Today, the Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) made the March transfer of $9,942,264 in net proceeds to the Lottery Proceeds Fund in the Mississippi State Treasury. This brings the total amount deposited to the state to more than $37.5 million since launch on November 25, 2019. In accordance with the Alyce G. Clarke Lottery Law, the MLC is required to transfer net proceeds within 20 days following the close of each calendar month. “As we all continue to adjust to this difficult time in Mississippi and the world, the sale of lottery tickets has declined in recent weeks,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “We anticipate the trend will continue in the near future. May and June transfers may also decline, as a result. However, what is most important at this time is that we all remain safe and healthy. In an effort to ensure people remain at home as much as possible, as of April 1, 2020, the MLC has cancelled TV and radio advertising indefinitely.”

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th.  “I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially.  First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing.  “It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves. Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales.  “Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves. The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus.  “No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves. The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi.  “Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves. The text of the executive order is here. The signed, sealed copy will be available on sos.ms.gov later today.

The deadline to submit supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in order to qualify for the HELP Grant, a state-supported student financial aid program, is April 30, 2020. HELP Grant applicants should file the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   Students can get free, virtual assistance with FAFSA completion by contacting the non-profit Get2College at www.get2college.org or  (601) 321-5533. "During this difficult time, it is important for students to stay on track with their plans for college," said Jennifer Rogers, Director of Student Financial Aid. "We don’t want any student to miss out on their dream of going to college, because they missed an application deadline." The HELP Grant pays up to full tuition for students attending Mississippi public colleges and universities.  Students attending a private institution will receive an award amount equal to the award of a student attending the nearest comparable public institution. To qualify for the HELP Grant, students must: • Complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) by March 31 • Apply for the first time within two years of high school graduation • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 • Score a minimum of 20 on the national ACT (or an equivalent score on the SAT) • Take the required IHL College Prep Curriculum in high school • Meet income requirements and be Pell eligible, as determined by completion of the FAFSA, and • Provide supporting documentation by April 30 More information about HELP is available at  www.msfinancialaid.org/help. Due to recommendations from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state aid office staff are working from home.  Applicants should check their MAAPP Dashboard for application updates and notices.  For additional assistance, students may email sfa@mississippi.edu or call toll-free 1 (800) 327-2980. The deadline to complete MAAPP to qualify for MTAG or MESG is September 15. The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th.  “I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially.  First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing.  “It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves. Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales.  “Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves. The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus.  “No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves. The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi.  “Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves. The text of the executive order is here. The signed, sealed copy will be available on sos.ms.gov later today.

Residents of Hinds and Quitman counties and surrounding communities can be tested on Saturday, April 18, for COVID-19 as the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State Department of Health continue efforts to stem virus transmission by setting up one-day, drive-through collection sites. Testing is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Appointment-only collection sites are: Quitman County: Supervalu, 1012 Martin Luther King Drive, Marks Hinds County: Jackson State University’s Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center, 1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson Hundreds of people in Mississippi communities have taken advantage of the UMMC/MSDH drive-through collection sites. Those numbers include 85 people in Olive Branch, 25 in Clarksdale, 55 in Vicksburg, 49 in Greenwood, 61 in Meridian, 110 in Natchez, 57 in Carriere, 33 in Ripley, 59 in Moss Point, 18 in Raleigh, 25 in Eupora, 50 in Clinton, 25 in Tunica, 27 in Fayette and 28 in Houston. As of April 14, there had been 2,207 people tested at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi National Guard are partnering with UMMC and MSDH to coordinate mobile testing sites. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, who feels they should be tested must first go through a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. UMMC and C Spire have partnered to make the screening free to all Mississippians. Mississippians who are screened as being at high risk for having COVID-19 are given an appointment at a testing site to provide a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle. The fastest and easiest way to get screened and tested is with the C Spire Health app. It’s available daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Those using the C Spire Health app will be given an appointment if a medical provider determines their level of risk for COVID-19 is high. They’ll be asked questions about symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. UMMC will contact those tested with their results. Those without smartphones can call (601) 496-7200. Anyone not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call. Anyone determined to be at low risk for infection will receive instructions on social distancing, home isolation and self-care – and told to call back if symptoms worsen. For more information about testing, click here.

