MSDH News, Events and Updates

MSDH Provides Prenatal Vitamins at County Health Departments

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:03:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — One of the most proactive steps an expectant mother can take to ensure that she delivers a healthy baby is to take prenatal vitamins. To ensure that everyone has access to prenatal vitamins, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) distributes them to pregnant women at no cost at all county health departments that provide nursing services.

By distributing prenatal vitamins, MSDH not only addresses immediate nutritional needs of expectant mothers and their unborn children but also helps improve access to prenatal care by creating additional opportunities for patient engagement, education and referral to maternal and infant services. This approach supports healthier pregnancies and contributes to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

A supply of prenatal vitamins, made possible through grant funding, is available to any woman who tests positive for pregnancy.

The agency launched the "Saving the Smallest" campaign in January to spread public awareness of the issues driving preterm births in Mississippi and encourage adoption of safe prenatal and infant-care behaviors. More babies are born preterm here than anywhere else in the nation, and our infant mortality rate is significantly higher than the national average. We also have high rates (14.7%) of inadequate prenatal care.

For more information on steps you should take to have a healthy full-term pregnancy and a baby who lives to celebrate their first birthday, visit everybabyfirst.com.

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

Staff Analysis: Baptist Memorial Hospital - Union County, Inc. d/b/a Baptist Imaging Center - Saltillo- Acquisition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Equipment and Offering MRI Services

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:03:25 CDT

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

MSDH Spreads Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Fri, 6 Mar 2026 12:03:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — More people die of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Mississippi than anywhere else in the country. Yet, with proper screening and lifestyle changes, it is one of the most preventable cancers. Throughout March, recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) urges residents to take ownership of their health by getting timely screenings and making lifestyle changes that can drastically reduce their chances of both developing and dying of this disease.

CRC (cancer of the colon or rectum) is now the leading cause of cancer death nationally in adults younger than 50 years of age, according to the American Cancer Society. For those who catch it early enough, there is greater hope of survival. Regular screenings, at age 45 or possibly earlier, if you have certain risk factors, are required for early detection.

In Mississippi, an average of 1,650 new cases of CRC are diagnosed each year, resulting in an average of 630 deaths. The impact of the disease has resulted in Gov. Tate Reeves also proclaiming March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the state.

If you notice warning signs of CRC, see your healthcare provider immediately.

Warning Signs include the following:

Rectal bleeding
Blood in or on the stool (bright red)
Change in bowel habits
Stools that are narrower than usual
General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
Increased diarrhea, constipation or vomiting
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Constant tiredness

Common and often preventable risk factors include:

Overweight or obesity
Type II diabetes
Diets high in red meat such as beef, pork, lamb or liver and processed meats such as hot dogs and lunch meats
Smoking tobacco
Alcohol use – moderate to heavy

Factors increasing risk for those under age 45:

Strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain colorectal polyps
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
Personal history of radiation to belly or pelvic area to treat other cancers

Screening options beginning at age 45 or earlier if high-risk:

Stool-based tests annually
Visual exams of the colon and rectum every 5 to 10 years, per your provider's recommendation

To help prevent CRC, we recommend the following:

Get regular screening tests.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Don't smoke, and don't drink alcohol excessively.

You have access to more resources than ever before to help prevent, screen for and treat colorectal cancers. Know your risk factors and learn to recognize the symptoms of this deadly disease before it's too late.

For more screening and prevention resources, visit the American Cancer Society's guideline for screening at www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html.

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

Statement from the State Board of Health and MSDH on the Passing of Elayne H. Anthony

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 12:03:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the State Board of Health (BOH) are saddened by the passing of long-time BOH member Elayne Hayes Anthony today.

For nearly 20 years, Anthony selflessly dedicated herself to serving the state by helping provide policy direction for MSDH, while also managing a career that spanned higher education, public relations, broadcasting and community leadership.

"I personally grieve the loss of a very important Mississippian who cared deeply about education at all levels, public health, and very importantly the need for the health of our population to improve," said Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer and MSDH Executive Director. "She was a strong supporter of MSDH and for my work as State Health Officer and was one of our greatest cheerleaders. Her passing is a loss to public health and higher education leadership, but her service has helped to make our state a better place."

