Healthy Opportunities for Transition (HOT!)
A grant program funded by the Children’s Medical Program of the Mississippi State Department of Health and Living Independence For Everyone (LIFE) of Mississippi, Inc.
PURPOSE
The purpose of Healthy Opportunities for Transition (HOT) is to establish a strong, responsive system of transition services for Mississippi children with special health care needs and their families, bringing together diverse groups and individuals, building community infrastructure, and resulting in successful transition to adult life.
GOAL
HOT works to provide comprehensive, family-centered, culturally competent transition services, with a primary focus on health, which prepares children with special health care needs throughout Mississippi to make successful transitions to adult and community life including adult health care and related services, employment, and independent living.
OBJECTIVES
HOT objectives include:
- Mississippi children between the ages of 5 and 21 with special health care needs receive services necessary to make successful transitions from one stage of life to another. Services will include peer support, skills training, advocacy, and other independent living instruction;
- Families of children with special health care needs receive training and on-going support services to help them and their child confidently transition from a pediatric health care setting to adult health care providers;
- Health care professionals and service system agencies receive training and support equipping them to facilitate successful transitions for children with special health care needs from pediatric care to adult health care providers.
ACTIVITIES
Activities available through HOT will include:
- Statewide Services with Independent Living Transition Specialists located in Tupelo, Jackson, Greenwood and Biloxi
- Local Support Groups (Statewide)
- Annual Retreats (for Adolescents)
- Annual Retreats (for Parents)
- On-Going Independent Living Services
- Mentoring and Employment Exploration Days
CONTACTS
Augusta Smith - Assistant Director: LIFE of MS, Inc.
1304 Vine St.
Jackson, MS 39202
Telephone: 601-969-4009 or
1-800-748-9398 (Voice or TDD)
Fax: 601-969-1662
Desmeon Thomas – Project Support: LIFE of MS, Inc.
1304 Vine St.
Jackson, MS 39202
Telephone: 601-969-4009 or
11-800-748-9398 (Voice or TDD)
Fax: 601-969-1662
Larry Clark - Director
Children's Medical Program
MS State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Telephone: 601-987-3965 or
1-800-844-0898