Mississippi Department of Mental Health

09/04/2026

What happens when someone with a mental health or substance use disorder comes into contact with law enforcement? The Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) helps us answer that — pinpointing exactly where and when people intersect with the criminal justice system, so we can identify gaps and build real solutions.

This month, that work continues in 👏 Congratulations to Sam Riley and Linda Foley, graduates of our Train the Trainer program, who facilitated a SIM class on the 3rd bringing together stakeholders from Southaven, Tupelo, and Meridian — agencies on the front lines of serving individuals intercepted by law enforcement.

Together, they mapped their local systems of care, identified service gaps and started strategic planning to fill them.

We were also honored to welcome two guest speakers whose communities have already seen SIM in action:
🎙️ Dr. Rita Porter, Director of Adult Services, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
🎙️ Jamie Aultman, Chancery Clerk, Lamar County

Their insight helped lead to the development of a Diversion Center — proof of what's possible when communities come together around this model.

09/04/2026

Recovery happens together. Research shows meaningful human connection supports resilience, hope, and long-term recovery. Every connection can make a difference.

DMH Helpline - 1-877-210-8513

Connect with resources - https://mentalhealth.networkofcare.org/mississippi

09/01/2026

Thank you again to everyone who joined us yesterday in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, especially to those who shared their personal stories and experiences:

🩵 Trey White, the former athlete who's struggled through addiction and incarceration to now find hope through peer support.
💜 Amanda Smith, a veteran who has now found purpose and recovery after a car accident and the following surgeries led to years of addiction.
🩵 Laura Tuttle, who lost a son to overdose two years ago and now shares her story to help end the stigma associated with overdose.
💜 Danny Ivey, who spent years in gang leadership and addiction before finding sobriety and working to share hope and faith with men walking the same roads he once did.
🩵 Jennifer Dick, who has lived through overdose to become the mother, wife, and friend that she has become through recovery.

These are just a few of the names and people affected by overdose. People - not just numbers and statistics. As they shared, remember that each life affected by an overdose is a life that can have a chance at recovery. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help.

📞 DMH Helpline: 1-877-210-8513
📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org

09/01/2026

Thank you to all who shared their powerful and real stories yesterday for Overdose Awareness Day.

Mississippi’s overdose death rate has declined in recent years, but families and recovery advocates say the statistics cannot fully capture the people left behind.

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month 💜

Governor Tate Reeves has proclaimed September as Su***de Prevention Awareness Month in Mississippi — a time to raise awareness, break the stigma and remind every Mississippian that help is always within reach.

This month, DMH is spotlighting:
• 988 Day — September 8
• Su***de Prevention Symposium — September 9
• World Su***de Prevention Day — September 10

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Support is available 24/7 through the following resources 👇

Local:
📞 DMH Helpline: 1-877-210-8513
🌐 Mississippi Cares: mississippicares.ai
📱 Mental Health Mississippi App

National:
📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — call, text or chat at 988lifeline.org

Together, we can change the narrative around su***de and mental health 🤍

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09/01/2026

Thank you to all of our partners and the incredible Mississippians who shared their stories!

08/31/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our International Overdose Awareness Day press conference at the Jackson Medical Mall 🙏

To our incredible speakers — Trey White, Amanda Smith, Laura Tuttle, Jennifer Dick and Danny Ivey — thank you for your courage in sharing your stories of loss, recovery and hope. Your voices remind us why this work matters.

To the media, partners from the Mississippi Public Health Institute and everyone who showed up in support — thank you for standing with us in the fight to end overdose and the stigma that surrounds it.

Recovery is possible. Help is available. 💜

📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
🌐 standupms.org

08/31/2026

LAST CALL! Registration for the Su***de Prevention Symposium close TODAY at NOON — don't miss your chance to be part of changing the narrative on September 9 ⏰

Join advocates, survivors and mental health professionals for a powerful conversation on breaking the silence around su***de prevention. 🙂

Grab your ticket before NOON here 🎟️ https://bit.ly/2026SCPS

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08/31/2026

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the friends, family members and loved ones whose lives have been lost to overdose. We honor their lives, stand with those who carry their memory, and recognize those working every day toward recovery.

We invite Mississippians to wear purple today in remembrance, and to join us in working toward a future where fewer families experience the loss of a loved one to overdose.

Together, we can raise awareness, support recovery, and help prevent overdose.

08/28/2026

Every week, MS is making progress — from lowering readmissions through ICORTs to expanding su***de prevention for veterans, supporting youth in JOPs, and training more su***de intervention specialists. Swipe through to see the impact 💙