Mississippi State Hospital will host a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication for the new Maximum Security Forensic Services unit on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 1:30 pm.
The newly designed and renovated maximum-security building at Mississippi State Hospital is a major advancement in our mission to provide comprehensive forensic mental health services to all 82 counties in Mississippi. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance our ability to conduct competency evaluations and provide restoration services while delivering high-quality care for individuals with serious mental illness who require maximum security.
Designed with safety, economy, and dignity at its core, this 81-bed building provides a secure and therapeutic environment for both patients and staff, meeting Life Safety Code requirements as well as CMS and Joint Commission standards. Security features include video monitoring, centralized controls, artificial intelligence capabilities, and enhanced flooding control measures, ensuring a safe and resilient setting for treatment.
Beyond patient care, this facility will ease the burden on Mississippi sheriffs, who for too long have had to provide housing and care for forensic patients in county jails. We remain committed to serving all stakeholders—courts, law enforcement, and the broader Mississippi community—as we expand a continuum of care that treats those with the most severe mental illness while keeping our communities safe. This building is a testament to that mission, reinforcing our dedication to both forensic mental health and public safety.
Call the MSH Public Relations office at (601) 351-8018 for more information.
