News Around the State

Reid graduates from DMH Focus Program

Kelly Reid of Pearl River County graduated from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Focus Program on Friday, May 17, at Duncan Gray Center in Canton. DMH’s Accelerated Leadership Development Program “Focus” offers a unique opportunity for employees to hone their skills to greater and higher personal performance and self-awareness. 

Reid is the human resource director at South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis. She has been employed at SMSH since November 2007. Reid is a member of the Human Resources Administration Society of the Mississippi Hospital Association, the South Mississippi Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, and Friends of South Mississippi State Hospital. 

South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis is an acute-care, regional behavioral health program that provides services for adults with mental illness. SMSH serves Lamar, Forrest, Marion, Perry, Greene, Wayne, Jones, Covington, Jefferson Davis, Stone, Pearl River, Harrison, Hancock, George and Jackson counties.

“Focus is one of the most exciting projects our agency has been involved with,” said Ed LeGrand, DMH Executive Director. “This groundbreaking initiative is helping to strengthening our employees and build upon their talents. DMH’s mission is to support a better tomorrow today and this is one of our efforts to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.”

The goal is to help DMH employees reach maximum capacity and to develop “bench strength” for the agency. This experience challenges participates to grow to new heights in both ability and attitude. “Focus” lasts 12-18 months and involves four multi-day retreats.

Terri Posey named Employee of the Quarter at South Mississippi State Hospital

Terri Posey was recently named South Mississippi State Hospital’s first quarter Employee of the Quarter. She began working at SMSH as an active treatment technician in September 2004. 

“Terri is often looked to for guidance and assistance by less experienced staff,” said one of her coworkers. “She teaches teamwork as well as practices what she teaches.”

Posey is a native of Covington County and a graduate of Collins High School. She completed the Pearl River Community College occupational therapy assistance program and worked in that field prior to her employment at SMSH. 

“I enjoy the family atmosphere with co-workers at SMSH, the smiles on our patients’ faces when they get better and the team work,” said Posey.

Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, working in her yard and watching the Golden Girls on television.

 

Reid named HR director at SMSH

Kelly Reid, who has served as Personnel Officer at South Mississippi State Hospital since November 2007, was recently promoted to Human Resources Director.

Reid is a native of Wiggins. She attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State University before beginning her career in human resources at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.

Reid was chosen SMSH Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2010. During the EOQ selection process, she was commended for her communication skills as well as her willingness to help whenever and wherever needed. Reid headed more than one planning committee for the hospital's ten-year anniversary celebration in June 2010 and has also been instrumental in initiating and implementing multiple fund-raisers for Friends of SMSH.

“Kelly is a key asset to the South Mississippi State Hospital Leadership team,” said Clint Ashley, SMSH Director. “She has moved into her new role seamlessly and has the knowledge and skills to take our human resources department to a higher level. She exemplifies all of the SMSH values and is one of the most supportive members of our Friends of SMSH Organization.”

Reid is a member of the Human Resources Administration Society of the Mississippi Hospital Association, the South Mississippi Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, and Friends of South Mississippi State Hospital.

In her spare time, Reid enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening, cooking and traveling.

Christy Youngblood named Employee of the Quarter at South Mississippi State Hospital

Christy Youngblood was recently named South Mississippi State Hospital’s second quarter Employee of the Quarter. She has served as an RN at the Purvis facility since June 2009. 

Youngblood, currently a Lamar County resident, is a graduate of Sebastopol High School in Scott County. She holds an ADN nursing degree from East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss.

Prior to coming to work at SMSH in 2009, Youngblood worked at Sebastopol Clinic, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, and also spent a year as a travel nurse.

“You don’t have to worry if she will get her job done,” Youngblood’s nominator wrote in her recommendation for the Employee of the Quarter honor. “She is willing to help cover shifts and always helps make sure all assignments are complete.”

Away from work, Youngblood enjoys camping with her family and being around the water.

South Mississippi State Hospital employees graduate from State Personnel Board certification programs

South Mississippi State Hospital employees accounted for three of the 89 government employees representing twenty-two Mississippi agencies who recently graduated from the Certified Public Manager® and the Administrative Support Certification Programs offered by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. Colonel J.K. “Hoopy” Stringer, Jr., former Executive Director of the Mississippi State Personnel Board and the Department of Finance and Administration, gave the keynote address at the CPM ceremony. Dr. Clyde Muse, President of Hinds Community College, addressed the ASCP graduates.

Andy Tucker, Fiscal Services Director; Clint Ashley, Director; Arif Kamal, Active Treatment Technician Supervisor

Andy Tucker and Arif Kamal, who have been employed with the Purvis hospital since its opening in 2000, graduated from the CPM Program. Tucker, a Smith County native, is the Fiscal Services Director at SMSH. Kamal, who is originally from Bangladesh, serves as the facility’s Active Treatment Technician Supervisor. Both currently live in Hattiesburg.

