By Kay Denault, Executive Director//
The mission of the Mental Health Association (MHA) of South Mississippi is to be a champion of positive mental health and wellness.
Mental illness does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or veteran’s status. The national statistics are startling:
- One in four Americans currently experience mental illness.
- 42.5 million adults in America suffer from a mental health problem.
- 8.8 million report serious thoughts of suicide.
- 6.2 million American children suffer from an Emotional, Behavioral, or Developmental problem.
- States with the highest prevalence of mental illness and lowest rates of access to care include: Arizona, Mississippi, Nevada, Washington, and Louisiana.
Evidence indicates that most people with significant and complex disabilities can live successfully in integrated community settings with access to affordable housing and services suitable to their needs and preferences. However, Mississippi has limited housing resources available to meet the affordable housing needs of the state’s low income disabled population and other priority populations.
Approximately 90% of the homeless population that MHA works with is homeless individuals, living in places not meant for human habitation. In a year, we connect with 250 clients. They typically have skills, but are fearful and have been through some sort of trauma. Some choose to be homeless, however, most do not.
Every month MHA helps people with basic needs such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal hygiene items. If they appear to have a mental illness, MHA staff works with the person to determine what their most immediate needs are. If they have mental health and/or physical health issues, MHA assists them in getting medical care as soon as possible. Hundreds of bus passes are given out annually so that individuals can get to medical and other types of appointments.
Mental Health Association of South MS is always in need of items to help our homeless clients to survive the elements. Imagine what you would require if you were living outdoors:
- Men and women’s personal hygiene items
- Non-perishable food and drinks
- Tents, blankets, sleeping bags
- Weather gear for rain, cold, and heat
- Batteries
- CTA bus passes
The next steps in fulfilling our mission of wellness are finding employment and housing. That’s where you come in. Could you give someone a chance? Do you have job opportunities, part-time or full-time? Do you own a housing unit and are willing to offer a lower rate until someone is able to get on their feet? So many times, our staff has been told, “No one has ever asked me what happened and what they can do to help.”
If you would like to help MHA and those we serve, please contact our office at 228-864-6274 to find out how you can help someone achieve a better place in their life. A little kindness can go a long way.