Minutes: The November minutes were approved (no meeting in December).

Housing Report: David announced that a meeting will be held February 13 with Catholic Charities, Neil Edwards, NAMI MS, City of Jackson, etc. to discuss possible application of a HUD housing grant. He stated Catholic Charities has agreed to be the financial partner; they will handle money. He stated the City of Jackson has land available at low prices under a renewal project. It was mentioned that the HUD Lexington project with NAMI Mississippi and Region 6-Life Help will resubmit for this year’s grant money due to technicality in the grant.

Treasury Report: Vice President Ricky Quinn reported that $231.50 was earned by our affiliate at the October Walk. Our balance is $874.50.

DMH Update: Signe Shackelford, who serves as 1 of 3 Coordinators for the Consumer & Family Affairs Division at the DMH, discussed the Peer Review Program. Peer Review involves visiting CMHCs, making comments, and is a good way to get to know the system. All expenses are paid. These reviews are booked through April, but she encouraged those interested to contact her. Ann Jensen also has the schedule and application forms. Signe gave dates for the State Consumer Conference: Central MS-May 29-30 in Meridian, North MS-June 5-6 in Oxford, South MS- June 19-10 in Hattiesburg.

Jackson State University Update: Kira Johnson reported on new mental health events at JSU. She will be speaking later tonight at a sorority for 15 minutes about mental health resources to make students more aware of mental health issues. She also mentioned an upcoming anti-stigma event on March 26 and requested NAMI’s help. In addition, a movie night will be held at JSU Student Union on mental illness to give students an opportunity to dialogue.

Education Update: Ricky announced NAMI MS state conference on April 4 and 5 with speakers, Ron Honberg, Clarence Jordon, Dr. Pat Ainsworth, and Dr. Cyndi Undesser. He is working on the conference flyer to be completed soon. He showed the group the new information prescription-style pad he developed with our affiliate information and asked members to distribute at doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other locations. The group discussed topics for speakers and the possibility of showing a mental illness film at a future meeting.

Legislative Update: Guest speaker, Larry Swearengen, Coordinator of Special Projects for NAMI MS gave an update on the current Medicaid match situation affecting CMHC services. The DMH has asked the Legislature for a Deficit Appropriation of 22 million to cover the Medicaid match for the CMHCs for the remainder of this fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 and for a 22 million Appropriation for next year’s match. The House has passed the Deficit Appropriation 122 to 0. The issue is now in the Senate. The Governor is allowing 10 million in his budget for the match. It could possibly take the rest of the session before it is resolved. The DMH will make decisions on how the appropriated money will be used, what services will be available, etc. Larry gave a sample letter, an explanation, talking points, and addresses for members to write legislators in support of the Medicaid match money. He also discussed some past advocacy efforts.

Next Meeting: February 28. A notice will be sent announcing location of the meeting.