JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Governor Tate Reeves announced on Thursday that Mississippi is deploying $13,464,444 to support mental health systems for children, youth, and students across the state.
Through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Coronavirus Relief (CDBG‑CV) program, the Mississippi Development Authority has approved targeted funding to expand access to mental health care, increase telehealth capacity, support specialized behavioral health workforce training, and enhance community‑based education efforts across the state.
“Mississippi is putting this funding to work in a way that delivers real help to our children and students,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Through the deployment of these funds, we are expanding access to mental health care, strengthening the behavioral health workforce, and making better use of telehealth so families, schools, and communities can be sure Mississippi’s young people have the help they need when they need it. These investments are an important reminder of our commitment to health care today and to the future of our state.”
The grants are as follows:
CHAMP – Child Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry Program – $3,100,385
Serves vulnerable and low‑income children across Mississippi, especially those impacted by COVID‑19.Funds will be used for UMMC personnel costs, training, and updates to the program’s existing data management system.
MHNP – Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program – $1,406,001
Serves PMHNP students who commit to working in underserved, low‑ to moderate‑income areas of Mississippi.Funds will be used to create 35 tuition‑assistance scholarships to expand enrollment and strengthen the behavioral‑health workforce.
SUD – Substance Use Disorder Telehealth and Education Program – $1,206,690
Serves K–12 schools, primary care clinics, and colleges/universities screening adolescents and young adults for substance use disorders, especially those affected by COVID‑19.Funds will be used to provide education on screening youth for SUD, identifying resources, and facilitating referrals to treatment, including telehealth options.
UNITE – Universities Network of Integrated Telemental Expansion Clinics – $3,465,777
Serves students enrolled at Mississippi’s public universities and UMMC who need free, evidence‑based mental health services.Funds will be used for UMMC personnel, Epic system customization, and social media and marketing to promote clinic services.
MAGNOLIA – Mental Health Workforce Training Program – $2,859,185
Serves trainees in psychology, clinical mental health counseling, and social work who will provide care to children and youth ages 0–24, especially in rural or underserved communities.Funds will be used for UMMC personnel costs and trainee support to expand the behavioral‑health workforce.
MS CEAL – Mississippi Community Engagement Alliance – $1,426,406
Serves youth and young adults among the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and students at Mississippi HBCUs who were disproportionately impacted by COVID‑19.Funds will be used to train community members, health professionals, and school personnel to identify and respond to youth mental‑health distress.