JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Staffing shortages at state-run mental health facilities seem to be at the root of a fight between Disability Rights Mississippi and The Mississippi Department of Mental Health, who are headed to court after the mental health agency withheld requested records.
“We’ve seen some of these isolated incidents with some anonymous tip and so in requesting these records we can just get a better picture of what’s going on in these facilities that we can’t be in 24/7,” said Jane Walton, Communications Director, Disability Rights Mississippi.
The group said they requested records from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health to get a better understanding of how the staffing shortages may be impacting individuals inside state run facilities, but the Department blocked the effort.
The two agencies will go to court to discuss the release of the records.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health released the following statement:
DMH is committed to the safety and security of the patients and clients served at our programs. DMH already reports incidents to the Attorney General’s Office and to the Mississippi State Department of Health. Unfortunately, since this matter is in active litigation, we are unable to provide specific information, and I would refer you to the Attorney General’s Office, which is representing the agency.
Mississippi Department of Mental Health