JACKSON— Gov. Tate Reeves has appointed Dr. John Mitchell, chief medical officer of TrueCare, to the State Board of Mental Health, a key advisory body overseeing the state’s public mental health system.
The State Board of Mental Health provides policy guidance and oversight for Mississippi’s public mental health services, including community mental health centers and state-operated programs. Board members play a critical role in shaping access, quality, and outcomes for individuals and families across the state.
Mitchell brings decades of clinical and leadership experience to the board, with a career focused on improving health outcomes for underserved and vulnerable populations. As chief medical officer at TrueCare, he oversees clinical strategy and quality initiatives for the nonprofit, provider-sponsored health plan serving Mississippians enrolled in MississippiCAN and CHIP.
Wendy Bailey, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, said Mitchell’s experience and commitment to whole-person care make him a strong addition to the board.
“Dr. Mitchell is exactly the kind of person you hope to see appointed to a position like a seat on the Board of Mental Health,” Bailey said. “He’s experienced, knowledgeable, and above all, cares about the service Mississippians receive. We have always tried to emphasize that our mental health is just one aspect of our overall health and wellness, and Dr. Mitchell truly understands that sentiment.”
Mitchell noted that the timing of the appointment is especially significant as Mississippi, like the rest of the nation, faces growing mental health challenges.
“The appointment to any statewide board is a great honor, as it gives one the opportunity to make a positive impact,” Mitchell said. “As a family physician, I have always believed in a holistic approach to care. Physical and mental health are inseparable, and both must be addressed to achieve true well-being.”
TrueCare CEO Ashly Thompson said Mitchell’s perspective will be an asset to the board and to the state. “Dr. Mitchell’s appointment is a tremendous honor and a testament to his lifelong commitment to improving the health and well-being of Mississippians,” Thompson said. “His belief in patient-centered, whole-person care aligns closely with the mission of the State Board of Mental Health and with the work we do every day at TrueCare.”
TrueCare, licensed in Mississippi as Mississippi True, is the state’s Medicaid health plan operated by Mississippi True, a nonprofit corporation and provider-sponsored health plan. Owned by nearly 60 Mississippi hospitals and health systems, TrueCare aims to transform the health and well-being of Mississippi communities. TrueCare is headquartered in Ridgeland.