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced further efforts to support homeowners and first responders who are being stretched thin during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Governor Reeves is providing mortgage assistance for homeowners and emergency childcare for essential personnel and first responders to help relieve the burden of hardworking Mississippians across our state. You can view the Governor's full remarks here. Mortgage Assistance MHC has reopened the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) to provide short-term mortgage assistance to those who have lost employment or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow MHC to pay monthly mortgage payment assistance. People can submit applications through an online portal here: mshomesaver.com. "I saw firsthand the homes that were lost to the tornadoes this weekend. It breaks my heart. There are more who are at risk of losing their homes to our nation’s economic crisis. We can’t stop the wind from blowing, but we can try to stop more from losing these homes," said Governor Tate Reeves. HHF is a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which first allocated funds to Mississippi in 2010. Mississippi has used the funds to stabilize local housing markets and help families avoid foreclosures. The program targets assistance toward unemployed homeowners or underemployed homeowners and those with homes that are worth less than their value of their mortgages. “MHC is taking action to help families navigate the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our communities. It is our hope that through re-opening the Hardest Hit Fund we are able to help Mississippi families who have been impacted by this national crisis,” said MHC Executive Director Scott Spivey. Emergency Childcare for First Responders Working with the Governor and the state's COVID-19 response, MDHS has joined with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to provide much-needed childcare services for emergency and essential personnel who would otherwise not have access to it because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our essential workers are being asked to do things that others aren’t. They are stepping into the line of fire to provide what we all need to stay safe. We need to do everything that we can to help them. We hope that this expanded access to child care will lighten the load for our essential workers. It won’t make their jobs easy. But we hope that it can make this one highly stressful element easier," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR) is designed to serve as temporary, emergency childcare facilities during this crisis period for families listed as essential workers in Executive Order 1463. These personnel are serving on the frontlines of this pandemic and are unable to isolate at home. In addition to fulfilling the background, health, and safety requirements, potential partners will have access to free-of-charge CCAIR training through the Early Childhood Academy. Upon completing this training, they will be assigned a CCAIR Coach who will guide them through the process of becoming a CCAIR site. “We have emergency and essential personnel risking their health and well-being every day to continue to provide the care and support we need to sustain our daily lives. They should not have the additional burden of finding both care and education for their children," said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. For those who need financial assistance, Emergency Certificates can be applied for. Applications for these certificates will begin one week from today. For more information on CCAIR, as well as what steps that must be taken before being considered for certification as a CCAIR site, you can go to www.mdhs.ms.gov/ccair.

