Upon the retirement of Jackie Edwards, the board of commissioners for Region VII Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities has appointed Richard Duggin as the executive director of Community Counseling Services. Duggin has been employed at CCS as the chief financial officer since 2013. Before his tenure at CCS, he served as the executive director of Delta Community Mental Health Center in Greenville. Duggin will serve as the fifth executive director of CCS since it began operations in the 1970s. Community Counseling Services’ mission is to provide quality, affordable, person-centered, comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals in need of mental health services. CCS employees approximately 375 employees over a seven-county region, including Choctaw, and has been recognized as an industry leader in the state of Mississippi. “We are fortunate to have someone with Richard’s background and experience to lead CCS moving forward. He has the benefit of working with Jackie for the past seven years and is positioned to continue her vision of ensuring that individuals with mental health issues can and should have access to needed services in his/her community.” said Ralph Billingsley, board president. “With the impact of COVID, we are well aware that many individuals in our communities are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, etcetera, ”Billingsley added. “We are confident in Richard’s abilities to lead his dedicated team in ensuring that the mental health needs of individuals in our service area are met.” Duggin said, “I am very appreciative of the confidence that the commission has placed in me for this leadership role. CCS is a vital service in the community for those with mental health, substance use, and intellectual disabilities and I am committed to ensuring they receive the best quality care.” For those in need of support, one may contact any of the county offices (285-6225 in Eupora) or the administrative office at 524-4347. For more information, visit the CCS website at www.ccsms.org.
