In 2019 the U.S. The Department of Justice won a lawsuit accusing Mississippi of discriminating against the mentally ill by hospitalizing them, instead of providing services in their communities. In a recent report to a federal judge, the state Department of Mental Health argued it is meeting the requirements of the lawsuit by providing more community services, such as crisis response teams and individualized recovery services. Advocate Joy Hogge with Families as Allies says there are more services but,
“What we don’t know is have those services actually kept people out of the hospital and do the people receiving those services say they’re benefiting them and helping them meet the goals they have, like to get a job or be able to live in a community” said Hogge.
Hogge says it's frustrating because the mental health department hasn't sought input from those with mental illnesses and their families. The agency certifies 13 regional mental health centers responsible for providing community-based services. And a spokesperson says there is a crisis team in every county. Polly Tribble with Disability Rights Mississippi, says services aren't consistent.
“So somebody living in Tunica County might not get the same services as someone in Harrison County gets. There’s disparities all over our service delivery system in Mississippi,” said Tribble.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is asking the judge not to make changes to the system. The Justice Department is expected to respond to the state's filing this month.