Dr. Lucius Lampton, BOH Chairman, said, "Dr. Elayne Anthony's long service on the Board of Health, which began in 2007, was exceptional and benefited the public's health in countless ways. She led always with intellect, creativity and integrity. The Board of Health and our agency will so miss her gracious presence. I also will miss her dear friendship."

At the time of her passing, Anthony was Chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University. She was also founding head of the Department of Communication at Belhaven University and was previously Assistant Superintendent of Public Information and Staff Development for Jackson Public Schools.

We remember Anthony for her contributions to the Agency and to the health and welfare of all Mississippians. We also extend our prayers to her husband, son and grandson as they grieve her loss.

Elayne H. Anthony, Ph.D.

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 February 28, 2026

Wed, 4 Mar 2026 04:03:40 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 Recognizes International HPV Cancer Awareness Day

Wed, 4 Mar 2026 12:03:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is recognizing International HPV Cancer Awareness Day, today, March 4. Mississippi is developing a formal campaign involving stakeholders, including the American Cancer Society and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), to decrease HPV infections, which result in nearly 40,000 new HPV cancer cases each year.

The campaign will coordinate strategies across our state and the Southeast to address suboptimal HPV vaccination coverage, low rates of screening for cervical cancer, and high rates of other HPV-related cancers (oral, throat, anal, vaginal, vulvar and penile).

HPV is a common infection that causes complications including pre-cancers, cancers and genital warts, which are almost entirely preventable through timely HPV vaccination.

An estimated 90% of HPV cancers are preventable through on-time HPV vaccination, according to the American Cancer Society. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective and lasting protection against HPV infections that most commonly cause cancers.

Vaccination is one of the most important gifts you can give your child and yourself.

Now is the time for action to reverse these trends.

HPV vaccination: HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for everyone aged 9-26 and some people aged 27-45 if not vaccinated when younger.
HPV cancer screenings: Increased screening leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

MSDH clinics provide a no-wrong-door approach for children, men and women to receive the vaccine and related screenings and referrals.

MSDH is also proud to house the MS Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MS-BCCP), which provides screening and diagnostic services for cervical cancer to women aged 21-64 who are uninsured, underinsured or medically underserved. To see if you qualify for a free screening, call (601) 576-7466 or visit msdh.ms.gov/BCCP to locate a provider in your area.

The American Cancer Society provides comprehensive resources on the prevention of HPV-related cancers. For more information, visit cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv.html.

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 Focuses on Opioid Addiction

Mon, 2 Mar 2026 12:03:00 CDT

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has released the latest episode of its Health Talk MS podcast. This one focuses on opioid addiction.

In this episode, host Greg Flynn sits down with Jon Hubanks, PharmD, Director of the Opioid & Substance Use Program at MSDH. Together, they walk through the frontline battle against addiction in Mississippi. Hubanks shares the critical reality of today's drug supply and how the Medications for Substance Use Disorder (MSUD) program is working to replace stigma with science-backed treatment. You'll learn that recovery isn't just a "willpower" issue – it's a medical journey that MSDH is equipped to support.

We also tackle the moment everyone hopes they never face: a suspected overdose. We break down the life-saving steps you can take in those frantic minutes and explain how Naloxone is becoming a household essential that any Mississippian can – and should – carry.

Key Take Aways

The dangers of unregulated opioids
How to get treatment (for you or someone you know) and other resources from MSUD (including counseling, therapy and medical supervision) msdh.ms.gov/opioids.
What to do when someone is having an overdose and how to get Naloxone (odfree.org).

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

Newborn Screening Update 2021-2023

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:02:00 CDT

Summary and analysis of genetic disorders detected by the state Newborn Screening program.

CON Weekly Report for February 20, 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:02:47 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 February 13, 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:02:31 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

MSDH Provides Prenatal Vitamins at County Health Departments

Staff Analysis: Baptist Memorial Hospital - Union County, Inc. d/b/a Baptist Imaging Center - Saltillo- Acquisition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Equipment and Offering MRI Services

MSDH Spreads Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Statement from the State Board of Health and MSDH on the Passing of Elayne H. Anthony

CON Weekly Report for February 28, 2026

MSDH Recognizes International HPV Cancer Awareness Day

New MSDH Podcast Episode Focuses on Opioid Addiction

Key Take Aways

Newborn Screening Update 2021-2023

CON Weekly Report for February 20, 2026

CON Weekly Report for February 13, 2026

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