississippi hosted its annual Cupcakes and Cocktails December 16, 2108, at Fondren Corner in Jackson. Guests tasted and judged cupcakes by five local bakers and endulged in delectable bites by La Brioche Patisserie while enjoying live music by Tiger Rogers and cocktails sponsored by Cathead Distillery.

Judges for the event were Maria de la Barre of The Cake Diva, NAMI Mississippi Youth Advisory Council ambassador Kaitlyn Watson, Alec Redpath of La Brioche and Miss Brandon 2018 Katelyn Brown. Local cupcake bakers were Amy McNeill, Christina Frazier, Da’Shenika Jenkins, Kimmie Sweett and Tina Collins. Kimmie Sweett of Kimmiesweett was named “Cupcakes & Cocktails Champion” and Amy McNeill of The Turquoise Chandelier was given “Cupcakes & Cocktails People’s Choice” award.

Proceeds from this amazing event will benefit youth advocacy programs.

Cupcake photos at right: 1-Kimmie Sweett’s “Triple Chocolate Cupcake was a delicate chocolate cupcake with ganache in the middle, topped with chocolate buttercream.

2-Amy McNeill’s “Almond Cupcake” showcased an almond flavored cake with Swiss meringue buttercream icing featuring a decorated sugar cookie on top 3- Christina Frazier’s “Gingersnap Cupcake” was an extra moist cupcake with flavors that resemble an old fashion gingersnap cookie. The coconut cream cheese frosting is the tanginess of cream cheese and the sweetness of coconut 4- Da’Shenika Jenkins’ “Turtle Cupcake” featured a chocolate cupcake topped with caramel buttercream frosting and garnished with hot fudge, caramel, and pecans.

5- Tina Collins’ “The Aysby Cupcake” was a Madagascar vanilla bean cupcake with a special vanilla buttercream.

PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

Far Left: Maria de la Barre talks with baker Kimmie Sweett at Kimmie’s cupcake display table.

Left: Kinshasa Watson and Sandra Melvin.

Below: Tiger Rogers entertains guests.

Right: Randall Williams, NAMI MS Vicksburg affiliate representative.

PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

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PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

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Below: Amy McNeill talks at her display table with judges Alec Redpath and Kaitlyn Watson.

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PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

Above: Judges Maria de la Barre of The Cake Diva, NAMI MS Youth Advisory Council ambassador Kaitlyn Watson, Chef Alec Redpath of La Brioche and Miss Brandon 2018 Katelyn Brown.

Christina Frazier at her display table.

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PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

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PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

Da’Shenika Jenkins at her display table PHOTO BY RODNEY MCGEE

Above: NAMI Mississippi staff members Kinshasa Watson, Amanda Prevost, Tameka Tobias and Sitaniel Wimbley.

Below: Tina Collins at her display table.

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PHOTO BY RODNEY MCGEE PHOTO BY AMANDA PREVOST

NAMI Mississippi 9

NAMIWalks Gulf Coast

With the great weather and beautiful view, a total of 10 people signed up to support! A special thanks to The City of Ocean Springs for allowing NAMI MS Gulf Coast to host this event!

In an effort to raise awareness throughout Mississippi, NAMI MS Board Members voted to host NAMIWalks throughout Mississippi. Upon approval from NAMI National, in addition to our annual state walk, satellite walks were hosted in Meridian, Pine Belt, and the MS Gulf Coast.

Under the leadership of National Walk Manager, Darcy Mamone, Manager and Fund Development and Events at NAMI’s Field Advancement Division, Sitaniel Wimbley, NAMI MS Walk Manager, Lauren Parker, NAMI Pine Belt Walk Captain, Jill Walsh, NAMI Meridian Walk Captain, Brooke Riveria, NAMI Gulf Coast Walk Captain, Rita Hodges, NAMI MS Walk Financials, Deloris McGee, NAMI Vicksburg Walk Ambassador and Mary Harrington, NAMI Oxford Walk Ambassador and a host of dedicated volunteers, the groups successfully raised well over $39, 482.00.

