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February 7, 2024

The Ally: We Can Get Things Done When We Do Them Together
 

We can get so many things done when we do them together. Those words rang through my mind as we assembled this week's edition of The Ally.

I have sweet feelings when reflecting on our Community Partnership Celebration and award winners. They have done so much with us and with others. Please take a few minutes to read about their awards and why they won. Listen to their thoughts about why they received their awards. I think these award recipients will inspire you about what we can do together.

Please also take a few minutes to listen to our recent Families as Allies Live if you couldn't join us live. We share big and small ways to get things done together for our children.

If you are in the Jackson area, I hope you will join the Joint Planning and Advisory Council this Thursday, February 8, at Hinds Behavioral Health. There are many opportunities to get things done together through that council, but we need everyone's help. Please be there. There is a virtual option for those who cannot get to Jackson.

February is Black History Month. Families as Allies has long been committed to using Black History Month to reflect on the lessons all of us, especially those who are not Black, could benefit from focusing on all year. This week, we share resources from Mental Health America about Black History that made me think about what those lessons might be. I hope you find them helpful, too. 

Don't forget these upcoming events, and check out the events calendar for more!

With the Mississippi Legislative Session in action, we encourage you to follow these legislative hearings at the Capitol in person or on YouTube.

  • Joint Hearing on Mental Health (Community Mental Health Centers) February 7 at 3 p.m. (Room 216)
  • Education Committee Hearing February 8 at 10:30 a.m. Legislative update by the Department of Education (Room 216): 
    • Dr. Ray Morgigno, Interim State Superintendent
    • Dr. Felicia Gavin, Chief of Operations 
    • Dr. Paula Vanderford, Chief Accountability Officer 

  • Appropriations Budget Hearings February 8 (Room 210) 2 p.m. Department of Health 2:45 p.m. Department of Mental Health 

Joy Hogge signature

NEWS
Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental or Substance Use Disorders - Link to PDF
 
The Community Partnership Celebration was a huge success the other night, with many friends and supporters coming out to BRAVO! in Jackson.
 
This meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn more about substance use and mental health services in the state and make your voice heard.
 
Families as Allies Live happens every time there's a fifth Wednesday in a month. Watch the recording for valuable info and opportunities.

EVENTS
 
You are invited to attend the Planning and Advisory Council Meeting in person meeting on February 8, 2024, at 10:00 am.
 
Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system.
 
Join NFusion Metro for an enchanting evening of creativity, connection, and heartfelt expressions at the "Infuse-a-Heart" event!
 
The Department of Mental Health Board Committee meetings will be held before the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.
 
This hour is open for any family member to drop in to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations.
 
You are invited to join many other organizations and individuals supporting recovery for the 2024 Mississippi Recovery Day on February 22nd!
 
We are breaking barriers, removing stigmas, and resetting the reputation of mental health in our community and elsewhere.
 
Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol, hosted annually by the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities.
 
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and opportunities to serve on decision-making committees.

RESOURCES
 
Black Americans’ contributions to the field of mental health have been long overlooked. Check out these trailblazers in the mental health field.
 
Understanding the past enables new ways of addressing current implications and identified barriers, including how schizophrenia became a "black disease," why prisons emerged where hospitals once stood, and how racial disparities continue to exist in the mental health system today.
 
The Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation, Inc. was originally founded in 1983 by two seasoned mental health professionals and social visionaries who had devoted their careers to the mental health needs of communities of color. The founders-Maxie T. Collier, M.D.