MSDH News, Events and Updates

CON Weekly Report for May 8, 2026

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:05:18 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development reports its weekly Certificate of Need activities. (Latest weekly report will be available on our web site in a few minutes.)

Take Action Now to Prevent Strokes

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

Strokes are one of the top five causes of death in Mississippi, and we have the second highest mortality rate (52.1 per 100,000) in the United States, accounting for 1,925 deaths in 2024. During May, National Stroke Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is stressing the importance of taking meaningful steps to lower your risk and prolong your life.

If you smoke, are overweight or drink in excess, you are increasing your chance of having a stroke. Black men and women are at a substantially higher risk of dying from stroke. If you are older, or have a family history of stroke, your risk is also higher.

Because the signs of a stroke appear only when the stroke is happening, being able to spot those signs – numbness, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of balance, and headache – can save your life. You should also memorize the FAST acronym to quickly recognize symptoms:

Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty, such as slurring
Time to call 911

Regardless of your age, taking these steps can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke:

Quit smoking: Quitting tobacco is the best first step in improving heart health. Call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline for help: (800) QUIT-NOW.
Move more: Get a few minutes of brisk physical activity whenever you can.
Eat smart: Choose more vegetables and fruits than meats and sweets.
See your doctor yearly: This can detect problems early.
Know your numbers and get them to healthy levels. The four health numbers you should know are blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index.

Strokes can be prevented. MSDH offers free blood pressure screenings at all county health departments and fire stations. For more information on stroke prevention, visit msdh.ms.gov/stroke. For a list of county health departments, visit msdh.ms.gov/locations, or call 855-767-0170 to schedule an appointment.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

MSDH to Offer Free Tetanus Shots and Vital Records in Lincoln County

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is providing free Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccinations and birth certificates to residents impacted during last week's tornadoes in Lincoln, Lamar and Franklin counties. The American Red Cross will also be providing resources.

Residents and first responders ages 19 and older in the impacted area can receive the Tdap vaccine at no cost, regardless of insurance status, by visiting the MSDH mobile unit in the parking lot at the address below:

Lincoln County Safe Room
1154 Beltline Drive
Brookhaven, MS 39601

Availability:

Wednesday, May 13, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 14, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

You can also visit any county health department (CHD) in the disaster-affected area. A Tdap booster is recommended for all adults over age 18 impacted by tornadoes if it's been 10 years or more since your last Tdap vaccination. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Children 18 and younger needing the vaccine should visit their CHD or primary care provider.

For more tips on staying safe after a storm, visit msdh.ms.gov/afterstorm.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

Mississippi State Department of Health Expands Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — A novel statewide program from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is expanding access to substance use disorder care across all 82 counties by identifying risk earlier, reducing barriers to treatment, and bringing support closer to where patients live.

"This work reflects a simple principle: Substance use disorder care should be available earlier, closer to home, and as part of normal health care, not only after a person reaches crisis," said Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH Executive Director and State Health Officer. "Mississippi is showing what is possible when clinical leadership, public health infrastructure, and technology are aligned around patients."

Many challenges in Mississippi make forward-looking programs like this essential. In 2023, 49% of households were either in poverty or earned less than the cost of basic needs. Overdose deaths rose by more than a third from 2020 to 2021, including a 51% increase in deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. As in many rural states, transportation barriers in Mississippi can make in-person care difficult to reach, with some residents of the Delta traveling an average of 75 miles for primary care. This access challenge is compounded in a state where 80 of 82 counties have whole- or partial-county primary care shortage areas and where 78 of 82 counties are designated mental health professional shortage areas.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that roughly 327,000 Mississippians aged 12 and older who needed substance use treatment did not receive it, based on 2022–2023 annual averages.

"It takes an average of five years before someone's dependence on a substance causes enough problems to make them seek specialty care, even though many of these patients are open to discussing it much sooner," said Jonathan Hubanks, Director, Center for Injury Prevention and Control at MSDH. "This earlier window is where we have the best opportunity to intervene and improve outcomes."

MSDH is one of the very few state departments of health in the country to provide direct, clinic-based substance use disorder treatment.

"We wanted to build something that feels simple for patients and staff, but is powered by sophisticated technology underneath," said Julio Cespedes, Chief Innovation Officer at MSDH. "By using Epic—our electronic health record—and MyChart to support earlier screening, standardized intervention, and comprehensive follow-up, we have created a model that helps us reach patients before substance use disorder becomes severe. It's now possible for small, resource-strapped teams like ours to extend a hand to every patient who might need it."

Rather than reacting only when risk is obvious, clinicians can now meet patients wherever they are on the risk scale. Patients with low-risk screening results receive positive reinforcement, and as patients' results go up the risk scale, Epic nudges clinicians with standardized guidance for intervention.

