Mental Health Association of South Mississippi

08/12/2026

It is going to be a great time. Learn things, create things, win things!

08/09/2026

An easy way to brighten someone’s day.

Help brighten a patient's day by donating a book! 📚

We are hosting a Back to School Book Drive for our patients, and we would love your support!

We are collecting paperback books, puzzle books, crossword books, word search books, and Sudoku books. Books should be clean, gently used or new, and free of damage, markings, or missing pages. Adult and family-friendly reading and activity books are welcome.

📅 Drive Dates: August 3 to 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 Drop-Off: Gulfport Behavioral Health System.
📱 Questions? Contact Cynthia Render-Leach at 228-236-2129.

Every book donated brings a little comfort, entertainment, and encouragement to someone who needs it most. Thank you for your generosity and support!

08/06/2026

Help brighten a patient's day by donating a book! 📚

We are hosting a Back to School Book Drive for our patients, and we would love your support!

We are collecting paperback books, puzzle books, crossword books, word search books, and Sudoku books. Books should be clean, gently used or new, and free of damage, markings, or missing pages. Adult and family-friendly reading and activity books are welcome.

📅 Drive Dates: August 3 to 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 Drop-Off: Gulfport Behavioral Health System.
📱 Questions? Contact Cynthia Render-Leach at 228-236-2129.

Every book donated brings a little comfort, entertainment, and encouragement to someone who needs it most. Thank you for your generosity and support!

08/03/2026

Please contact Liz Creel for possible donations. [email protected] or 228-860-7722.

07/30/2026

After 22 years of unwavering dedication and service, Patty has decided it's time for her next adventure. While we are certainly going to miss her, we were grateful to celebrate her this past Tuesday and send her off with heartfelt well wishes.

If you've ever called MHA, chances are you were greeted by Patty and her sweet, calming voice. Her patience, kindness, and compassion were among her greatest strengths. She genuinely wanted to help every person who reached out, taking the time to listen, offer encouragement, and search for the right resources. She was a listening ear, a resource expert, and a shining example of what it means to be a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Patty was always willing to lend a hand wherever MHA needed her. Our members looked forward to her Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and, most recently, Chair Dancing classes. She loved surprising them with special treats or preparing a delicious side dish to enjoy at lunch, always finding thoughtful ways to brighten someone's day.

She was also a driving force behind the success of our Don't Worry Be Happy silent auction. We've often joked that Patty knows everyone—and everyone knows Patty. Somehow, no one could ever say no to her! Thankfully, she has already promised she'll be back next year as a volunteer to help us with the event.

Patty, thank you for 22 years of compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to amplifying hope and promoting wellness. Your impact on our members, our team, and our community is immeasurable. While we're sad to see you go, we're excited for this next chapter and wish you nothing but happiness, good health, and countless new adventures. You will always be a part of the MHA family.

07/29/2026

07/20/2026

Look for the Don't Worry Be Happy 2026 photo album! Thank you to Albert Henrion Jr. for capturing all the fun again this year. Make sure you tag your friends and share the photos. We can't wait to see you in 2027!

Send a message to learn more

07/20/2026

07/14/2026

What an unforgettable evening!

Thank you to everyone who joined the Mental Health
Association of South Mississippi for our 2026 “Don’t Worry,
Be Happy” Annual Event! From meaningful conversations to
community connections, this night was a beautiful reminder
that mental health matters.

Together, we’re creating a community where hope, wellness,
and support continue to grow.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, attendees,
and everyone who made this event possible. We can’t wait to
see you next year!