We appreciate Governor Tate Reeves for recognizing the importance of mental health during his June 12 press conference. This country is on edge, he said. We have to recognize that and be prepared to deal with it. We cannot pretend that everyone is OK. We have to address the depression, anxiety and fear that are plaguing us.At the same press conference, Wendy Bailey, Administrative Services Deputy Executive Director at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, shared resources to support mental health, including Mental Health Mississippi, a website with a range of mental health services and supports. Ms. Bailey also stated that Mississippi calls to the National Suicide Prevention hotline have increased by 20% since the onset of COVID. Next week, Mississippians have a tremendous opportunity to learn ways to address the mental health impact of COVID and its associated risks of suicide.The National Council for Behavioral Health, one of the nation's largest and most active behavioral health associations, is hosting Hill Day at Home next Tuesday and Wednesday, June 23 and 24, and Hill Day's focus is COVID, including effective national polices and strategies to decrease suicide. This event is usually only open to those who can travel to Washington, D.C., but is free and virtual this year. We encourage all of you to attend. You can check out the agenda here and register at this link. Our executive director Joy Hogge is serving as Mississippis Hill Day state captain for the third time and is happy to answer questions or provide more information. You can email her at [email protected].