April 22, 2004

By Staff
Best kept secret
The Reginald P. White Number 3 Nursing Facility is the best kept secret in the Meridian area. The staff is compassionate, caring and loving. They treat the residents with respect and dignity. They go the extra mile to be sure not only are their needs met but also, if they have no friends or family, they attempt to provide some of the little extras the resident might
request. This staff goes beyond their job description to help the residents have the best day possible.
In January 2004, this facility was surveyed by the state Board of Licensure and received a 100 percent accreditation for the second consecutive year. Many of the staff works second jobs to provide for their own families' needs. They could go to the private sector and make more money but choose to care for our loved ones. We, as families of the residents in this facility, thank them for all they do for our loved ones.
If it were not against confidentiality, I could name prominent people in the Meridian area who currently have or have had family members in this facility. They have nothing but praise for this facility and the staff.
My mother has been a resident at this facility for approximately one and one-half years. Never once have I had a question that the staff didn't answer or find the answer and get back with me. The staff's cheery personalities show that they enjoy what they do. They provide excellent care for my mother and love her dearly. I couldn't ask for more
Join me in saying thank you to all these hard working, dedicated staff members.
Barbara Odom
Collinsville
TEAAM support
On behalf of TEAAM, Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi, I would like to take this opportunity to publicize the significant need and
importance of funding for the Crisis Intervention Centers in Mississippi. There are three main issues that I would like to bring to the attention of your readers.
1. It is essential to the well being of persons with mental illness to have access to treatment instead of being held in facilities unable to meet their needs, particularly jails. It is believed that many of these individuals with mental illness can be treated in the CIC and returned to the community without an inpatient admission to the state psychiatric hospital. The more quickly a person is treated, as opposed to being held without treatment, the less likely his or her condition will worsen.
2. Construction of the seven community-based crisis centers was authorized in 1999, with $2.4 million allotted to each facility. Only one state crisis center is fully operational right now. Opening of the
remaining centers remains contingent upon the availability of operational funds.
3. Support for the operation of these centers is vast. This was evident by the attendance at the State Capitol on March 30 to rally in support of the seven centers across Mississippi.
Mental Illness is a disability that truly affects everyone. It knows no racial, religious or social boundaries and is a disability that is somewhat underestimated until it affects you personally. Together we can move Mississippi forward in providing appropriate and accessible services for individuals with mental health needs.
I encourage everyone to express support of funding for these Crisis Intervention Centers to your
legislators.
Mark H. Yeager, Ph.D., FAAMR
President, TEAAM
Newton