We hope to see you at the Mississippi Joint Planning and Advisory Council this Thursday, February 12, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Mississippi State Hospital (3550 Highway 468 West, Whitfield, MS 39193, 601-351-8018) in Building 56. If you have questions about the meeting or location, contact August Irving at 601-359-6204.
Attending this meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn more about substance use and mental health services in the state and express your ideas about what would most help people.
The council comprises people who use mental health and substance use services, their families, community members and people who work in mental health and related systems and agencies across the state. Federal law mandates that every state has a council. The council’s duties are to assess unmet mental health and substance use treatment needs and advise the state mental health system on using its federal block grant funds to meet these needs.
At this meeting, you will learn more about the DMH budget, policy issues, the block grant planning process and how you can be involved in planning mental health and substance use services in Mississippi. You can also learn how to become involved in the council and join committees working on membership and on a plan to ensure everyone gets to review and give input on how the state spends its block grant funds. The Mississippi Joint Planning and Advisory Council offers many opportunities to provide feedback and is a place where every voice and perspective is valued.
This meeting marks the beginning of an important year focused on strengthening the Council’s impact across Mississippi. We will begin by establishing foundational leadership and aligning around the purpose and direction of our work together.
Our priorities for the year include:
- Increasing Council membership and engagement, and
- Ensuring shared understanding of the Council’s mission, goals, and influence
As we move forward, members interested in taking an active role in shaping the Council’s work are encouraged to consider how their skills, experience, and perspectives may support leadership and committee efforts. Meaningful impact begins with engagement, and all levels of involvement are valued.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Degarrette Tureaud, Danny Blanton, or August Irving.
We look forward to your participation as we work together to build a strong, informed, and collaborative Council.
Please come to the meeting on Thursday, February 12, and participate. We want to get to know you and hear your ideas. We strongly encourage in-person attendance, but there is also a virtual option if you can’t make it in person. All meetings include time for public comments and announcements.