"With just four doctors and 18 advanced practice providers serving a statewide population with significant need, we knew we had to approach this challenge creatively," said Christina Graham, Director of Epic at MSDH. "Now, across all 84 MSDH clinics, all patients—no matter the reason for their visit—complete an annual screening through MyChart before their visit, or on a tablet when they arrive."

Following a six-county pilot, every county in the state is now using this program, bringing earlier substance use disorder support to patients in both high-volume clinics and smaller, rural communities where treatment might be limited or far away. Patients who screen at high risk typically receive follow-up care from addiction specialists through video visits, removing the barrier of travel to providers who might otherwise be out of reach. As more patients engage successfully in care, MSDH is exploring how to safely extend care for eligible patients into the home, creating a model that is even more accessible, flexible and responsive to patients' daily lives.

"This is a powerful example of how technology can extend a care team's reach and increase access to care," said Trevor Berceau, Director of R&D at Epic. "By meeting patients on their own terms, MSDH is connecting them to the care they need."

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

Thu, 7 May 2026 03:05:46 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development reports its weekly Certificate of Need activities. (Latest weekly report will be available on our web site in a few minutes.)

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

Thu, 7 May 2026 03:05:46 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development reports its weekly Certificate of Need activities. (Latest weekly report will be available on our web site in a few minutes.)

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

Thu, 7 May 2026 03:05:46 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development reports its weekly Certificate of Need activities. (Latest weekly report will be available on our web site in a few minutes.)

Health Department Urges Residents to Use Caution in Storm Recovery

Thu, 7 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continues to monitor the health impacts of severe storms that hit the state on Wednesday. Significant power outages, home repairs, and flooding can create dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.

MSDH recommends residents should take the following precautions:

Personal Protection:

When cleaning up storm-damaged areas, be sure to wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes to prevent cuts and scratches from debris. Do not let children play in floodwater and discard any items that come into contact with floodwater.

Tetanus Information:

Tetanus vaccination is recommended if it’s been 10 years or more since your last tetanus vaccination (Tdap is the recommended vaccine). In the event of a puncture wound or wound contaminated with floodwater, individuals should consult a healthcare provider. Tetanus vaccinations are available at all county health departments.

Around Your Home:

When cleaning up debris around your home, be sure ladders are secure before climbing on them to clean the roof and gutters. If you plan to use a chainsaw to clear debris, be sure to operate the machine according to the instructions. If injury occurs, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical help.

Flooding can cause mold to grow inside your home, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. MSDH does not handle mold removal or abatement. You will need to call a private contractor for further assistance.

Food Safety:

If you have lost power to refrigerators/freezers for more than four hours you should throw out all perishable food.
If you are storing food in coolers, make sure the temperature is 40 degrees or below.
Food that is still frozen or cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or less) is safe to prepare.

Carbon Monoxide:

MSDH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers in enclosed spaces including indoors or in the garage. If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Boil Water Alerts:

If your water system is under a boil water alert:

Do not drink tap water.
Do not use ice made from recent tap water.
Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
Cook with tap water ONLY if food is boiled for at least one minute.
Wash dishes, fruits and vegetables in boiled water or water that has been disinfected with bleach. Using your home dishwasher is not recommended.
Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.
Wash laundry as usual. Laundry washed in hot or cold water is safe.Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute to kill most organisms. To track active and lifted boil water alerts, visit MSDH's website at msdh.ms.gov/boilwater

Disinfecting Private Water Wells:

Homeowners impacted by flooding who do not receive their water supply from a public water system regulated by the MSDH should have their private well inspected, disinfected and sampled in order to protect their health. For step-by-step instructions on disinfecting your private water well, visit the MSDH website at msdh.ms.gov/page/30,1937,76,762.html.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

Staff Analysis: Simpson General Hospital - Establishment of Home Health Agency and Offering of Home Health Services - Simpson, Rankin, Hinds and Madison Counties

Tue, 5 May 2026 04:05:14 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development's assessment and recommendation for this certificate of need application.

Staff Analysis: Memorial Hospital at Gulfport - Establishment of Home Health Agency and Offering of Home Health Services

Tue, 5 May 2026 04:05:27 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development's assessment and recommendation for this certificate of need application.

Staff Analysis: Shared Imaging, LLC - Acquisition of Cardiac Only Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Equipment

Tue, 5 May 2026 04:05:52 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development's assessment and recommendation for this certificate of need application.

Awareness of Maternal Mental Health Issues Saves Lives

Tue, 5 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

Maternal mental health conditions are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related death, according to the state's Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC). Throughout May, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is partnering with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Mississippi chapter to raise awareness of the critical importance of supporting mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Maternal mental health conditions – including depression, anxiety, and other mood-related disorders – are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Nationally, 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health disorder, yet many don't receive the care they need. PSI reports that these conditions affect an estimated 800,000 new parents each year and that many continue to face stigma, silence and barriers to treatment. In Mississippi, 82 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with most occurring after birth, according to the most recent MMRC report.