Early mornings, rain, and cold weather did not deter supporters! Over 430 people attended the walks throughout the state to not only raise funds to support their local programs but to also raise awareness!

Thanks for your support! We look forward to 2019 as “The Journey Continues”

NAMIWalks Pine Belt

The NAMI Pine Belt Affiliate rolled up their sleeves and exceeded their goal of $10,000.00! The group raised a total of $13,226, and 169 walkers signed up to support the great event! A special thanks to the City of Hattiesburg for allowing NAMI Pine Belt to host this event!

See more photos on Facebook @namimspinebelt 10 NAMI Mississippi

See more photos on Facebook @namigulfcoastms

NAMIWalks Meridian

Rain did not deter this group! The group not only walked in the rain but raised a total of $5,715, and 74 signed up to support this great event! Special thanks to City of Meridian for allowing NAMI Meridian to host this great event!

See more photos on Facebook @namimeridian

NAMIWalks Mississippi

Rain, sleet, snow or in this case – COLD, the show must go on! On a brisk November morning, under the direction of the Jackson Police Department, walkers bundled up and conquered the route! By way of corporate sponsors, team and individual donations, NAMI MS raised a total of $19, 551 and a total of 177 signed up to support the great event! A special thanks to the City of Jackson for allowing NAMI Mississippi to host this event!

See more photos on Facebook @namims

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EDUCATION

Training of Trainers is Now Open!

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEB 4 • You MUST submit a letter of support from the NAMI State Executive Director or the President of the NAMI State Board of Directors.

• We will send acceptance/wait list/decline notices no later than February 11th.

• The training applicant must complete the form, or at least be present when the application is completed. There are some questions that apply exclusively to the trainee’s experience and understanding of the program.

If you are interested in becoming a NAMI State Trainer please email education@namims.org for more information. Thanks!

Congratulation on Becoming Connections Facilitators!

• Ashley Robertson • Louise Webster • Courtney Wuest • Maegan Willis The training was presented by Thomas Carson at The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi on the MS Gulf Coast.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who have been there.

Register for upcoming education classes:

namims.eventbrite.com

by Sitaniel J. Wimbley, Program Director

2019 State Training

Congratulations NAMI Family to Family Class Graduates • Leandrew Drake, Sr. • Cheryl Alexander • Lidong Wang • Shirley Hedrick • Gloria Pinkney • Clariss Fletcher • Theresa Logan • Spencer Johnson • Vickie McCray The class was presented by Sara Pope and Jenny Drake in Vicksburg, MS. NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12 class education program for family members of adults living with mental illness. In this program the term family is viewed from a broad perspective to include parents, siblings, spouses, adult sons and daughters, partners and significant others. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one with mental illness while maintaining their own well-being.

NAMI Family & Friends is a free seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. It’s also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support. The seminar is led by trained people with lived experience of supporting a family member with a mental health condition.

Trained Mississippi Family and Friends Leaders (All From Vicksburg) are: • Deloris McGee • Sarah Johnson • Jenny Drake • Harriette Mastin • Mary Pope

This year the trainings will be held all over the state. Schedules and locations will be listed on namims.org as soon as they are confirmed. Please start recruitment of potential participants in your local area.

Reminder: Teachers, Facilitators, and Presenters: Please attend the monthly Technical Assistance Calls. There are lots of changes being made nationally and this is the best way to stay connected.

We are honored and delighted to have three new NAMI Signature Education Program State Trainers here in Mississippi!

The following individuals attended the NAMI Training of Trainers 2018 on Oct. 11-14, 2018, in Herndon, Virginia and are now certified State Trainers for their respective NAMI Signature Programs: Thomas Carson Jr. NAMI Connection

Monica Sedita Wolters NAMI Peer-to-Peer

Latasha A. Willis NAMI Peer-to-Peer

These individuals now have the skills and abilities to successfully train others on a state level. Congratulations, and a special thanks to NAMI for the opportunity.

