Page 102 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK empowering
LEFT: Volunteers
get ready to walk for Mental Health Association. BELOW: Mental Health Association board members attend fundraiser.
The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi has been working to empower people who suffer from mental illness since 1963.
“We administer grants provided by federal and state agencies; are the state affiliate of Mental Health America and the State Outreach Partner of the National Institute of Mental Health,” said Kay Daneault, executive director. “Our mission is to be a champion
of positive mental health and wellness.”
In response to the presence
of stress and mental illness, Mental Health Association of South Mississippi provides resources and support services for those seeking mental wellness and recovery within the community. Being homeless, unemployed or in poverty is often a consequence of living with an untreated mental illness. When properly treated, individuals can live healthy lives, positively contributing to the community.
The Mental Health Association:
• Supports mental health, intellectual disability disorder,
substance abuse, homelessness. • Helps people live their dreams.
• Works to overcome stigma by educating people to the reality of mental illness.
• Provides programs that are 100 percent free or low cost.
• Is not a psychiatric clinic and does not prescribe medicine or diagnose.
Current programs include a day center for adults (Drop In Center); peer support; homeless outreach, supportive housing; and wellness education.
MHASM is primarily funded by grants from the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health and U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development. “These don’t cover all expenses so we are happy to receive support from the City of Gulfport, IP Casino Resort Spa Foundation and Scarlet Pearl Casino.” Daneault said.
An annual event called, “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” raises additional needed funding. Businesses and individuals
who wish to make a difference may make monetary donations, volunteer and donate goods.
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport 39507 | 228.864.6274 | www.msmentalhealth.org facebook.com/MHASouthMS | https://twitter.com/mhasouthms
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102 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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