By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – This year’s Catholic Day at the Capitol was postponed due to bad weather in February, but organizers feel the topic is too important to not reschedule. On Wednesday, May 23, Catholic Charities will try again, gathering advocates and experts to talk about the need for continued reform of mental health care in Mississippi.
“We hope to present a balanced look at the reforms already achieved, and those still in need of promoting. We will also include a segment on advocacy, led by John Lunardini, new COO at Catholic Charities, in place of the traditional press conference and visit to the capitol,” wrote orgainzer Sue Allen in an email to Mississippi Catholic.
Mississippi is currently facing a lawsuit for its lack of compliance with the 2009 Olmstead Supreme Court ruling which required states “to provide community-based treatment for persons with mental disabilities when… such placement is appropriate.”
To offer perspective on day-to-day issues involving mental health, Angela Ladner, executive director of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association and Joy Hogge, executive director of Families as Allies, are the keynote speakers for the day. The agenda also includes a panel discussion on various aspects of mental health care issues.
Hogge said her organization is made up of families whose children face mental health challenges. It offers parent-to-parent support, insight for policy-makers and advocacy for children. “We want to help on a system-wide level so organizations can be more responsive.”
Angela Ladner is the executive director of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association, a statewide medical specialty organization whose physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses, including substance use disorders. Angela has persistently lobbied Mississippi lawmakers to make the necessary changes that will allow for more community-based treatment options.
The day starts at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle’s parish center and ends around 3 p.m. Register online at www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org or contact Sue Allen directly at (601) 355-8634 or sue.allen@catholiccharitiesjackson.org. Large groups are welcome.