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NAMI Mississippi invites you to participate as a sponsor and/ or advertiser during our NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala. Reserve with your payment by April 15.

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Gala

• Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor on all NAMI MS Turns 30 promotional and signage • 4 reserved parking spaces at the NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala • Full page ad in Gala program • Social Media mentions with promotions • 2 reserved tables for 20 guests • Friends of NAMI MS membership

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$2500 - GOLD STAR SPONSOR

• Recognition as a Gold Sponsor on all NAMI MS Turns 30 promotional and signage • 2 reserved parking spaces at the NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala • Full page ad in the Gala program • Social Media mentions with promotions • 1 reserved table for 10 guests • Friends of NAMI membership

ur

$1000 - SILVER STAR SPONSOR

e h T

Jo

• Recognition as a Gold Sponsor on all NAMI MS Turns 30 promotional and signage • Half page ad in the NAMI MS Turns 30 program • Social media mentions • 5 Tickets to the NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala • Friends of NAMI MS membership

Thursday, May 16, 2019 7pm Bridlewood Madison, Mississippi This year, we are also hosting a 30th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm. Event details pending. ☐ $75 Individual Ticket ☐ $700 Gala Table Ticket (10 seats)

$500 CONTRIBUTOR

• Listed as a Contributor in the NAMI MS Turns 30 program • Social media mentions • 3 Tickets to the NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala • Friends of NAMI MS membership

$250 CONTRIBUTOR

• Listed as a contributor in the NAMI MS Turns 30 program • 2 Tickets to the NAMI MS Turns 30 Gala • Friends of NAMI MS membership.

PROGRAM AD ONLY • $550 FULL PAGE • $350 HALF PAGE • $225 QUARTER PAGE

If you have questions, please call our office at 601.899.9058.

Purchase tickets at namims.org.

See page 3 for more NAMI MS Conference information.

14 NAMI Mississippi

Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

t An n iversary

$5000 - PLATINUM STAR SPONSOR

Conference Recognition Nomination

nni A 30

versary Ga

FRIENDS OF NAMI MS BOARD MEMBERS

la

It is time to nominate an outstanding individual volunteer t or group of volunteers for a prestigious NAMI MS Award!

inu

es

The NAMI MS Conference Recognition ceremony celebrates the exemplary work of NAMI Mississippi's most dedicated volunteers. This award program, presented by NAMI Mississippi in partnership with the NAMI MS Board of Directors, recognizes and honors the valuable contributions of some of NAMI Mississippi's extraordinary volunteers while inspiring others to follow their example. Awards will be presented on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the NAMI MS Annual Meeting.

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ont

Distinguished Service Award NAMI MS’s highest honor, given to someone outside the NAMI family in recognition of superior and long-lasting achievement in support of NAMI MS’s goals. Given to a figure of statewide prominence.

Jo

e h T

Back row Left to right Teneisha Wynter, Tammie Brown, Kim McCormack, Angelia Brown, Tina Dancer, Kinshasa Watson Front row left to right Alicia Baladi, Leanna Range-Norwood, Ann Beard, Tina Clay

Outstanding NAMI Member Given to honor volunteer achievement of NAMI’s goals.

This award recognizes special achievement or long and distinguished service to the entire NAMI family. Honoree must be a NAMI member.

Multicultural Outreach Award Given to honor outstanding efforts to make ethnic and other minorities a strong and vital part of the NAMI MS family.

Outstanding NAMI MS Affiliate Given to recognize outstanding achievement in advocacy, public education, or other venues by a NAMI MS Affiliate.

NAMI Young Leader Award This award recognizes a young adult (age 16-30) who has used his or her personal experience to inspire others and works to strengthen the lives, increase resiliency, promote recovery and help to ensure that youth and young adults living with mental illness live a full life in the community.

