PAIMI Advisory Council

Nominate an Outstanding Individual with the Peer Passion Award or Legacy Award Presented by the DRMS PAIMI Advisory Council 

We are excited to invite nominations for the Peer Support Awards, which recognize the exceptional contributions of individuals in the field of Peer Support. Presented by the Disability Rights Mississippi PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC), these awards celebrate those who inspire others through their dedicationand service. The awards ceremony will take place on May 27-29, 2026, during the Mississippi Peer Conference.

PASSION AWARD – This award honors individuals who have provided peer support for over one year and consistently excel beyond their roles. It seeks to recognize positive influencers who demonstrate leadership and advocacy grounded in their lived experiences with mental health

LEGACY AWARD – This award acknowledges individuals who have made significant long-term contributions to peer support.  To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience and must have previously served or currently serve as a peer support. 

Eligibility: (1) Nominees must be residents of Mississippi. (2) Active involvement in Peer Support. (3) Certification in peer support is  not a requirement for nomination.

Nomination: (1) Complete the Questionnaire and Nomination Form linked below. (2) Provide detailed responses, along with specific examples, describing the nominee’s qualifications. (3) Submit two letters of support, one must be from current employer. After completing this form, please email supportive materials (letters of support, photos, testimonies, reviews, awards) to LFREEMAN@DRMS.MS with the subject line “Peer Award Support Materials – NOMINEE’S NAME.”  (4) Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline: May 11, 5:00 pm CST. (5)  If you have any questions, contact Lorraine Freeman at lfreeman@drms.ms.

The PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) supports Disability Rights Mississippi’s work to protect and advance the rights of people with mental health disabilities across Mississippi. The Council provides guidance, perspective, and accountability to ensure that DRMS’s PAIMI advocacy is informed by the real-world experiences of people who receive mental health services and those who support them.

The PAC serves as a forum for sharing insight, identifying systemic concerns, and helping shape advocacy priorities related to mental health rights, services, and systems. Through this advisory role, the Council helps strengthen DRMS’s mission to promote dignity, inclusion, and self-determination for people with mental health disabilities.

DRMS is seeking individuals interested in serving on our PAIMI Advisory Council. The Advisory Council plays an important role in guiding DRMS’s PAIMI work and ensuring that advocacy efforts reflect the experiences and priorities of people most directly impacted by mental health systems.

In accordance with federal PAIMI requirements, the Advisory Council is composed primarily of individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services. Membership also includes family members, mental health service providers, and advocates who bring valuable lived, professional, and community perspectives.