Stand Up, Mississippi

11/28/2025

The holidays can be difficult when someone you love is struggling. If you're worried about a family member or friend dealing with opioid dependency, starting the conversation may be the first step toward healing.

Help is available, and recovery is possible. can connect you to resources, treatment options, and support for you or your loved one.

This Thanksgiving, give the gift of compassion. Start the conversation.

Find help now at standupms.org

11/25/2025

Managing pain can be overwhelming, but you deserve care that feels safe, respectful, and effective.

If you’re unsure about your treatment options, asking questions— including non-opioid treatments—can help you make the choice that’s right for you.

Your health matters, and your provider should be open to that conversation.

You don’t have to navigate pain care alone. 💙

Learn more at standupms.org

11/24/2025

COMPASSION BREAKS STIGMA. UNDERSTANDING SAVES LIVES.

Opioid misuse is not a moral failing—it's a medical condition that can affect anyone. Every person navigating opioid use disorder deserves care, dignity, and hope.

Recovery is possible. And when we choose compassion over judgment, we help make that recovery more accessible.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. We are 🫱🏻🫲🏽

Find resources at standupms.org

11/21/2025

THE FACTS ARE SOBERING. THE ACTION IS OURS.

In 2020, opioid overdoses reached record highs across Mississippi and the nation.

📊 Opioids killed an estimated 93,000 Americans in 2020—a nearly 20,000 increase from the year before.

📊 In Mississippi, there were enough opioid dosage units dispensed in 2020 for every person in our state to have 42.

📊 Opioid overdose deaths in Mississippi hit a record-breaking high in 2020, with 62% involving synthetic opioids.

When we learn the signs, check in on loved ones, and dispose of unused medications safely, we help protect our communities.

Together, we can turn these numbers around. Visit standupms.org for resources, stories of hope, and support for recovery.

11/20/2025

👋🏼 Looking for safer pain management options?

Stand Up, Mississippi is here to help you explore solutions that work for you.

Talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives such as:

✅ Corticosteroids (like prednisone) – Effective for pain and inflammation when prescribed by your doctor, without the risk of addiction.

✅ NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) – Over-the-counter options that are safe, non-habit forming, and effective for acute pain.

✅ Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Great for headaches and easier on the stomach, with no addiction risk.

You deserve care that supports your health and your healing.

Learn more at standupms.org

11/19/2025

"It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I realized I didn't want to live like that," says Skie O.

What began with prescribed pain medication for childhood surgeries grew into a years-long struggle with opioid use disorder. By 17, Skie found himself in a cycle of dependence and shame that pushed away even the people who cared most.

After an overdose and a devastating relapse, Mississippi's state opioid grant became the lifeline he needed when he had no insurance. "That's really what saved my life," he says. Now over a year into recovery, Skie is rebuilding his relationship with his daughter and serving as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, using his journey to bring hope to others. R

Read more or share your own at standupms.org.

11/14/2025

We can by sharing the information and resources our neighbors and communities need to combat the deadly opioid crisis.

We have several educational presentations for schools, faith-based institutions, community organizations, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies about the dangers of opioid use disorder and how we can in our collective efforts to create a healthier state.

You can request a presentation for your organization at https://standupms.org/request-a-presentation/.

11/13/2025

“Being in recovery has been the hardest five years of my life. But it has been the best five years of my life.”

Ari Bryant has walked the long road to recovery, which included having to sign over the rights to her children due to her struggle with substance use disorder. Now, as a teacher's assistant, she teaches her students—and her own children—the power of never giving up.

You can read more or share your own story of recovery at standupms.org.

11/13/2025

👋🏼 Stand Up, Mississippi is a statewide initiative to put an end to the opioid crisis in our state and inspire all Mississippians to create a stronger and healthier future. We are Brave. Bold. Better Together.

Ready to stand up, speak out, or get support? Visit our standupms.org to:

✉️ Send us a message to request a training or get resources
💬 Share your personal story of recovery or a statement of hope
📺 Watch one of the powerful stories of hope from Mississippians across the state

If you or someone you know needs help, you can find a treatment center near you or call The Department of Mental Health Hotline at 1.877.210.8513.

06/02/2025

Stay informed with the latest news, initiatives, and updates from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Each issue highlights the important work happening across our agency and within the mental health community. Click below to read the latest edition and see what’s happening at DMH.

View the Mississippi Profile: May 2025 Newsletter here -

In this episode of Real Hope, we focus on Children and Youth Services — exploring the resources, programs and people dedicated to helping young Mississippians grow up healthy and hopeful. From early intervention to crisis services, Real Hope shares how DMH and its partners work to create brighter...

10/31/2024

This Halloween, keep the treats safe! Be vigilant of brightly colored fentanyl pills that can easily be mistaken for candy. Educate your kids/teens and check their treats—safety first! 🍬👻

10/28/2024

Breaking the stigma surrounding opioid misuse can save lives. Understanding that opioid use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing, is the first step in supporting those in need. Let’s as a community to help create a supportive environment for recovery!

Learn more about how you can support a loved one: StandUpMS.org/communities/.