Send nomination to stateoffice@namims.org.

Deadline February 4, 2019

Volunteer Highlight Ricky Quinn, former NAMI MS Board and Staff Member, and NAMI Family-to-Family Trainer, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7. We remember him for his dedication and service, and we extend our sincerest, heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones at large.

NAMI Mississippi 15

ADVOCACY

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

in Mississippi 385,000 ADULTS in Mississippi

HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION*

8 TIMES

That’s more than THE POPULATION of Biloxi

ONLY ABOUT

4 in 10 people in Mississippi with a mental health condition received any treatment in the past year *

2,386,085 PEOPLE in Mississippi live in a mental health professional shortage area*

50% 75%

of mental illness begins by age 14 by age 24 *

Schizophrenia usually develops early in life and costs the U.S. economy an estimated

$155.7 BILLION a year *

Depression is the

#1 LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY in the world and mental illness costs Americans $193.2 BILLION in lost earnings per year*

1 out of every 8

emergency department visits involves a mental health or substance use condition*

About 2

MILLION PEOPLE

with mental illness are

BOOKED INTO JAILS

16 NAMI Mississippi

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

every year*—many because they didn’t get the treatment they needed

1 AMERICAN DIES BY SUICIDE

EVERY 12

MINUTES*

In Mississippi, the 2016 rate of suicide for the general public was 18.4 DEATHS per 100,000 * For veterans, the rate was 29.6 DEATHS by suicide per 100,000 *

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Join our movement at nami.org/policy.

* References can be found at www.nami.org/policystats.

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.

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!

SYSTEM OF CARE Currently there are seven System of Care projects in the state of Mississippi: • Communicare H.Y.P.E.D. 4 Change • Golden Triangle Region, Connect And Nspire (CAN) • MS BuDS

• NFusion Metro • NFusionX-Crossover Xpand • NFusion IV XP (Desoto) • Crossover Xpand – PBMHR

More at namims.org/soc.

NAMI SMARTS

APPLICATION

for

(or online at namims.org/yac) Thank you for your interest in serving on the NAMI MS Youth Advisory Council.

The Youth Advisory Council (open to ages 16-30) serves as a leadership and advisory group to NAMI Mississippi. The Council also helps plan social networking events and other opportunities for local youth and young adults. Please fill out and submit this form by email or mail.

ADVOCACY Make a difference. Advocate.

The Youth Will Lead

(from the Latin word, “vocare”—to call, voice or speak)

January 19, 2019, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

NAMITRAININg Smarts Advocacy TITle your voice to influence policy Holiday Innusing Express Name: ______________________________________________________________________ The Youth Will Lead makers and make a difference.

118 Laurel Park Cove, Flowood, MS Turn your passion and your lived Address: _____________________________________________________________________ January 19, 2019 experience into a positive voice 8:30 am - 2:00 pm for mental health with the NAMI DATe Phone: ______________________________ Alternate Phone: _________________________ Smarts for Advocacy training.

Holiday Inn Express 118 Best time to call: __________________ Email: ______________________________________ Laurel Park Cove NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will enhance your advocacy skills and TIMe MS Flowood, Are you currently a NAMI Mississippi member? ☐ Yes ☐ No help you shape a powerful and personal story that will move Trainers: If yes, what is your NAMI Mississippi Affiliate: _______________________________________ policy makers.

Hannah Wesolowski lOCATION Do you have your own transportation? ☐ Yes ☐ No The NAMI Smarts Difference Jessica Hart NAMI Smarts for Advocacy gives Sponsored in part by a grant from: Mississippi If not, do you have access to public transportation? ☐ Yes ☐ No you step-by-step tools and the Department of Mental Health’s Children and hands-on practice you need to fee Youth Services Division Are you comfortable with self-disclosure? ☐ Yes ☐ No clear, confident and ready to make Grassroots advocacy is about

Trainers:

NAMI National will train Mississippi RegISTeR TODAY youth and young adults in the following areas: • Telling Your Story: Why advocacy for mental health care is important • Meeting with Policy Makers: Teaching you strategies to make your meetings more successful and practice through role-playing on delivering the message in person

a difference.