"Far too many new moms are dying or suffering in silence from mental health issues, and we are not doing enough to prevent it," said Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer. "Welcoming a new baby should be a time for celebrating, not grieving. We're proud to partner with DMH and PSI to support maternal mental health and are committed to saving the lives of babies and their mothers."

Maternal mental health is influenced by factors including access to care, social support, maternal stress, trauma and loss. PSI notes that miscarriage and infant loss are also associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers navigating grief and bereavement need compassionate, trauma-informed support as part of a comprehensive maternal mental health response.

"The first step towards getting help is reaching out for it," said Wendy Bailey, DMH Executive Director. "We need to normalize asking for help when it's needed, and there is maybe no other time it's needed more than when mothers have welcomed new additions to their families. If you need a hand, Mississippi is full of people ready and willing to help."

MSDH and PSI encourage healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers and families to take an active role in supporting maternal mental health by promoting routine screening during pregnancy and postpartum care, expanding access to person-centered and trauma-informed services, strengthening community-based supports, and reducing stigma through open conversation and awareness.

Mothers should know they are not alone. Help is available through the resources below:

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA
Postpartum Support International HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
Learn more about the PSI Mississippi Chapter at psichapters.com/ms

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

Webster County Health Department Closed Through May

Tue, 5 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

The Webster County Health Department will be closed throughout the month of May while undergoing renovations. It will reopen on June 1.

Patients needing medical care during that time should visit one of these locations:

Oktibbeha County Health Department
203 Yeates Street
Starkville, MS

Calhoun County Health Department
235 South Murphree Street
Pittsboro, MS

Both locations are open five days a week from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

To schedule an appointment at any of our county health clinics, call 855-767-0170.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

Webster County Health Department Closed Through May

Tue, 5 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

The Webster County Health Department will be closed throughout the month of May while undergoing renovations. It will reopen on June 1.

Patients needing medical care during that time should visit one of these locations:

Oktibbeha County Health Department
203 Yeates Street
Starkville, MS

Calhoun County Health Department
235 South Murphree Street
Pittsboro, MS

Both locations are open five days a week from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

To schedule an appointment at any of our county health clinics, call 855-767-0170.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

New MSDH Podcast Episode Spotlights Maternal Mental Health

Mon, 4 May 2026 12:05:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — May is recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Focusing on the mental health of women who are pregnant or have given birth is as important as physical health. The new episode of the Mississippi State Department of Health's podcast, Health Talk MS, takes a close look at warning signs and resources available to women that may battle mental health struggles.

Host Greg Flynn sits down with a trio of experts to discuss the importance of the issue. The power panelists are Dr. Tom Recore, Medical Director at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health; Jillian Harper, Director of the MSDH Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies Program; and LeJeune Johnson, a Board Member of the Postpartum Support International, Mississippi Chapter.

The panel discusses that "It's ok to say you're not ok." Taking a first step to get help is the most important thing a woman can do for not only her health, but that of her baby. The panel also talks about the importance of taking away the stigma of mental health problems, providing the resources that are available and the tangible steps families can take to make a difference.

It's a powerful episode that you won't want to miss.

You can find the Health Talk MS podcast on the MSDH YouTube channel, youtube.com/@HealthyMississippi, and the following platforms: Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Jiosaavn, and Podcast Index.

The goal of the monthly podcast, produced in partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), is to empower everyone with the tools to lead healthier lives.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400

CON Weekly Report for April 24, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:04:28 CDT

The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development reports its weekly Certificate of Need activities. (Latest weekly report will be available on our web site in a few minutes.)

MSDH News, Events and Updates

CON Weekly Report for May 8, 2026

Take Action Now to Prevent Strokes

MSDH to Offer Free Tetanus Shots and Vital Records in Lincoln County

Mississippi State Department of Health Expands Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

CON Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

Health Department Urges Residents to Use Caution in Storm Recovery

Staff Analysis: Simpson General Hospital - Establishment of Home Health Agency and Offering of Home Health Services - Simpson, Rankin, Hinds and Madison Counties

Staff Analysis: Memorial Hospital at Gulfport - Establishment of Home Health Agency and Offering of Home Health Services

Staff Analysis: Shared Imaging, LLC - Acquisition of Cardiac Only Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Equipment

Awareness of Maternal Mental Health Issues Saves Lives

Webster County Health Department Closed Through May

Webster County Health Department Closed Through May

New MSDH Podcast Episode Spotlights Maternal Mental Health

CON Weekly Report for April 24, 2026

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