On Tuesday, September 7, Judge Carlton Reeves issued three orders in Mississippi’s longstanding mental health lawsuit. He issued a remedial order that requires the State to “develop and implement effective measures to prevent unnecessary institutionalization in State Hospitals” and to provide “adequate and appropriate services and supports to adults with serious mental illness”. He also issued an order of appointment for the Monitor which sets out the details of the monitor’s role and authority. Finally, Judge Reeves issued his Final Judgement in this case, finding in favor of the United States. If the State chooses to appeal the ruling, it has sixty days from the time of Judge Reeves’ final order to do so.
We appreciate the coverage this case has received in the media. These are some news articles, listed alphabetically by reporters’ last names, about Judge Reeves’ rulings last week:
- Court rules MS Dept. of Mental Health must come in compliance with ADA in 120 days Sarah Ulmer, Y’all Politics
- Federal judge rules in favor of Department of Justice in Mississippi mental health suit Taylor Vance, Daily Journal
- State has 120 days to submit mental health compliance plan, following judge’s order Anthony Warren, WLBT (includes news story)
- Mississippi has 120 days to come up with mental health plan Leah Willingham Associated Press
- FEDERAL JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IN LAWSUIT OVER STATE’S TREATMENT OF THE SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL Steve Wilson, Northside Sun
We continue to urge the State to not appeal this ruling. The plan that Judge Reeves’ ordered is the same plan the State itself proposed. Judge Reeves simply added monitoring and a clinical review process to make sure that there is accountability and the services actually help people. We should all want a system that is accountable and that we know helps people.
If you would like to join us in urging the State to not appeal or if you have other feedback for the State or the United States, here is their contact information:
Douglas T. Miracle-State Government
MISSISSIPPI ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
601.359.5654
Fax: 601.359.2003
Email: doug.miracle@ago.ms.gov
James W Shelson
PHELPS DUNBAR, LLP – Jackson
601.360.9724
Fax: 601.360.9777
Email: jim.shelson@phelps.com
Wendy D. Bailey
Executive Director
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
601-359-6251
Email: Wendy.Bailey@dmh.ms.gov
If you have feedback for the United States:
Sarah L. Malks
Outreach Specialist
Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice
iPhone 202.598.5344
Sarah.Malks@usdoj.gov
