Local organization aims to improve mental health and substance abuse issues in Lafayette County

Communicare provides resources and aid to struggling individuals and families

 

 

Communicare is the community mental health center that serves Calhoun, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tate and Yalobusha counties. With offices in each county, Communicare offers services for adults, children, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Services range from mental health and substance abuse outpatient services to residential mental health crisis and residential substance abuse services.

 

“We work closely with multiple agencies across our six counties, including law enforcement agencies to help meet the needs of individuals with mental illness within our communities,” said Melody Madaris, Assistant Director of Communicare.

 

Communicare consistently adds new programs to help meet the needs of the people in the community. Community training brings awareness to mental health and substance use signs and symptoms as well as where to obtain help if necessary.

 

“If an organization wants training, we will provide it. Communicare has evidence-based training for certifications, but we also frequently train community members and community groups on topics surrounding mental health and substance use disorders,” said Madaris.

 

Each of Communicare’s programs are specifically geared towards groups of people in our communities, including children, young adults and parents. These programs will provide the tools to recognize and overcome mental health and substance abuse issues. The goal is to help families in our community improve their quality of life.

 

Communicare’s Intellectual development disability services assist clients in retaining and improving skills to achieve independence through learning activities and work experiences. With the help of employment and job discovery aid, clients receive support to find jobs and have successful employment through goal setting and career planning.

 

Communicare’s most notable tool for substance abuse aid is Haven House, a residential treatment facility certified by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health that first opened its doors in 1978. Through Haven House, patients can receive medicated assisted treatment, withdrawal management services, intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment and recovery support services.

 

 

“Overdose rates throughout the country are at an all-time high, and Mississippi has not been excluded from that number,” said Madaris.

 

Communicare’s crisis services respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

 

“We offer mental health services to individuals of all ages, no matter their financial situation,” Madaris said.

 

Call 1-866-837-7521 to be connected to Communicare’s mobile crisis team available 24/7 should you experience a mental health crisis.

 

If you are interested in any of Communicare’s services or would like to submit a request for group training, visit communicarems.org.