East Mississippi State Hospital hosted its annual Legislative Luncheon Tuesday to thank lawmakers for their continued support.

    Ed LeGrand, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, said it is a challenge to keep trying to fund all the vital programs that meet the needs of so many people in this part of the state.

    “These are difficult economic times and we have to continually prioritize our needs and those of the general public,” LeGrand said. “Now another challenge comes with the realization there will be 43 new legislators in Jackson. We have to impress upon them the importance of meeting the needs of the people in the state.”

    During the luncheon EMSH Assistant Director Larry McKnight showed legislators, including State Sen. Videt Carmichael, and State Reps. Greg Snowden, Toby Barker and Scott Bounds, completed and ongoing projects.

    “We have torn down some of the old buildings and replaced them with upgrades that will only enhance EMSH,” McKnight said. “The new projects completed, like the new entry gate, and the much needed cafeteria under construction now, are vital to our growth.”

    In addition to the cafeteria construction, a new, modernized laundry building is taking shape. On the horizon will be construction of a mechanical building for housing equipment and two receiving facilities that will have a 60 bed capacity for each.

    East Mississippi State Hospital is the second largest of four state psychiatric hospitals and the third largest employer in the Meridian area. Established in 1882, the facility is licensed for 372 psychiatric beds, 35 chemical dependency beds, 226 nursing home beds and serves more than 100 clients in the Division of Community Services.

    The hospital serves individuals in 31 counties of the state for adult psychiatric and substance abuse treatment and adolescent males for psychiatric treatment. Adolescent males are also treated at EMSH for substance abuse from all 82 counties of the state.

    EMSH has a staff of about 1,150 workers and in recent years the hospital has also averaged around 4,000 volunteer hours per year. Rick Barry, MDMH board member, said the annual economic impact of the facility on Meridian and East Mississippi is about $100 million.

    Rep. Bounds, from Philadelphia, noted since the inception of EMSH, tens of thousands of clients have walked through its doors seeking help.

    “People don’t think of EMSH until the need arises,” Bounds said. “Then they want help, yesterday. To have this facility here is a blessing to those people and it is vital we keep supporting it and the mental health system as a whole.”

     EMSH Director Charles Carlisle said the Legislature’s commitment to the people of East Mississippi has been remarkable considering the economic environment.

    “We really appreciate your support and we wanted to show you we are being good stewards of the confidence you have placed with us,” Carlisle said during the luncheon.

    “This annual event is the Facility’s opportunity to thank state lawmakers for appropriated funds that are now brick and mortar as well as to give an overall view of the services that continue to be offered here at EMSH,” said Susie Broadhead, public relations director of the hospital.