News Around the State

CMRC names Employee of the Year

On January 20, 2012, Central Mississippi Residential Center (CMRC) hosted the Employee of the Year celebration honoring the 2011 Employees of the Month. Glenda Crump, CEO of Dream, Inc. was the keynote speaker and delivered an inspiring message about never giving up and continuing to pursue your dreams. Each 2011 Employee of the month was presented a ceramic figurine, which was designed and made by individual receiving services at CMRC.

Debbie Ferguson, Linda Campbell, & Glenda Crump

The Employee of the Year is selected by the staff of CMRC. Linda Campbell was recognized as the Employee of the Year. She has worked in Direct Care Services in the Communi-ty Living program and recently trans-ferred to Footprints Adult Day Services.

(L to R) Frank Norman, Tamara Gentry, Darren Townsend, Nancy Hall, Cache Longmire, & Lorraine Walker

Congratulations to Linda & to other 2011 honorees, including Lorraine Walker, Linda Campbell, Marcia Ford, Anthony Merriweather, Darren Townsend, Michael Coleman, Tamara Gentry, Cache Longmire, Megan Sanderson, Nancy Hall, & Frank Norman.

Central Mississippi Residential Center plans Day of Education

As part of a statewide anti-stigma campaign, Central Mississippi Residential Center (CMRC) is sponsoring its first annual Mental Health Day for 8th and 12th graders in Newton, Union, Academy, Conehatta, and Newton County schools.

CMRC and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) is partnering with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to lead a public education effort to counter stigma and bring down barriers that keep people from seeking treatment. This campaign is entitled “What a Difference a Friend Makes.” The campaign is designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness and encourage young adults to support their friends who are living with mental health problems.

CMRC’s Mental Health Day is being sponsored in partnership with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Weems Community Mental Health Center and DMH. The Mental Health Day will be geared toward students in the 8th and 12th because these can be difficult transition years for young adults.

The purpose of this program is to educate students about the myths and facts regarding mental illness and show students that mental illness is a treatable illness. The topic of youth suicide will also be discussed. Students will learn about the warning signs of suicide and how to respond to someone who is suicidal. Students will also learn how to cope with difficulties of moving to high school and college and the importance of helping themselves or friends talk to trusted adults. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in young adults age 10 – 24 in Mississippi.

“In light of these facts, mental health education and prevention must to be at the forefront,” said Debbie Ferguson, CMRC Director. “CMRC and its partners want to make a difference in our communities and that is the reason for this program. Stigma and negative attitudes regarding mental illness prevents individuals from seeking treatment from professionals as well as support from family and friends. We want to do all we can to help dispel the stigma.”