Section 15-8-90-03-300 - Mississippi Department of Mental HealthState law designates DMH as the agency to coordinate and administer the delivery of public mental health services, alcohol/drug abuse services, and services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities throughout the state, as well as community-based day programs for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. Responsibilities of DMH include:
(a) state-level planning and expansion of all types of mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and substance abuse services,(b) standard-setting and support for community mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities and alcohol/drug abuse programs, (c) state liaison with mental health training and educational institutions,(d) operation of the state's psychiatric facilities, and(e) operation of the state's facilities for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.Regional community mental health centers provide a major component of the state's mental health services. Fourteen (14) centers currently operate in the state's mental health service areas, and most centers have satellite offices in other counties. Each center must meet federal and state program and performance standards. The major objectives of the regional community mental health centers include:
(a) providing accessible services to all citizens with mental and emotional problems;(b) reducing the number of initial admissions to state hospitals; and(c) preventing re-admissions through supportive aftercare services. These centers are a vital element in the plan to provide an integrated system of mental health services to all residents of Mississippi.15 Miss. Code. R. 8-90-03-300