COVID-19 has turned millions of families into homeschoolers who suddenly must decide how to structure learning for their students. Anita Webb, a Mississippi State University Extension agent in Scott County, says parents have a long list of questions about the long-term impacts of missing traditional school, including its impact on graduating seniors, state testing and the length of the academic year. “There are many things over which parents have no control, but there are also many things they can control for their kids,” Webb said. “Many young parents are creating extra art and craft opportunities for their children, and also getting their kids outside more to help with the garden or to go fishing or walking in the woods.” Courtney Crist, an assistant Extension professor of food safety, encourages parents to explore family and consumer sciences skills with a focus on food while at home with their kids. “Cooking and baking are processes that demonstrate the scientific method,” Crist says. “Many common sciences -- such as biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics -- are involved in the process of preparing and cooking foods. Food can be an easy, fun and tasty way to learn some of these principles.” Baking cookies, for example, Crist points out, is an easy process to teach how to experiment. Create a hypothesis for what will happen when using different ingredients, and explore the impact on sensory properties, such as color, aroma, appearance, flavor and texture. Beth Bell, Extension agent in Tallahatchie County, says some structure is a key to keeping students’ lives normal and their education moving forward. She emphasizes the importance of creating a routine, which does not mean a day has to be rigidly scheduled. “Being organized is extremely important when students have lessons and assignments from their teachers that must be downloaded, completed and then uploaded,” Bell says. “It is also important to have a positive attitude no matter how inconvenient the whole situation becomes. Children of all ages respond to the negativity and complaints that they hear the adults in their lives express.” Bell says parents who typically limit their children’s TV time may be tempted to ignore those limits for the sake of sanity or to create a quiet space for them to work from home. “I worry that this new normal will lead to too much TV time, and that is not good regardless of the situation,” she says. “Children’s brains can stall when they get into screen mode, and that is not healthy.” Samantha Laird of West Point has a young son who is missing preschool. She is working from home while trying to keep him engaged and learning. “Encouraging students to read frequently during this period may be helpful,” Laird says. “Being organized makes it easier for parents to keep up with assignments from teachers and help their children follow lesson plans and activities.” Kellie Gartman, a first grade teacher at Sudduth Elementary School in Starkville, is now homeschooling her third-grade daughter. Gartman says parents should focus on reading, quality conversations about material read or viewed, and encouraging imagination. “With young kids, ask how the story made them feel and why, or explain whether or not you’ve ever done something like a character in the story or had something similar happen,” Gartman says. She also encourages parents to be creative with learning opportunities, realizing that learning does not have to come from a book or a screen. “Design and build a fort, design and create a game board to practice math skills, plant some flowers from seeds and then keep a journal with drawings of your observations,” she says. “Visit museums virtually. Many are putting up new material due to quarantine.” EDITOR'S NOTE: Bonnie Coblentz writes for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that schools in Mississippi will remain closed for the rest of the school year to slow the spread of COVID-19. To ensure that Mississippi students' education continues through the remainder of the school year, Governor Reeves is asking every school to submit distance learning plans to mitigate and enhance their learning. He is also asking that educators prepare for summer or early fall learning as an option for make-up school. "I know how hard teachers, students, all staff, and parents have been working during this dangerous time. You have my deep respect and sincere admiration. It has been so encouraging to see the efforts of our education community to protect the people of Mississippi while ensuring learning takes place. I know our education community will do whatever it takes to make sure Mississippi kids don’t fall behind," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor will be issuing an executive order shortly with details for school districts to develop enhanced learning plans for their students and their communities. You can view his full remarkshere.

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he has asked leaders of Mississippi’s business community to chart a course for economic recovery and re-opening Mississippi’s economy. During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi has seen a nearly 9,000% increase in unemployment claims. Small businesses and their employees are struggling to stay afloat. The Governor's Commission for Economic Recovery will look at the impact on every industry, geographical region, and community and help the Governor transform our state's economy under these new conditions through tailored solutions. "We need Mississippians helping Mississippians. I have asked a trusted group of our state's top business minds to do just that. Under the 'Restart Mississippi' umbrella, they are going to develop a series of recommendations and goals for our new economy. They will study the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce and small businesses. And they will help us recover—day by day," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor has asked Joe Sanderson of Sanderson Farms, a longtime business leader in our state, to serve as the chairman of the effort. Joining Joe Sanderson, this commission will be comprised of leaders representing Mississippi’s different regions and industries. Bringing together large economic drivers and small business leaders, this private sector group will develop recommendations for state leaders on economic recovery to help Mississippi businesses and employees navigate our new economy. The commission will study the economic impact of COVID-19 on different industries, communities, and regions with one goal: develop a path forward to Restart Mississippi. The full list of members with biographies can be found atrestartms.ms.

