MSDH Unveils 2025 Public Health Report Card

Jackson, Miss. — Mississippi is making progress in several key public health areas, but significant challenges remain, according to the 2025 Public Health Report Card, which the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) presented Wednesday at the State Capitol. The annual Report Card, which provides a comprehensive, data-driven overview of the state's health indicators, is a collaborative effort between MSMA and MSDH that underscores the commitment to promoting public health and well-being throughout Mississippi.

"We are encouraged by several areas in this report card, including the decreasing rates of opioid related deaths, HIV, syphilis, congenital syphilis, teen births and accidental deaths here in Mississippi," said Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH Executive Director and State Health Officer. "Those significant decreases prove that our work is moving the needle in the right direction. We still have challenges to reduce preventable deaths in the areas of maternal and infant mortality, obesity, hypertension and heart disease. We are making strides as our latest overall national health ranking puts Mississippi at 48, up from 50 just three years ago. While that new ranking shows promise, our goal is to not only get us off the bottom of national rankings, but to take us out of the conversation and become a model for how things can change."

The report identifies infant mortality as one of Mississippi's most urgent public health challenges. In 2024, the state's infant mortality rate increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest level in more than a decade. In response, MSDH implemented a statewide strategy that includes activation of the OB System of Care to better coordinate maternal and neonatal services for high-risk mothers and infants. The report also highlights notable progress in several areas, including a decline in teen birth rates, opioid overdose deaths and accidental deaths. Mississippi continues to rank among leaders in immunization, with school-required vaccination rates exceeding 97.66%, placing the state third nationwide.

Despite these improvements, there are ongoing challenges: Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, and the state continues to rank near the bottom for chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, maternal mortality and infant mortality.

"The Public Health Report Card gives us a clear, data-driven picture of where Mississippi stands and where we must continue to focus our efforts," said MSMA President Dr. Katherine Pannel. "Physicians across our state see these issues firsthand every day, and this report shows the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers to improve outcomes for all Mississippians."

Find the full Report Card on the MSDH website at msdh.ms.gov/reportCard.