List other NAMI programs you have participated in, if any, and your role in the program Hannah Wesolowski Director, Field Advocacy (e.g. participant, facilitator, presenter, trainer, etc.).

NAMI Advocacy and Public Policy Team ____________________________________________________________________________ To register, contact ____________________________________________________________________________ communityoutreach@namims.org Jessica Hart How did you learn about NAMI Mississippi? ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What would serving on the Youth Advisory Council mean to you? _______________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ What would you like to focus working on if you were to serve on the Youth Advisory Council? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Please share a little about your interest in volunteering with NAMI Mississippi. ______________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Please send completed applications to: NAMI Mississippi, Attn: Youth Program Director Mail: NAMI Mississippi, 2618 Southerland Street, Ste 100 Jackson, MS, 39216 Email: Youth@namims.org / Phone: (601) 899-9058

Senior Manager, Field Advocacy

Make your voice heard.

Join aPolicy training today!

NAMI Advocacy and Public Team

Sponsored in part by a grant from: MS Department of Mental Health’s Children and Youth Services Division NAMI National will train Mississippi youth and young adults in the following areas: • Telling Your Story: Why advocacy for mental health care is important • Meeting with Policy Makers: Teaching you strategies to make your meetings more successful and practice through role-playing on delivering the message in person To register, contact communityoutreach@namims.org NAMI Mississippi 17

CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 19 NAMI MS Board Meeting & Visioning Session January 29 NAMI Pine Belt Affiliate Meeting, Hattiesburg January 31 Youth Mental Health First Aid, Meridian, MS February 4 Mental Health Town Hall Meeting, Clarksdale

(Educating the Community on Mental Health

Panel Discussion, 5 PM ) February 4 Deadline to submit nominees for recognition

awards at NAMI MS State Conference February 7 MS Consumer Advisory Council Meeting, Pearl February 12 Youth Mental Health First Aid, Oxford, MS February 13 Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Capitol, Jackson, MS February 16 SW MS NAMI Signature Support Programs

Training Academy, McComb

February 22-24 System of Care Youth Visioning Session February 23 MS Delta NAMI Signature Support Programs Training Academy March 11 Say It Out Loud, McComb, MS March 16 Pine Belt NAMI Signature Education Programs Training Academy March 23 Pine Belt NAMI Signature Support Programs Training Academy March 29 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training,

The Kirkland Group, Ridgeland, MS, 8:30 AM April 30 Deadline to submit NAMI MS Board Nominations

AFFILIATE & SUPPORT GROUP CONTACTS NAMI FOUR RIVERS (MS), REGION 11 Family Support 2nd Thursdays from 6:30- 8:00 p.m.

Cannon Hall, First Episcopal Church, 230 W. Monticello St., Brookhaven Contact: State Office - 601-899-9058 NAMI CENTRAL MS (JACKSON), REGION 8, 9 Affiliate Meeting 3rd Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Location: TBA Contact: Auvergne Williams NAMI Mississippi - 601-899-9058 namicentralms@gmail.com Family Support 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m.

St. Catherine Room @ St. Dominic Hospital In the Basement by Cafeteria Contact: State Office - 601-899-9058 Connection Recovery Support Each Thursday, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr. Contact: John McFadden - 601-956-1856 NAMI GULF COAST, REGIONS 13, 14 Connection Recovery Support Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Location: TBA

18 NAMI Mississippi

Family Support 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Location: TBA NAMI PINE BELT (HATTIESBURG), REGION 12 Affiliate Meeting The Last Tuesday of the Month (January through October) at 6 p.m.

Forrest General Hospital, Cafeteria Meeting Room 6051 US 49, Hattiesburg Contact: Amanda Clement - 601-297-7014 NAMI MERIDIAN, REGION 10 Affiliate Meeting First Tuesday of the Month, Noon – 1 p.m.

