Guest Blog: The Psychiatry Outreach Program (POP) Donation 2022

As part of PRMS’ ongoing efforts to support the behavioral healthcare community and to promote the organizations that work towards this mission, we are pleased to share an update on the Psychiatry Outreach Program (POP) at the Jackson Free Clinic in Mississippi. POP was started by members of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association, and PRMS has previously posted two articles, from 2018 and 2021, on the program.

Dr. Sal Dakhlalla, the Chair of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association (MPA) Early Career Psychiatrists Committee, presented a $1,000 check supported by a grant from PRMS to fund the continued work of the mental health division of the Jackson Free Clinic. Dr. Dakhlalla was joined by fellow psychiatrists, Dr. Chasity Torrence and Dr. Dustyn Baker on the morning of Saturday, August 27, for the check presentation.

L-R: Dr. Sal Dakhlalla, Dr. Chasity Torrence, and Dr. Dustyn Baker

The Jackson Free Clinic, is a nonprofit organization run by students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and as stated on its website, offers medical, dental, and psychiatric services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to uninsured patients in the Jackson, MS metropolitan area. In 2016, Chasity Torrence, MD, Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Chaz Richardson, MD, Addiction Psychiatrist at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, co-founded the Psychiatry Outreach Program (POP) in coordination with the medical students of Jackson Free Clinic. As a volunteer, physician-based outreach program, POP services are offered two Saturdays a month at the clinic, as well as via telepsychiatry. The clinic was inspired by Dr. Sheryl Fleisch’s program with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

PRMS is pleased to additionally support the Jackson Health Clinic in its efforts to provide water and support services to those affected by floods in the Jackson area. To contribute to POP’s efforts at the Jackson Free Clinic, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/jackson-free-clinic-wellethon?qid=703172831be5d1fac14dbc941d7d8120.

Students, residents, faculty, and MPA members presenting a donation check to the Jackson Free Clinic.

To learn more about the superior psychiatry-specific insurance program and comprehensive services offered by PRMS, click here.