The Certified Public Manager® Program combines classroom training and experiential learning to develop leadership and supervisory skills in managers of state agencies. Participants must complete six levels of course work, successfully complete real-world projects, and pass multiple written examinations in order to complete the certification process.

During the same period he was enrolled in the CPM program, Tucker also completed the John C. Stennis Executive Development Institute of Government. SEDI is an intensive educational workshop designed to prepare mid- to upper-level state and local government executives to be more effective leaders. The Stennis Institute is often referred to as Mississippi’s Think Tank.

Angela Chatman, SMSH Human Resources and Risk Management Administrative Assistant, graduated from the ASCP Program. Chatman, a Natchez native, has been with the hospital since October 2005.

The ASCP Program uses the same methodology employed in the CPM program to equip administrative support personnel with the skills needed to serve agencies and clients. Participants must complete three levels of course work, including projects and written examinations, in order to become certified.

State Personnel Board Executive Director Deanne Mosley said, “We are pleased to offer these certification programs to ensure a quality workforce throughout our State. For government to operate efficiently and effectively, it is critical to have a well-trained workforce to serve the citizens of Mississippi.”

Gwen Kelly retires from SMSH

Gwen Kelly recently retired from South Mississippi State Hospital, where she served as human resources director from the facility’s opening in January 2000 until her retirement. SMSH staff honored Kelly with a reception to celebrate her career.

Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi and certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the Professional Human Resource (PHR) Society. Prior to joining SMSH, she served as Director of Human Resources for Puckett Labs.

During her tenure at SMSH, Kelly worked with Clint Ashley to produce a video entitled, "An Interdisciplinary Approach to Patient Safety.” The video, which was a project for the State Personnel Board’s Certified Professional Manager Program, was used to train new employees at SMSH. The project was awarded the distinction of Model Project for their class and later received the George Askew Award.

South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis is an acute-care, regional psychiatric facility that provides services for adults with mental illness. SMSH serves Lamar, Forrest, Marion, Perry, Greene, Wayne, Jones, Covington, Jefferson Davis, Stone, Pearl River, George, Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties.

“There are great people at SMSH,” said Kelly. “and that is what makes the hospital what it is.”

South Mississippi State Hospital Names Jeremy Mowell Employee of the Quarter

Jeremy Mowell was recently named South Mississippi State Hospital’s first quarter Employee of the Quarter. Mowell has served as an active treatment technician at the Purvis facility since June 2010. 

As an ATT, Mowell’s responsibilities include continually monitoring patient care, leading or observing patient education groups, documenting patient activity throughout the day, observing and assisting with recreation therapy, among other duties.

Mowell, currently a Lamar County resident, is a native of Rock Island, Illinois. He moved to Mississippi when he was 17 and graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1999. Mowell attended Pearl River Community College, certifying as a nursing assistant in 2008, and in 2009, he became certified in surgical technology.

“Jeremy acts in a professional manner; treats others respectfully and carries himself well,” his nominator wrote in the recommendation of Mowell for the Employee of the Quarter honor. “He treats patients with respect and presents himself in a calm, caring manner.”

Before coming to work at the State hospital in Purvis, Mowell worked at Hattiesburg Health and Rehab as a CNA on that facility’s Alzheimer’s unit.

“The patients and the staff here at SMSH truly are one team,” Mowell said. “It is so exciting and fulfilling helping others make a difference in their lives.”

Away from work, Mowell enjoys spending time with his wife, Ana, family, and his dogs, Roxee and Boudreaux, as well as trying new foods. He hopes to further his education in medical coding or in nursing and would also like to buy a house.

“SMSH is unique in the fact that we go above and beyond for our patients,” said Mowell. “I greatly appreciate being a part of the team at SMSH.”

Friends of South Mississippi State Hospital Holds Annual Meeting

During the recent annual meeting of Friends of South Mississippi State Hospital, Brown Ray, psychiatric nurse practitioner at the Purvis facility, was named Employee of the Year. Selected from employees of each quarter, the honor was voted on by employees based on adherence to the hospital’s values system.

Brown was selected for the honor based on his professionalism and ability to establish rapport with patients and fellow staff members. He is respected for his ability to maintain composure while remaining compassionate. He is always willing to help wherever needed; values the opinions of others and has an approachable manner.

Friends of SMSH is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting an understanding of mental health and the needs of individuals with mental illness, improving the quality of life for patients and providing recognition and support for hospital employees. The Friends group does this by advocating for the hospital in the community, meeting needs of the patients and providing activities for both the patients and the staff.

Clint Ashley and Dr. Martha Saunders

Dr. Martha Saunders, president of the University of Southern Mississippi, was the keynote speaker at the meeting.

