About

Mental health crises are increasing in communities everywhere, placing unprecedented pressure on law enforcement, healthcare systems, and families. Addressing these challenges requires more than just resources—it demands understanding, collaboration, and a shared commitment to care.

  • People with mental illness
  • Families and caregivers
  • Youth and young adults
  • Law Enforcement
  • Mental health care providers
  • Service members, veterans, and their families
  • Underserved and marginalized communities
  • Communities of faith
  • Nonprofit and community leaders
  • Executives and administrators
  • Local, state, and federal policymakers

2025 marks a historic milestone in Mississippi for the first-ever joint state-wide conference. Themed “Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Teams,” this groundbreaking event aims to transform how mental health crises are handled in our communities. A platform where hundreds of dynamic and influential voices come together to enhance mental health for all through awareness, education, and advocacy. This space celebrates personal journeys, cultivates positive change, and fosters new connections that promote support, hope, and healing.

Who We Are

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
  • Hope: We believe in the possibility of recovery, wellness and the potential in all of us.
  • Inclusion: We embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
  • Empowerment: We promote confidence, self-efficacy and service to our mission.
  • Compassion: We practice respect, kindness and empathy.
  • Fairness: We fight for equity and justice.
  • Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) are vital during moments of crisis, uniting 988 Lifeline centers, law enforcement officers, community mental health centers, primary health providers, and behavioral health professionals to respond with compassion, safety, and care. These partnerships save lives, reduce stigma, and connect people in crisis to the support they need.
why attend

Your Presence Matters

As communities evolve and the challenges of mental health crises grow more complex, the need for expanded resources, training, and collaboration has never been greater. Your voice, your insights, and your commitment are essential to advancing this transformative work. Let’s build bridges, not barriers.

A future where every person affected by mental illness has access to a community that truly cares — this vision isn’t possible without community. Together, we can turn awareness into action and build a future where mental health is a priority for all.

Registration

General admission includes 2-day registration, lunch on Thursday, May 1, 2025, swag bag, mobile access, reception.  

Download Form

Cancellation Policy: Registration can only be transferred to another individual.


Need a w-9 or invoice? Questions? stateconference@namims.org

Continuing Education Hours

  • 9.0 Social Work (General and Cultural Diversity)
  • 9.0 Department of Mental Health - MH, AT, IDD, LA, CSS, CPSSP
  • .9 Teacher CEUs
  • 4.0 Telecommunicators
  • Law Enforcement approved for 12 in-service training hours by BLEOST.

Our Sponsors

Diamond

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Copper

Contributor

Exhibitors 

Sponsorship Packages

Your partnership will make a lasting impact on the future of mental health and harm reduction in Mississippi. Each sponsorship tier comes with unique benefits designed to offer visibility and engagement before, during, and after the conference. When you choose the Diamond or Platinum level, your investment not only supports the “Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Teams” conference but also extends to a community “Mental Health For All” event in October.

Diamond

$10,000

Premier logo placement on all promotional materials, event signage, and website

Recognition on all communications and during plenary session

Premier exhibitor table

Promotional items in attendee registration packages

5 complimentary registrations

Platinum

$7,500

Logo placement on all promotional materials, event signage, and website

Recognition on all communications and during plenary session

Exhibitor table

Promotional items in attendee registration packages

3 complimentary registrations

Gold

$5,000

Logo placement on all promotional materials, event signage, and website

Recognition on all communications

Exhibitor table

Promotional items in attendee registration packages

2 complimentary registrations

Silver

$2,500

Logo placement on all promotional materials, event signage, and website

Recognition on all communications

Exhibitor table

2 complimentary registrations

Bronze

$1,000

Logo placement on event signage and website

Recognition on communications

Exhibitor table

1 complimentary registration

Copper

$500

Logo placement on event signage and website

Recognition on communications

Exhibitor table

Contributor

$300

Logo placement on event signage and website

Recognition on social and conference program

Exhibitor table

Not sure if all the benefits are necessary? No worries, help us enhance our conference experience!

Registration

$5,000

A seamless on-site badge printing station where signage can be displayed and logo will be featured on all attendee name badges.

Tent Reception

$5,000

Exclusive sponsorship of the tent reception, featuring signage placement and recognition.

Speaker

$2,500

| Supports the research and development of a speaker’s presentation and travel expenses.

Recognition and signage as the official sponsor of the presentation

Logo placement on all materials related to the sponsored session

1 complimentary registration for the conference

Opportunity to provide promotional items for session attendees.

Attendee Registration

$175 per attendee

Recognition on social

Media

In-Kind | Provide news coverage or professional recording services

Logo placement on all communications, event signage, and website

Recognition during plenary session

Exhibitor Registration

Press Release


NAMI AND CIT BRIDGING THE GAP: 2025 STATE CONFERENCE

Hattiesburg, MS — Mental health crises are increasing in communities everywhere, placing unprecedented pressure on law enforcement, healthcare systems, and families. 2025 marks a historic milestone in Mississippi as mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and community leaders from across the state come together for the first-ever joint state-wide conference focused on advancing Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs). Themed “Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Teams,” this groundbreaking event aims to transform how mental health crises are handled in our communities. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness works to raise awareness, provide support, and education that was not previously available to those in need and Crisis Intervention Teams, are formed through partnerships between law enforcement officers, community mental health centers (CMHCs), primary health providers, and other behavioral health professionals. 

As communities evolve and the challenges of mental health crises grow more complex, the need for expanded resources, training, and collaboration has never been greater. This state-wide conference will serve as a vehicle for advancing CITs, and we can ensure that the Crisis Intervention Teams of tomorrow are equipped to provide the care and support that our communities so urgently need.

We envision a world where all people affected by mental illness can lead healthy, fulfilling lives, supported by a community that cares—and we believe this conference will be a crucial step toward making that vision a reality.

As a leader in our community, your involvement in this conference is not only an opportunity to showcase your organization’s commitment to mental health and public safety, but also a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us in advancing the future of mental health and crisis response. Together, we can bridge the gap and create a brighter, healthier future for all.

Lodging

Check-In: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Check-Out: Friday, May 02, 2025


TownePlace Suites

235 Thornhill Drive Hattiesburg, MS

  • King Suite: $119/nightly  
  • Queen Suite: $129/nightly 
  • Deadline: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Home2Suites

116 Plaza Drive Hattiesburg, MS

  • King Studio Suite: $169/nightly 
  • Deadline: April 9, 2025

Doubletree by Hilton

10 Gateway Drive Hattiesburg, MS

  • King Suite:  $126/nightly 
  • Queen Suite: $126/nightly 
  • Deadline: March 30, 2025

Awards


The MS CIT Association will host the 1st Annual CIT Association Awards Luncheon. During the luncheon, we will recognize those who have displayed exemplary qualities of CIT. If you have any questions about the award categories or process, please contact Jerry “Sam” Riley, Awards Committee Chairman at 662-871-5539 or jerry.riley@dmh.ms.gov

  • Outstanding CIT Officer
  • Healthcare Provider
  • CIT Champion
  • CIT Peer Advocate
  • Law Enforcement Executive
  • CIT Corrections Officer
  • Outstanding Crisis Telecommunicator
  • CIT Coordinator