“Be Active, Live Longer” is a program focusing on the needs of people 55 years and older, particularly people who are experiencing sadness, depression, anxiety or the loss of a loved one.

Monthly informal gatherings will include speakers and programs related to these issues and others such as how you would like your health managed or how the loss of mobility can be managed. We would also love to have input from our community about what programs would be beneficial in managing their life.

The meetings are held in the Lawrence County Hospital IOP Classroom each fourth Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Lunch is provided thanks to Georgia Pacific, and transportation is available. Individuals may register for the upcoming classes on Aug. 23 and Sept. 27 by calling Donna Johnson at 601-586-1292.

The  new assessment specialist Donna Johnson is a former mental health technician. She is from the Sontag community, and she and her husband Tony are the parents of Ashley, 15, and Anthony, 13, who Lawrence County public schools. Donna is a ray of sunshine and among her many activities with the Intensive Outpatient Program, she enjoys driving the van to pick up guests for the program.

The intensive outpatient program is offered at no cost and includes group therapy three days a week. Medicare and a supplement covers the program.

If you would like to talk to someone, please call Johnson at 601-587-1292 to find out more.