NAMI Pine Belt

Greetings to all of our NAMI members and friends! What a strange year it is (understatement)! Despite the major speed bumps that confront us all, our affiliate continues to set goals and foster programs to defeat stigma and to help people who struggle with mental health issues. We have been holding virtual meetings on the last Tuesday of each month, sharing ideas and discussing NAMIWalks plans in the new virtual world.

We intend to continue our sponsorship of mental health programs such as Crisis Intervention Team Training, Behavioral Health Court, Mental Health First Aid, and other events that will have a positive impact on our Pine Belt community. We have elected a new slate of officers who have already contributed much to our affiliate during the COVID-19 crisis. They are: President, Mavis Creagh; Vice President, Jody Fortenberry; Co-Secretaries, Narjis and Mikal Uqdah; and Treasurer, Joe Kinnan. Thanks to their leadership and the other NAMI members, our affiliate is poised to help meet the increased need for mental health assistance that has already become evident to the regional mental health center professionals.

As a NAMI Mississippi sponsor, the City of Hattiesburg has been supportive to our affiliate programs, contributing monetarily and through in-kind donations where feasible. Even though our NAMI Affiliate Walk in 2019 had to be cancelled due to very bad weather, our walk teams and sponsors were quite understanding and donated funds that helped us closely approach our goal of $13,000. This year’s Walk scheduled for October 17th will most likely become a virtual walk via online participation. That does not necessarily mean reduced donations. In fact, the NAMIWalks throughout the nation this spring earned more than $450,000 to enrich NAMI education and outreach programs. Watch for more information on this and please be ready to foster success for this year’s walk.

Members of the Pine Belt Affiliate CIT Luncheon Planning Team in Hattiesburg.

We are continuing our direct support to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in our State. In fact, we have provided meals for the latest CIT course in the Pine Belt on July 6th. We are represented on the CIT Advisory Committee and help teach the participants. We are also committed to help the City of Hattiesburg Behavioral Health Court to flourish. We help arrange the graduation events for that vital program. Two of our NAMI affiliate members, Khadijah Muhammad and Jody Fortenberry, are significant members of the Court team.

One of the most exciting programs in our state (in fact, in the world) is the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course. Our affiliate has sponsored MHFA classes in 2018 and 2019. We are committed to hosting more classes as they develop late in 2020. Even if these classes are virtual, our affiliate can help publicize them.

This year (as in the past), we plan to support the holiday parties for the participants in the Region 12 Mental Health Center AOT and PACT treatment programs. Both parties are the highlights of a successful year. The Region 12 staff is outstanding in all respects.

We are very pleased with the NAMI Mississippi State Office’s proactive education programming. They conducted a highly successful virtual State Conference in June and have other virtual programs well under way, such as NAMI Connection and In Our Own Voice. They are quite helpful to the affiliates, leading walk preparations and assisting with training of instructors. They have accomplished all of that despite COVID-19 and floods in Jackson. Well done!

In an effort for our affiliate to develop more supportive outreach to Pine Belt citizens, four of our members completed the NAMI Connection virtual training in June: Mavis Creagh, Jody Fortenberry, Sandy Kinnan, and Joe Kinnan. We look forward to establishing a Connection support group as the COVID crisis begins to diminish.

Congratulations to the new NAMI Mississippi board members who have agreed to help lead us. We truly appreciate the entire Board for the way they have guided the “NAMI Ship” through perilous waters this year. Also, sincere congratulations to the Coastal Affiliate as they join the NAMI team. They inspire us as well.

Pre-COVID meeting of NAMI Pine Belt affiliate.

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT

Our affiliate usually has a general meeting at 6 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at the Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. However, because of the COVID virus, we intend to hold our July meeting (face to face, six feet apart, with mask if needed) at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center on July 28th at 6:00 p.m. You should watch your e-mail for any updated information regarding time and place. You may call Joe Kinnan (601-550-8219) to gain further insight.

We encourage every NAMI member to volunteer to be trained as facilitators of the NAMI Signature Programs. One of our most crucial needs is to develop facilitators for Family Support Groups. We often receive calls for help and seem to scramble to find assistance for people. A strong, well-established Family Support Group is a must to foster healing and bright futures.

We’re privileged to be a part of the NAMI advocacy team in our state and nation. Indeed, we are companions on this exciting and meaningful journey!

Respectfully submitted by Joe Kinnan, Ph.D.

NAMI Mississippi Pine Belt Affiliate New Officers: President: Mavis Creagh; Vice President: Jody Fortenberry; Co-Secretaries: Narjis and Mikah Uqdah; Treasurer: Joe Kinnan.

COURTESY NAMI PINE BELT