COVID-19 spending bill gives an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis On March 27, the President signed a $2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at providing economic relief to the nation’s families, workers, and businesses. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting, and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis. “President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.” The bill provides $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. This funding will support states, territories, and tribes to provide assistance to child care providers in order to financially support them during the public health crisis. This additional funding can also help support healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers playing critical roles during this crisis. Funds will be released to state, territory, and tribal Child Care and Development Fund programs. “It is crucial that we continue our work in supporting our most vulnerable populations with the services they need to live their daily lives during this unprecedented time,” said ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson. “Providing access to child care for individuals and communities who have been affected by the public health crisis is a priority of the Administration for Children and Families.” With this additional funding, the Administration for Children and Families continues to support services that strengthen and support families, individuals, youth and children to achieve their fullest potential during a public health crisis. Additional information about the Child Care and Development Block Grant specific to this public health crisis can be found on the Office of Child Care website. Quick Facts The CARES Act provides ACF with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting,and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis. The bill provides $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. This additional funding can also help support healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers playing critical roles during this crisis. Quotes “President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care." — HHS Secretary Alex Azar “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.” — HHS Secretary Alex Azar “It is crucial that we continue our work in supporting our most vulnerable populations with the services they need to live their daily lives during this unprecedented time.” — ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson “Providing access to child care for individuals and communities who have been affected by the public health crisis is a priority of the Administration for Children and Families.” — ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson

Urged on by elected officials, emergency management and public health authorities across the state and Federal leadership, including the President, Governor Tate Reeves ordered Mississippi residents to stay at home until at least April 20 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) unless they are essential workers. The Governor's response reflected fears like those raised by Lincoln County Emergency Manager Clifford Galey last month, who voiced concerns that the numbers of those infected by the virus could grow in the area because people aren't taking the spread of the virus seriously enough. "We have to go to the grocery and the doctor and the bank, and have to get something to eat, but it's spreading rapidly and we need to be vigilant," Galey said. He said it's important to follow Mississippi State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on hand washing, social distancing and quarantines, and "not going anywhere that we don't need to go." Yet many Wesson residents were already staying at home and avoiding crowds where they are highly vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus, which can be spread in the air through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and land on the mouths or noses of other nearby people who inhale them into their lungs. Also, local businesses, organizations and institutions had already either halted activities and operations or were experiencing drastic slowdowns. Wesson Attendance Center had closed at least through April 17, in line with an earlier executive order issued by the Governor. The Town of Wesson cancelled its annual Easter celebration. Wesson Chamber of Commerce cancelled the annual Founders' Day festivities in April. The public library shut down. The Wesson Lions Club, American Legion Post and Masonic Lodge cancelled meetings. The Wesson Athletic Foundation indefinitely delayed its spring/ summer baseball/softball season for children and youth. Local churches started reaching parishioners online with Sunday worship and cancelled Bible studies and others activities. Wesson Baptist Church, among other congregations, is planning to hold its Easter service in its parking lot, with members sitting in their cars instead of pews. Under the Governor's executive order, the municipal park is still open for individuals, but not for group activities. Co-Lin, Wesson's largest employer, shifted its academic and adult education courses to the internet and developed a limited access delivery plan for its Career Technical Education programs, closed its daycare center and indefinitely suspended all events hosted by the college or meeting in a college facility, along with travel, golf course operations and high school equivalency testing. The National Junior College Athletic Association shut down its sports activities. The college told residential students not to return to campus following their spring break and to retrieve essential items from their residence halls. Another Time. . .Another Place and Mill Town Spa closed before the Governor's order, and Mill Town Mall closed when he issued his executive order. Local restaurants are now just offering takeout meals. Initially, Porches restaurant closed altogether, but reopened to serve takeouts. Dump's Barbeque and the 51 Diner, which had continued limited inside dining service with fewer customers, are now providing only takeout service under the Governor's executive order. The takeout only ice cream parlor across from the municipal park remains open. Ace Hardware proprietor Tim Sutton said he didn't particularly like benefitting from a pandemic as an essential business, but his customers are apparently working on long-delayed projects while ensconced in their homes to social distance themselves from others. At other retailers considered essential because of their gas and/or food sales, business was off. At the Dollar General and Family Dollar stores, customers are coming in the morning and late afternoon to stock up on food and other necessities, but business is slow during other hours. At convenience stores -- Ashley's 51, Shop 'N Wash, East End -- "business is like a Saturday afternoon -- our worst time," Jared Ashley at Ashley's 51 reported. At the former API building, metal fabricating work continued as an essential business, with Steel Outdoors consumer sales down and Alpha Machine & Welding's industrial sales remaining steady. The Governor's statewide stay-at-home executive encompasses the following guidelines: • Individuals are to stay at home except for limited exceptions -- working for an essential business, going out to buy food, gas, and necessary supplies; buying food and necessities for someone who can't get out of the house; running, walking or exercising alone. • When outside of their homes, people must follow social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others and avoid groups of 10 or more. • Evictions are suspended, although people are still required to pay any rent or make any mortgage payments. • All nonessential businesses are to stop all activities other than those necessary for minimum operations (e.g. payroll, health insurance, security) and enable employees to work from home. • Social and other non-essential gatherings in groups of more than 10 people must be cancelled or rescheduled. • Restaurants and bars may only remain open for drive-thru, curbside, and/ or delivery service. So far, the town has stayed healthy, Dr. Stephen Liverman said. He has been screening possible COVID-19 cases among his local patients by telephone and setting appointments at intervals so his waiting room is not crowded. "I have heard from many people who 'think' they have been infected by the coronavirus, but have not had to refer anyone to be tested so far," he said. Are all the precautions necessary? Yes, Liverman affirmed. The virus can cause a severe lung infection, and the seemingly "draconian" response to stop its spread is warranted.

