Mississippi's State Board of Health was established in 1877, and became the Mississippi State Department of Health in 1982.
OUR MISSION
The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi.
Our Work
Public health protection takes a wide variety of forms, from ensuring the safety of your food and water to setting standards for health, care and safety.
Below is an outline of the major operations of the agency. They involve health protection, health promotion and health planning, and affect you and your health every day, throughout your life.
Disease Surveillance
- Disease tracking and outbreak management
- Laboratory testing for West Nile virus, flu, syphilis, TB, HIV, and other diseases
- Prevention programs for flu, mosquito-borne diseases, HIV, and other STDs, and communicable diseases
- Statewide coordination of immunizations and vaccinations
Environmental Health
- Drinking water testing
- Restaurant permits and inspections
- On-site wastewater and sewage system regulation
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
- Tobacco control and cessation programs
- Nutritional training and information
- Chronic disease prevention and management (arthritis, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases)
- Safe biking and walking in communities
- Car seat safety and installation
- Fire safety
Standards of Care
- Child care facility licensing and regulation
- Licensing and regulation of nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities
- Trauma care regulation
- Licensure of audiologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other professions
Immunizations
- Required and recommended childhood immunizations
- Meningococcal and HPV vaccinations for adolescents
- Seasonal flu vaccinations for all ages
- Recommended vaccinations for international travel
Comprehensive Reproductive Health
- Educational information and counseling
- Physical exams and contraceptive supplies
- STD/HIV testing
- Pregnancy care
Women, Infants and Children
- New and improved monthly supplemental food packages
- Nutrition education classes
- Breastfeeding support
- Health care referrals
Vital Records
- Birth and death certificates
- Marriage and divorce records
- Statistical reports on number and causes of death
Social Services
- Education, advocacy and consultation
- Supervision and monitoring of medical treatments
- Coordination of patients with community resources
- Special care for children with chronic or disabling conditions
Keeping You Safe in Emergencies
- Preparing the public for disasters and public health emergencies
- Nationally-recognized emergency preparedness programs
- Severe weather/disaster response
- Regular training sessions for preparedness and response plans
Providing You with Information
- Bringing health news and information the public
- Educating professionals and the public on health improvement and disease prevention
- Emergency notifications for doctors, hospitals, and the healthcare community
- Community training, summits, and other outreach efforts
About Public Health
What is public health about? This video from the American Public Health Association explains public health, the challenges it faces, and what public health agencies like ours hope to accomplish. View full size →
