Friends of MSH Celebrates Service, Partnership at Annual Meeting
The Friends of Mississippi State Hospital celebrated decades of service, recognized valued community partners and looked ahead toward another year of supporting patients and residents during its 2026 Annual Meeting.
The meeting brought together Friends members, hospital leaders, volunteers and community partners for an afternoon that highlighted the impact the organization and its supporters continue to make across the Mississippi State Hospital campus. Friends President Amy Walker welcomed those in attendance and later expressed appreciation to those who continue to support the organization. “Thank you so much for your attendance today and your support of the Friends organization,” Walker said.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Friends of MSH annual awards by Mississippi State Hospital Director Amy N. Carruth. This year’s honorees represented both longstanding volunteer relationships and an important community partnership. “It is an honor to be here today as we recognize three very special groups whose generosity and dedication have made a meaningful difference at Mississippi State Hospital through the Friends organization,” Carruth said. “Each of these groups has touched the lives of our patients and residents in a special way by generously sharing their time, talents, and resources.”
The Nancy B. Foreman Award was presented to St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, which has maintained a relationship with Mississippi State Hospital for 55 years. The congregation’s ministry began at Jaquith Nursing Home and, for the past 27 years, has focused on patients in the Female Substance Recovery program in Building 81. Their visits have included meals, Christmas celebrations, personal care items, music, encouragement and opportunities to build relationships with patients. Molly Johnson of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church said the ministry is about reminding those receiving treatment that they remain cared for and remembered. “We consider it an honor and privilege to get out here and minister to the young ladies, even though it's only once a year, to let them know at Christmas they are not forgotten,” Johnson said.
The Vivian P. Shivers Helping Hands Award was presented to Parkview Church of Christ, whose members have been coming to Mississippi State Hospital during the Christmas season for 50 years. Their ministry has centered on the women in theFemale Continued Treatment program in Building 46. Each year, members provide a Christmas meal, gifts, personal care items and music for patients. Even when COVID-19 restrictionsprevented traditional visits, the congregation continued providing gifts to the women they had served for so many years. Ruby Windham of Parkview Church of Christ said her own experience working at MSH helped her recognize needs that her congregation could help meet. “I worked here for four years, and being a nurse I got to see all of the things that the patients needed,” Windham said. “So I would come and tell my church about it every year, and we've been coming for over 40 years now. We love coming to help the patients and see the staff every year.”
The Jerald D. Ball – Together We Make a Difference Award was presented to Trinity Rehabilitation in recognition of its partnership with Mississippi State Hospital. Trinity provides physical, occupational and speech-language therapy services and works closely with MSH staff to support patient care. The award recognizes businesses and organizations that demonstrate exceptional service and collaboration with Mississippi State Hospital. “We are very pleased to be partnered with Mississippi State Hospital and part of the Friends organization,” said Denise Martin, Director of Operations for Trinity Rehab. “We are pleased to accept the award today and thrilled to have our therapists out here.” In addition to the awards presentation, members received reports on Friends finances and projects, reviewed activities from the past year and elected officers and board members for the coming year.
The meeting also marked a leadership transition for the organization as Gale Martin prepares to serve as Friends of MSH President. “I've been involved for over 20 years, and I feel it's an honor to be asked to serve,” Martin said. “I look forward to it because I involve my grandkids. They come with me to several of these events — the Christmas parade, being elves at Santa Day — and it gives them an opportunity to be part of this, too.” That multigenerational spirit of service reflects much of what the Friends organization has represented throughout its history: individuals, churches, businesses and families finding ways to make life better for the people served by Mississippi State Hospital. From organizations that have returned to campus for half a century to newer partners finding their own place in the Friends mission, the annual meeting offered a reminder that many of the organization’s greatest contributions begin with a simple willingness to serve.
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