PURPOSE:

PURPOSE: To ensure that unauthorized firearms do not enter The Department of Mental Health (DMH) campuses and firearms maintained on DMH campuses are secured. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health operates statewide programs for adults and children with mental illness or emotional disturbance, alcohol/drug problems, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and individuals in need of nursing home care. The programs are owned by the State of Mississippi and under the control of the State Board of Mental Health and DMH. The programs are sensitive places that are not open/accessible to the public without invitation or a specific business purpose. They provide care for vulnerable populations. Individuals in DMH care, their families, and DMH staff have a reasonable expectation that DMH will maintain campuses free of foreseeable harm.