Statewide Faith and Mental Health Leaders to Convene for 2026 Mississippi Mental Health Faith-Based Summit
Faith leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates from across the state will gather on May 21 for the 2026 Mississippi Mental Health Faith-Based Summit, a one-day event focused on strengthening the connection between faith communities and behavioral health support systems.
Hosted by the Congregational Recovery Outreach Program (CROP), the summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brandon Civic Center. The event is free and open to pastors, ministry leaders, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders.
The summit is designed to address a reality many communities already know but don’t always talk about – churches are often the first place people turn when facing mental health challenges or substance use issues.
“By bringing together experts and faith leaders in one space, the event aims to equip church leaders with practical tools to support mental wellness in their congregants and reduce the stigma and misconceptions that so often surround mental health and addiction disorders,” said Sylvia Turner, CROP Program Director with the Mississippi Public Health Institute.
Faith-based organizations can play a critical role in prevention, intervention, and recovery. Events like this year’s summit can help strengthen partnerships between churches and care providers and ultimately improve access to resources for individuals and families in need.
Now in its third year, the summit reflects a growing statewide effort to align faith communities with mental health resources. Prior years have drawn pastors, clinicians, and community leaders for panel discussions, breakout sessions, and collaborative learning experiences focused on real-world challenges.
The 2026 summit will continue that momentum with a faith-based approach to mental wellness, meeting people where they are, both spiritually and emotionally.
CROP is an initiative of the Mississippi Public Health Institute in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. It works statewide to equip faith-based groups and churches with education, training, and connections to care.
The program’s mission is to help congregations better support individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders through collaboration, best practices, and community engagement.
Event Details
- What: 2026 Mississippi Mental Health Faith-Based Summit
- When: May 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Where: Brandon Civic Center
- Cost: Free, but registration is required
For more information or to register, visit www.msphicrop.org.