A federal grant is allowing the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Mississippi State University (MSU) to offer training focused on youth suicide prevention, and crucially making it available online to be accessed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since last year, The Alliance Project training has taught thousands of parents and caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and others in Mississippi on how to identify when a person is in distress, make a connection with that person, and learn how to help them. A special edition of this training, created by MSU Department of Psychology staff, is now available online, allowing access when so many people and professions are practicing social distancing to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. “This training is designed to help you learn how to reach out to those who need help despite our need to keep a distance,” said Rachel-Clair Franklin, LPC-S, with the MSU Department of Psychology.  “We have tailored our normal, in-person training to fit the unique times we are living in.” The training is the result of the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant made available in 2019 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant called for recipients to utilize a gatekeeper training for suicide prevention. Gatekeepers are anyone who can “open the gate” to help another person find support and services.  MSU is acting as a subgrantee to provide The Alliance Project gatekeeper training. “Gatekeepers include family members, friends, acquaintances, partners, members of the community – anyone who can help and support another person,” said Ja’Quila Newsome, Director of Suicide Prevention at DMH.  “We are all gatekeepers and we play an important role in preventing suicide just by recognizing the signs and responding to them immediately.” Common warning signs of suicide include talking, thinking, or writing about suicide, talking about feeling worthless or hopeless, a loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys, or other significant changes in someone’s typical behavior.  In Mississippi, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 years old. The training is now online and available on YouTube on the page of Dr. Michael Nadorff, with the MSU Department of Psychology, and on the DMH Facebook page.  It is titled “The Alliance Project Training: Suicide Prevention During COVID-19.” “During this time, I think so many of us want to know how to help and still stay safe,” Dr. Nadorff said.  “The good news is that research tells us even just small interventions, like checking in with someone and expressing our concern, can have a huge impact.” Dr. Nadorff also noted that even during the current pandemic, a term often used – social distancing – does not really mean that people can’t be social with their friends and families. “Social distancing does not mean we should be disconnected,” he said.  “This is a great time to reach out to your friends and loved ones, particularly those who may be struggling, as they may not reach out to you otherwise.” His colleagues, Dr. Emily Stafford and Rachel-Clair Franklin, LPC-S, said that it is important for people to check on those they love during stressful times, and that it is also okay for people to reach out for help if they are struggling. “The support numbers are still there, and many providers are now providing telehealth,” Franklin said.  “Help is still available.” The Alliance Project training can be found directly at https://youtu.be/pRKecOce7AA. It is also available on the DMH Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dmhmississippi. Help is Available The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990, and you may text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Crisis Text Line can connect someone with a crisis counselor by texting HOME to 741741.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The DMH Helpline will remain staffed at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 1-877-210-8513 for information about services or supports near you. Additional resources for Mississippians are located  www.mentalhealthms.com.  and www.standupms.org.