By: Matthew Johnson, Connectional Ministries and Communications Assistant
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and churches have many caring staffers and resources available to address the needs of people in their congregations and communities who struggle with their mental health. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church calls on Methodists to be in ministry for individuals and their families challenged by mental illnesses and disorders. Mental health is often an unseen and overlooked aspect of people’s overall health. Many people visit their doctor annually to address their physical well-being, but neglect to seek treatment for mental stresses and disorders.
The Congregational Recovery Outreach Program, CROP, is a grant funded mental health awareness outreach program available to churches through Hinds Behavioral Health Services, HBHS. The program offers mental health training for church staff and access to mental healthcare and substance abuse services. The program seeks to build pathways within faith-based organizations and provide access to treatment. Director of Marketing/Coordinator of Outreach Marketing, Shona House, describes the goals of the program.
“We partner with churches to train staff to look for the signs of mental illness and also educate on disorders,” said House. “We want to make them aware of programs we have available designed to assist those who are suffering mental disorders and substance abuse issues.”
HBHS also offers a 24-hour mobile crisis team that will come where an individual is in crisis and help get them into care, and support programs for the recently incarcerated. The program is available to churches in Hinds County, but interested churches can check with their county behavioral health services for similar programs.
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Amber Houston, right, shares a laugh with USM freshman Jenisha Ownens, right. |
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