HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) — A mental health support program has launched in Hinds County congregations to expand support for black communities.

The Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI) and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) are partnering with congregations to implement the Congressional Recovery Outreach Program (CROP).

The objectives of CROP are:

• To educate Congress about treatment, recovery, and wellness in all its forms.
• Improve Congress’s ability to facilitate linkage to care and offer recovery supports using proven best practices.
• Participate in program promotion and quality improvement activities throughout the project.

CROP aims to support the recovery of people living with substance use disorders and mental illness. CROP coordinators will work with congregational leaders to refer people to Hinds behavioral health services.

Jackson Revival Church, New Horizon Church International and Pearl Street AME will be hosting Facebook Lives on their respective pages on Wednesday, March 2 to answer questions about the program. The virtual kickoff will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.