Organization provides resources during Mental Health Awareness Luncheon

Catholic Charities Incorporated of Jackson was in Gulfport today spreading mental health awareness at its annual luncheon.

Through its kinship program, Catholic Charities offered resources and information to seek help when dealing with mental health issues.

Catholic charities says that 430,000 individuals in the state are facing mental health challenges.

When it comes to mental health, Catholic Charities Executive Director Wanda Thomas says she wants to be a part of the healing process. “We want to get rid of the embarrassment that can sometimes be associated with mental health illness. It is an illness and they deserve to receive treatment just as individuals who have medical illnesses.”

Thomas said that last year more than 130,000 individuals did not receive the care that they needed because of the lack of insurance. Catholic Charities offers help for those who need that care.