FORREST COUNTY, Miss. — The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office Evaluation Center has been certified as a Designated Mental Health Holding Facility, the sheriff’s office said. The center, sometimes called “The Annex,” is one of only two locations in Mississippi to receive the designation.
The certification allows the center to temporarily house people who are legally required to receive mental health treatment through involuntary commitment while they await placement at a long-term treatment facility, officials said.
While individuals wait for placement, the centers must provide basic care and services, the sheriff’s office said. That includes a place to sleep, food, medical care and access to necessary medications. Medical staff also evaluate a person’s condition to determine whether intensive hospital care is needed or if a less restrictive environment may be appropriate.
Sheriff Charlie Sims said the certification reflects the dedication of the center’s staff and their commitment to providing care to those in crisis. “The certification of the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office Evaluation Center as a Designated Mental Health Holding Facility represents a major step forward for our county and for the state of Mississippi,” Sims said in a statement. “Being one of only two facilities in the state to achieve this designation reflects our commitment to doing this work the right way.”
Officials said staff at the Evaluation Center worked extensively to meet the requirements necessary to achieve the certification.
