Mississippi

‘Transformative’ mental health bill awaits governor’s signature, funding

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2023

‘Transformative’ mental health bill awaits governor’s signature, funding

A invoice handed unanimously by the Legislature is anticipated to deliver some reform to Mississippi’s long-troubled psychological well being care system, which frequently strands individuals with psychological well being points in jail with lengthy delays in therapy and has been beneath scrutiny from federal authorities for years.

“Home Invoice 1222 gives stable options to nationwide psychological well being points and is so transformative that it could possibly be a extremely robust mannequin for different states to implement,” stated Dr. Katherine Pannel, a psychiatrist, president elect of the Mississippi Psychiatric Affiliation and longtime Mississippi psychological well being advocate.

The measure, authored by Rep. Sam Creekmore, R-New Albany, would offer psychological well being coaching for Mississippi’s regulation enforcement, typically the primary level of contact for these struggling sickness. It will additionally broaden a court-liaison program, serving to households coping with the courtroom system. It additionally seeks to enhance cooperation between county governments and regional commissions that oversee neighborhood psychological well being facilities.

The invoice confronted some realpolitik setbacks because it made its method via the Legislature. The preliminary model would have created a tax on vaping merchandise that was anticipated to herald $6.5 million a 12 months, greater than half of which might go to assist counties home individuals individuals wanted psychological well being companies. However the GOP supermajority within the Legislature wouldn’t go for any new tax, so now the measure awaits lawmakers approval of a common appropriation. Creekmore expects the Legislature to supply about $4 million a 12 months for this system.

At one level the invoice was amended to incorporate measures proposed by Rep. Kevin Felsher, R-Biloxi, that may have set some stringent restrictions on individuals with psychological sickness being held in jail to await therapy. It will even have allowed counties to contract for individuals to obtain non-public psychological well being companies as an alternative of ready in jail, with counties paying charges capped at what Medicaid would pay. These measures confronted political opposition and had been eliminated, however supporters say the ultimate invoice is a significant step in the appropriate course for psychological well being reform.

“It’s not a panacea,” stated Senate Public Well being and Welfare Chairman Hob Bryan, D-Amory. “However some of the necessary issues that has occurred in psychological well being right here during the last a number of years is that there’s consideration being centered on the issue.”

Creekmore was tasked final 12 months with main a Home subcommittee on psychological well being. He’s credited with working to get psychological well being companies, regulation enforcement, the courts and native governments on the identical web page in coping with individuals with psychological well being points in authoring “The Mississippi Collaborative Response to Psychological Well being Act.”

The ultimate model of the invoice handed each the Home and Senate unanimously, and awaits Gov. Tate Reeves’ signature and approval of funding within the remaining days of the legislative session. Creekmore stated he’s assured each will occur.

“Inside eight years, each police officer in Mississippi may have a fundamental data of easy methods to take care of psychological well being points, which can assist maintain them safer, and assist others coping with psychological well being crises,” Creekmore stated. He stated that related coaching in Tennessee has enormously decreased the numbers of accidents to officers.

Mississippi Division of Psychological Well being Director Wendy Bailey stated, “HB 1222 goals to supply help by each offering coaching for regulation enforcement and in serving to broaden applications that work to divert people from inpatient stays at state hospitals to neighborhood companies close to them.”

DMH gives Psychological Well being First Support coaching for regulation enforcement. The invoice would require all officers to obtain this eight-hour coaching over the following eight years. Disaster intervention group officers would obtain extra intensive, 40-hour coaching. Creekmore stated every regulation enforcement division could be required to have a CIT officer, or to contract with one other close by company to have one it may name.

The invoice would broaden the state’s pilot courtroom liaison program, requiring counties with 20 or extra psychological well being commitments a 12 months to have one, both in the local people psychological well being middle or chancery clerk’s workplace. These liaisons households as they method the courtroom system assist discover therapy choices aside from dedication to a hospital the place applicable. Bailey stated, “Now we have already seen optimistic outcomes from the pilot courtroom liaisons during the last 12 months.”

Creekmore stated the invoice would additionally require higher reporting of psychological well being circumstances and points on the state and native degree, and revamp necessities for the state psychological well being board and regional commissions that assist oversee neighborhood psychological well being facilities. It will assist the state higher monitor the place points are and have the ability to handle them, and enhance coordination.

“We consider that companies and helps are the shared accountability of state and native governments, communities, relations and repair suppliers,” Bailey stated. “We’re in favor of something that may strengthen communication, relationships and partnerships, and consider this invoice goals to do precisely that.”

Bryan stated: “One of many issues that’s in Sam’s invoice is predicated on one thing tried in Monroe, Itawamba and Lee counties. When a member of the family will get to the purpose they don’t know what to do, they go to the county clerk’s workplace, as a result of they know they are going to do one thing — similar as going to the emergency room, as a result of you understand they’ll do one thing. That begins a authorized course of, and dedication is critical in some circumstances, however to a big extent that’s left over from a time once we didn’t know higher and didn’t have any companies. It will have somebody from the neighborhood psychological well being middle on name to go to the clerk’s workplace and discuss to the household, focus on some alternate options and what issues can be found in the neighborhood. That dialog has had an excellent impact in decreasing the variety of commitments, and that’s a great factor in and of itself.”

Pannel stated, “Now we have not seen our Legislature this lively on psychological well being and substance abuse points shortly.”

“Consultant Creekmore has been a real psychological well being champion in Mississippi,” Pannel stated.

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Mississippi

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

Published

1 hour ago

September 6, 2024

Press Room

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

RANKIN Co., Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have been called to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for an alleged overdose.

The Rankin County Coronor, David Ruth, confirmed to WLBT staff that he was called to the scene to recover a body. He said he was unable to comment on the cause or manner of death until he performs an autopsy.

The Department of Health also says they have been called by the facility for a hazmat situation.

More law enforcement vehicles were seen by WLBT crews entering the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility as authorities continue to investigate a death at the prison.

Details are currently limited. WLBT has reached out to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a statement on the situation but have yet to hear back.

WLBT 3 on your side will update with information as it is made available.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

Published

8 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.

Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.

“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”

Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?

Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen looks to pass against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Sam Robertson during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.

WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.

WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.

TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.

LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.

LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.

C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.

RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.

RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.

DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.

DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.

DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against Eastern Kentucky.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.

MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.

DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.

FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.

SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.

CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.

CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman (3) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.

P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.

KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.

PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.

KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.

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Mississippi

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Published

15 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..

KEY MATCHUP

Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.

Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.

FACTS & FIGURES

Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.

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