04/04/2025
Wynter Ward, LPC, Director of Crisis Services at Weems, will be the featured speaker for a lunch and learn on April 8th. RSVP by Friday, April 4th to Beverly Knox at 601-483-2661.
Addressing Mental Health Crises: CHIN Hosts Crisis Intervention Lunch & Learn April 8
Mental health emergencies like suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, self-harm, and domestic violence are increasingly affecting communities across the nation — and the Meridian area is no exception.
The Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN), in partnership with The Montgomery Institute, will present a vital Lunch & Learn on Crisis Intervention, taking place on Tuesday, April 8, at Noon at NorthPark Church, 7770 Highway 39 North.
The featured speaker will be Wynter Ward, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Weems Community Mental Health. Ward will share insights about the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a proven, community-based model that improves how police and mental health services respond to individuals in crisis.
Latasha Barron, Public Relations Coordinator for Weems Mental Health, explains, “CIT is a successful partnership involving law enforcement, mental health professionals, and people experiencing mental illness. It brings compassion and professionalism to situations that require understanding, not just enforcement.”
CHIN President Beverly Knox adds, “We’re fortunate to have a Crisis Intervention Team here to help us address mental health emergencies with the care and support our community members need. This Lunch & Learn is a great opportunity to understand what CIT is and how it can save lives.”
This event is open to the general public, but RSVP is required by Friday, April 4. To reserve your spot, please contact Beverly Knox at 601-483-2661.
About CHIN
The Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN) is dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and quality in Lauderdale County and surrounding rural communities.
Founded in 2016 and now operating under The Montgomery Institute, CHIN leads collaborative efforts between hospitals, providers, and organizations to respond to pressing health challenges.
CHIN’s network includes partners such as Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, Alliance Health Center, City of Meridian, East Central Healthnet, Greater Meridian Health Clinic, Mississippi State Department of Health, Meridian Community College, Mississippi State University-Meridian, Ochsner Rush Health, The Free Clinic of Meridian, and Weems Community Mental Health, among others.
