May is Mental Health Month. In celebration of it, several agencies will partner to host a panel discussion event Thursday, May 28 in Columbus.

“Every Mind Matters: Ask the Doctors” includes a complimentary dinner at 5:15 p.m., followed by the panel at 6 p.m., at the Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle Outpatient Pavilion at 2520 Fifth St. N. Community members are invited to ask professionals in the field questions regarding mental health and behavioral issues.

The event is presented by Community Counseling Services, The Pines & Cady Hill Recovery Center, Baptist Behavioral Health Care-Golden Triangle and the Diamond Grove Center.

A state and nationwide shortage of psychiatrists has led some facilities, especially those in more rural areas, to close their doors or cut services. Residents in this area, however, are fortunate, said Martha Allen of The Pines & Cady Hill Center.

“We talk so much about how great it is to live in the Golden Triangle because of the opportunities for employment, and eduation at places like Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi State University and East Mississippi Community College,” said Allen. “But we don’t discuss how great it is that we have access to quality and affordable mental health services. … Someone here doesn’t have to live with a mental illness; they can thrive and have a full and active life because they have this available.”

Participants are encouraged to interact with panel members Thursday.

“You might want to know how to help deal with a child’s behavior issues, how to support a family member addicted to drugs or how to get help for someone suffering from anxiety or depression,” Allen said. “There are so many questions that can be asked.”

For more information, email Allen at [email protected] or call 662-328-9225.

Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.