Mississippi allocates $3.4 million for youth mental health programs
Jackson, Miss. — Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that Mississippi is allocating $3,375,709 to support mental health services for children, adolescents, and young adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds come through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Coronavirus Relief program, administered by the Mississippi Development Authority.
The funding will modernize treatment environments and fund new programs focused on long-term recovery. Reeves emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting vulnerable youth, saying, “These grants demonstrate our commitment to the health and future of Mississippi’s children. We have a responsibility to make sure our most vulnerable young people have access to the support they need to overcome the challenges they face, whether that’s a safe place to heal or the tools to build a future.”
The investments, managed through Mississippi’s Mental Healthcare Services Program, will benefit Methodist Children’s Homes of Mississippi. They aim to expand services for those aged 24 and younger, with a focus on underserved communities and low-to-moderate-income individuals.
Gretchen Cook, CEO of Methodist Children’s Homes, said the funding positions Mississippi as a leader in trauma-informed care. She added, “It allows us to translate what we know about the impact of trauma on a child’s development into meaningful change in how we care for children. We are deeply grateful to Governor Reeves and the Mississippi Development Authority for investing in Mississippi’s children and helping us create new pathways to hope and healing.”
Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, highlighted the importance of support systems. “These projects will expand access to specialized care while creating environments that promote healing, stability and long-term success,” he said.
The grants include $824,122 for refurnishing a mental health clinic serving adolescents in foster care, $988,873 to modernize six residential treatment facilities, $988,488 for a healing arts program, and $574,226 for a trauma-informed transitional living program for youth and young adults. The latter will establish a new facility and life skills center to support ongoing mental health treatment and workforce development.
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