Jackson, Mississippi — In a proactive effort to address mental health challenges among youth and postsecondary students, Mississippi lawmakers are launching the K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force. Established under Senate Bill 2727, the task force’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for July 17-18 at the state capitol in Jackson.
Co-chaired by Rep. Rob Roberson and Sen. David Parker, the 24-member committee comprises mental health advocates, educators, healthcare experts, and lawmakers from across the state. Their mission includes evaluating Mississippi’s current mental health landscape and developing recommendations for future legislative action.
“We need to lay a solid foundation for the task force as we embark on this critical journey,” stated Sen. Parker, emphasizing the task force’s commitment to understanding Mississippi’s mental health challenges, particularly among young people, in comparison to national standards.
The task force welcomes public engagement. These contributions will help inform discussions and shape legislative proposals aimed at improving mental health services in Mississippi.
Key members of the K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force include:
- Dr. Jonathan Baker, UMMC Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
- Senator Kevin Blackwell, Chairman of Senate Medicaid
- Senator Nicole Boyd, Chairwoman of Senate Universities & Colleges
- Senator Hob Bryan, Chairman of Senate Public Health & Welfare
- Wendy Clemons, Associate Superintendent at the Mississippi Department of Education
- Representative Sam Creekmore, Chairman of House Public Health & Human Services
- John Damon, CEO of Canopy Children’s Solutions
- Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer
- Heather Garrett, Teacher and Science Chair at Brandon Middle School
- Joy Hogge, Executive Director for Families as Allies
- Emily Johnson, Clinical Psychologist
- Sarah Jones, Counselor at Jones College
- Melody Madaris, Executive Director at Communicare Mental Health Center
- Representative Missy McGee, Chairwoman of House Medicaid
- Heidi Nelson, USM Director of Student Counseling
- Representative Donnie Scoggin, Chairman of House Universities & Colleges
- Kate McMillin, Director of the Office of Mental Health for the Division of Medicaid
- Lynda Stewart, Director of the Division of Children and Youth Services for the Department of Human Services
- Julie Thornton, Head Nurse of the Pearl Public School District
- Jonathan Tritley, School Psychologist at the Jackson County School District
- John Robert Walker, Student Member of the Mississippi Youth Council
- Karla Weir, Assistant Professor in the Mississippi State University Counselor Education Department
Following the initial meeting, which will focus on assessing available public mental health resources in Mississippi, the task force plans to collaborate with non-profits and experts outside of government to broaden their understanding and recommendations.
The K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force aims to play a pivotal role in shaping Mississippi’s mental health policy, ensuring a supportive and responsive system for the state’s youth and students.
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