NAMI MISSISSIPPI’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

During this initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI Mississippi needed to act quickly to protect the safety of the staff and members, so the following actions were taken:

The State Office began operating at a reduced capacity. Fewer staff members were on site at a time to practice social distancing. Often one staff member was in the office at a time. Calls were returned and emails were answered remotely or when a staff member was in the office. Appointments were recommended for on-site visits. Updates were given via the e-newsletter and social media. Some support group and affiliate meetings began being held via conference call instead of in person. Scheduled trainings were converted to a virtual format, which resulted in many members in Mississippi and beyond being trained as In Our Own Voice Presenters and Connection Recovery Support Group facilitators. The State Conference had to be rescheduled and converted to a virtual format with such great success that an additional Minority Mental Health Conference was planned the following month. More on those events starting on page 16.

Social media graphic from April 6 of State Office staff working remotely to practice social distancing.

We strongly urge everyone to follow the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds;

• Avoiding large gatherings of 10 or more people;

• Practicing social distancing and staying three to six feet away from others;

• Staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel except for tasks such as work, buying food or picking up prescriptions;

• Going into self-quarantine if you feel ill and using telemedicine to contact a health professional before being asked to going to a doctor’s office.

• Also view this web page from NAMI with tips on dealing with the pandemic: https://nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus

If you need emotional support during this time, please call the NAMI HelpLine Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CT at (800) 950-6264 or text NAMI to 741-741.

Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline: 877-978-6453