Legislators Visit Maximum Security Forensic Services Building at Mississippi State Hospital

Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) was pleased to host Mississippi Legislators, Senator Hob Bryan, District, 7, Senator Chad McMahan, District 6, Representative Sam Creekmore IV, District 14, and representatives from the Legislative Budget Office to provide an update on Mississippi’s Forensic Services System and tour the Maximum Security Forensic Services building that is near completion on the campus of MSH.

Mr. James G. “Bo” Chastain, MSH Hospital Director, welcomed guests and provided a brief update of the impact of HB 1640 and on-going efforts and successes that have been reached to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and increase access to care for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Dr. Tom Recore, DMH Medical Director, presented a more in-depth look at the challenges and successes in creating “The Change We Seek” in the Mississippi Forensic Services System. He reviewed recent commitment law changes and the resources DMH has available to accommodate those changes. He identified and recognized the advocacy organizations that are working together to set a national standard in public mental healthcare. Those organizations include, The State of Mississippi, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Sheriffs’ Association, Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, and Disability Rights of Mississippi. 

Pictured (l to r)

Front Row:  Jake Hutchins, DMH Deputy Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services, Wendy Bailey, DMH Executive Director, Senator Chad McMahan, District 6, Representative Sam Creekmore IV, District 14, Senator Hob Bryan, District 7, James G. “Bo” Chastain, MSH Hospital Director

Second Row:  Katie Storr, DMH Chief of Staff, Ben Fritz, Public Health and Welfare Committee Attorney, MaCall Chastain, DMH General Counsel, Carla Dearman, MSH Support Services Director, Dr. Tom Recore, DMH Medical Director, Charley Rome, Legislative Budget Office, Kelly Breland, DMH Chief Financial Officer

Back Row:  Gena Dear, Public Health and Human Services Committee Assistant, Lee Pittman, Legislative Budget Office, Brent Hurley, DMH Director of the Bureau of Behavioral Health Services, Sarah Leath, MSH Forensic Services Clinical Liaison