Mississippi’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council met on February 8 at Hinds Behavioral Health Services.
Federal law mandates that every state have a behavioral health planning council to serve as advocates for adults, youth and children with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The council’s primary duties are to annually assess unmet needs in the state for individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders and to then recommend to the Department of Mental Health how it should use its block grants to meet these needs. The majority of the council must be people who do not work for the mental health system. Thus, the law requires it to include people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, their families, partners from other state systems, and community members interested in mental health.
Joy Hogge, executive director of Families as Allies, is a council member and shared these updates from the meeting:
The council thanked Dr. Kathy Crockett, executive director of Hinds Behavioral Health, for her and her staff’s wonderful hospitality, delicious food, and expert IT support.
Kelly Breland, Bureau of Administration Director at the Department of Mental Health (DMH), shared a Budget Update. Adam Moore, Director of Planning and Communications, DMH, described the legislative process and bills DMH is following. No other members had legislative updates. However, Joy asked whether DMH is following existing code sections to establish DMH-run holding facilities (not jails) to support people in all stages of the commitment process.
John Edwards described the consumer satisfaction survey results based on data points DMH must collect as part of its block grant reporting. Dyelecia Vasquez then provided an informative overview of Hinds Behavioral Health’s services for children, youth, and their families. She emphasized that all services flow from system-of-care values and a wraparound approach.
August Irving, the State Planner for DMH’s block grant funds, reviewed timelines for the block grant application and the council’s tasks. Tiffany Tine, Council Co-Chair, and Joy Hogge followed with an overview of the council’s purpose and duties. They explained that the council has formed two committees:
- Membership: This committee will develop and implement outreach to potential new members and make sure new members are oriented and understand their roles and duties. The committee will ensure that the council includes the members the federal law requires. Jason McCarty and Jamie Himes volunteered to co-chair this committee.
- Block grant planning: This committee will develop processes to ensure the needs assessment takes place annually, and the data from it informs and coordinates with the DMH’s block grant application and reporting processes. Joy Hogge volunteered to chair this committee.
Tiffany and Joy encouraged all planning council members to sign up for one of the two committees. People not on the council can also volunteer to help with a committee. Committee chairs will contact all volunteers with more information and the next steps.
You can sign up for a committee at this link. You can also use the same link to let the council know if you want to join. The membership committee will be back in touch with more information.
Whether or not you join the council or a committee, your input is always welcome. All meetings are open to the public and include time for public comments.
