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Southern Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Training (SMHART). A Research and Service-Focused Initiative Jackson State University College of Public Service/School of Social Work
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Southern Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Training (SMHART) A Research and Service-Focused Initiative Jackson State University College of Public Service/School of Social Work Funded by Health Resources Services Administration’sOffice of Rural Health Policy (2004 -2008)Bureau of Health Professions (2008-2009)
Mission To improve mental health service delivery in rural and urban Mississippi, particularly for African Americans and other under-represented populations in the State. SMHART 2009
Objective 1 To establish a mental health research agenda that promotes investigation of the cultural aspects of help-seeking behavior and culturally competent mental health service delivery using qualitative and quantitative methods. SMHART 2009
Objective 2 To provide training in cultural competence with a particular emphasis on African Americans and other under-represented mental health service consumers to mental health service providers, including grassroots ancillary service providers such as African American religious clerics, teachers, home-based care providers for children and the elderly, and other leaders in the community. SMHART 2009
Objective 3 To provide mental health advocacy at the local, state, and national levels in order to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and shape mental health policy. SMHART 2009
Programmatic Activities • Annual Mental Health Research Conference • Summer Faculty Research Fellowships • Mental Health Counseling Services • Community Advocacy Programs • Disaster Mental Health Service Provision SMHART 2009
Conferences • Mental Health Issues in Rural and Urban Communities • Improving Mental Health: Embracing the Challenge, Fighting the Stigma, Conquering the Fear • Promoting Mental Health: Prospects and Possibilities for Reaching Underserved Communities • The Journey to Emotional Well Being: Health Healing and Recovery SMHART 2009
Selected Research Titles • SMHART has funded 8 research projects to date: • Overcoming Transportation Barriers to Mental Health Services for the Poor Mentally Ill in Jackson, MS • Well Being, Appraisal, and Coping Among African American and Caucasian Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia • Depression and Immunologic Measure Among HIV-Positive Persons SMHART 2009
Advocacy Projects • Funded community advocacy projects that addressed • mental health stigma reduction • youth mental health advocacy • self-esteem building in teenage girls • formation of the Copiah County Youth Mental Health Advocacy Coalition • Co-sponsored with the MS Department of Mental Health the first annual state-wide suicide prevention Conference with over 200 participants • Collaborated in the introduction of House Bill 677 that requires that all school district principals and teachers receive no less than 2 hours training in suicide prevention. SMHART 2009
Hosted community Town Hall Meetings to discuss issues related to stigma reduction and service provision • Received federal funding to provide education, training and services for JSU faculty, staff, students and the surrounding community in the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking on campus. SMHART 2009
Service Provision • Clinical social work services for two years at two locations of the Dr. Arenia C. Mallory Community Health Center, Inc. (Lexington, MS and Canton, MS), and provided some additional services at a third location in Tchula, MS. • Developed a policy and procedures manual for use by clinic staff in the provision of mental health services SMHART 2009
Service Provision cont. • Provides case management and mental health services for children and families referred by the Department of Human Services and the Children’s Advocacy Center. SMHART 2009
SMHART Provides Training In: • Crisis Intervention • Cultural Competence • Effective Advocacy • Stress Management • Suicide Prevention • Domestic Violence SMHART 2009
QUESTIONS? Be SMHART: Mental Health Matters SMHART 2009