Meridian Activity Center, 3300 32nd Ave., Meridian 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 Contact: Jill Walsh at 601-917-1474 jillrwalsh@hotmail.com NAMI OXFORD, REGION 2 Family Support 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

North Mississippi Regional Center, Administration Building, Highway 7 South, Oxford Contact: Hanne Gaychen - 662-234-9572 or 662-801-6530

Connection Recovery Support Sundays, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

North Mississippi Regional Center, Administration Building, Highway 7 South, Oxford Contact: Mary Harrington - 662-202-2922 ccmary@olemiss.edu NAMI VICKSBURG, REGION 15 Affiliate Meeting (Quarterly) 4th Tues. Jan./April/July/Oct. at 6:00 p.m.

Call for specific dates.

Warren Yazoo Behavioral Health Conference Room 3444 Wisconsin Avenue, Vicksburg 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 Contact: Thomas Carson at 601-529-4677 or Thomas Spates at 601-619-9320 Family Support 1st Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.

Merit Health River Region West Campus Contact: Mary Pope at 601-437-3156 or Randall Williams at 601-630-7724

BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS NAMI Mississippi needs your help in finding good qualified nominees for the position of at-large board members on the NAMI Mississippi Board of Directors. Term of Office: July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022.

According to the NAMI MS Bylaws, a candidate for the board must be a dues-paying family member or an individual living with a mental illness. Professionals may serve on the board, but no more than 30% of the board may be made up of this category.

Obtain permission from the individual first before nominating!

Qualifications: Look for someone with board experience; leadership qualities; familiarity with mental health issues; an acquaintanceship with NAMI; expertise in areas of finance, fundraising, and board development; someone who will commit to taking on responsibilities within the organization for at least three years. Inform your nominee of these desired qualifications!

Candidates must be: NAMI members in good standing; willing to attend quarterly (or sometimes monthly) meetings in Jackson; willing to serve on several working board committees; willing to support, identify, diversify, & actively engage in

fund-raising; oversee resources; select, support, and evaluate the executive director; advance the organization’s mission of education, support, and advocacy; work to strengthen affiliates through membership growth, revitalization, and re-affiliation.

Term of office: Three years.

Deadline for receiving nominations is April 30, 2019. Nominees will then be contacted by the Nominating Committee. A ballot with the names of the nominees along with a brief bio of each will be prepared and mailed out to the membership for voting by May 30, 2019.

NAMI Mississippi Board of Directors NOMINATION FORM Mail to: NAMI MS, Attention: Nominating Committee, 2618 Southerland St., Jackson, MS 39216 or Email: Nominating Committee (Chair Harriette Mastin) at mastin8@juno.com Deadline for receiving nominations is April 30, 2019!

I, ____________________________________, a dues-paying member in good standing of NAMI Mississippi, do nominate ______________________________________________, also a dues-paying member in good standing of NAMI MS, as a candidate for a position of at-large member of the NAMI MS Board of Directors. He/She has agreed to serve if elected and has the necessary qualifications as noted in the above description to be a dedicated and active Board member. This nominee may be contacted via this address:________________________________________________________________________________ Zip________________ Telephone: H. ____________________ Wk. ____________________ Cell: ___________________; Email:_______________________________________ He/She is (check one) a Family Member/Individual with Mental Illness_____ or a Professional_____. *Please attach a page of introduction telling why you believe that this person would be a good choice; what this person has done in the past to advance understanding of mental illness or to improve services for mental illness; what skills or interests he/ she will bring to the board; and what area of interest or need for system improvement he/she would like NAMI MS to address. *Self-nominations of qualified individuals are welcome and may be submitted by email to the Nomination Committee at stateoffice@namims.org. Deadline to receive: April 30, 2019.

NAMI Mississippi 19

Mississippi

2618 Southerland Street Jackson, MS 39216

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