Clint Ashley and John Blanks

The organization elected new officers and board members during the meeting. Incoming president is John Blanks, a long-time community volunteer at the hospital. Debbie Sinopoli of Debbie Sinopoli and Associates Real Estate will serve as vice-president. Donna Simmons and Andy Tucker, the hospital’s public relations director and fiscal services director, who are ex-officio officers, will serve as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Debbie Thorn, assistant vice president at Community Bank, will fill the slot of immediate past president. 

Other board members include: Mark Barham (Mississippi Power Company), Joe Bounds (Lamar County Board of Supervisors), Marvin Breazeale (community volunteer), Bill Coll (community volunteer), Suzanne Cox (SMSH 2010 Employee of the Year), Joey Fillingane (State Senator and attorney at law), Missy Gipson (Hancock Bank), Dr. Heath Grames (University of Southern Mississippi), Greg Lowery (Owens Business Machines), Jeff Mayo (Oak Grove Heating & Air), Harold Myatt (community volunteer), Brown Ray (SMSH 2011 Employee of the Year), Wynona Winfield (community volunteer and former SMSH director), and Dr. Becky Woodrick (University of Southern Mississippi).

Hospital volunteers and Friends of SMSH corporate sponsors were also recognized. The meeting closed with a reception in the hospital’s multi-purpose room.

South Mississippi State Hospital adds new doctor to staff

South Mississippi State Hospital recently announced that J. Allen Harris, MD, has joined the facility’s staff as Clinical Director. 

“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Harris on staff at SMSH,” said Clint Ashley, hospital director. “He has much to share with our staff and our patients – experience, compassion and a desire to give back.”

Harris, a Fort Worth native, attended University of Texas at Arlington but was accepted into medical school prior to completing his course of study in premed biology. He earned his doctorate of medicine in 1983 from University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio.  Harris’ post-graduate training included an internship and residency in internal medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center Teaching Hospitals, San Antonio.

After practicing in Longview,Texas, Harris returned to school for psychiatric training at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. Because of his sensitive temperament and need for closeness, Harris said he should have been in psychiatry all along. 

“I feel blessed to be in this field,” he said. “It provides an opportunity to help hurting patients. It is fascinating, personally fulfilling and never gets old.”

Harris describes himself as a teacher and looks forward to working with medical students from William Carey’s new osteopathic medicine program when they come to SMSH for psychiatric rotations. 
“It is refreshing to work with patients who are often forgotten and get the leftovers,” said Harris. “They deserve the best in our profession.”

Harris and his wife have five children and three grandchildren. He enjoys golf, making Doc’s Texas BARBQ (from his father’s secret recipe), and exercise and is a huge Dallas Mavericks fan.  

 

South Mississippi State Hospital staff complete state management program

Two South Mississippi State Hospital staff members recently completed the Mississippi State Personnel Board’s Certified Supervisory Management Program.  Andy Tucker, SMSH Fiscal Services Director, and Arif Kamal, SMSH Active Treatment Technician Supervisor, both of Hattiesburg, completed the first half of the State Personnel Board’s Certified Public Manager Program.  Completion of the first half of the program earns participants a CSM designation. They are now eligible to apply for second level -- the CPM Program, from which Tucker says he plans to graduate in June 2012.

Candidates for the Mississippi CPM Program must be employed by or with a Mississippi governmental organization and should be in a supervisory or managerial position.  The CPM Program is built on the philosophy that the study of management can impact certain skills, attitudes and behaviors that characterize successful management.  The program combines state-of-the-art theory with practical training.  The designation as a “Certified Public Manager” is viewed as a professional credential involving study, practice, application and testing. The CPM Program requires completion of six levels of one-week courses, two outside readings, professional development electives, selected required electives, three job-related projects, examinations on core courses and an executive seminar.  

Tucker holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Mississippi State University.  He has completed the Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s Basic Supervisory Course and FOCUS Program.  Both the CSM/CPM program and FOCUS are advanced DMH management training initiatives. Tucker served as Purchasing Director at the hospital from January 2000, prior to the facility’s opening in May of that year, until he was promoted to his current position as Fiscal Services Director in September 2010.

“I have enjoyed meeting people from other agencies and learning more about how state government works,” said Tucker. “Some of the classes are really interesting.”

Kamal is a native of Bangladesh in southeast Asia. He came to the University of Southern Mississippi in Fall 1997 and received a Master of Public Health degree in Fall 1999.  He has been employed by SMSH since May 2000, prior to the hospital receiving its first patient.  Kamal also graduated from the John C. Stennis State Executive Development Institute of Government in May 2008. 

“Working together as a team, using a decision-making model and open communication were the most valued and applicable skills I learned during CPM Levels I-III,” said Kamal.

The CPM Program has received favorable attention nationwide as a training system that measures, as well as develops, professional competency in the field of public management. By increasing the productivity, effectiveness and efficiency of state employees, CPM helps enhance the overall quality and image of state government operations. The Mississippi CPM Program is a member of the National CPM Consortium and is administered under the authority of the Mississippi State Personnel Board.