Podcast appearances and mentions of thomas dobbs

We're speaking with Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippi's former State Health Officer, reflecting on the five years that have passed since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic.For an extended version of the show, visit MPB's YouTube page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7:20 a.m. - Dr. Thomas Dobbs

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, ASTHO Alum and Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, says growth is needed in public health to be prepared for the next pandemic; Raymond Neal, Project Director at Human Impact Partners, says health equity strategies need to become standard process; ASTHO has a toolkit to help agencies better prepare for power outages that impact life support users; and ASTHO is hiring multiple positions.    Journal of Public Health Management and Practice: Preparing for the Next Pandemic or Public Health Crisis Human Impact Partners ASTHO Webpage: Introducing New Approaches to Enhance Power Outage Support for Life Support Users ASTHO Webpage: Careers at ASTHO  

STIs are on the rise. Now more than ever, it is imperative to raise awareness of the current state of STIs, especially their disproportionate impact on marginalized populations. Whole person care and status-neutral approaches to STI treatment and prevention empower people to access resources and services, as well as increase engagement, outreach, and education, all of which are key components of these care models. Hear from Leandro Mena of CDC and Thomas Dobbs (alumni-MS) on the benefits of these approaches. Guests Leandro Mena, MD, MPH, Director of the Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) in National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), CDC Thomas Dobbs, MD, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and ASTHO Alumni  Resources ·       Innovative STD Prevention and Treatment Strategies Microlearnings ·       Blog on the rise of STIs ·       ASTHO and NCSD Joint Statement on Rise of Syphilis in the U.S. ·       Sexually Transmitted Infections: Strategies for Your State

For STI Awareness Week, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, former State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health, discusses STI treatment and prevention; ASTHO President Dr. Anne Zink urges providers to test their patients for syphilis; a new ASTHO micro-learning translates successful STI interventions into accessible and easy-to-understand tools; Kimberly Brazwell, CEO and Founder of Kimistry, promotes the consideration of qualitative data to improve public health; and rural communities in Kansas are developing tailored solutions to health infrastructure problems.   ASTHO and NCSD Issue Joint Statement on Concerning Rise in Syphilis Cases Across U.S. Innovative STD Prevention and Treatment Strategies Health Equity Summit: A Movement for Justice How Community Health Workers Are Impacting Rural Communities  

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, former State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health and now dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, urges agencies that fund local public health programs to eliminate the barriers that can get in the way of lifesaving work; Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, ASTHO Senior Vice President of Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives, says justice and health equity are the focus of ASTHO's 2023 Health Equity Summit planned for April; and an ASTHO blog article examines what it takes to lead at this moment in public health. Health Affairs News Article: Getting Government To Work For Public Health ASTHO Webpage: Health Equity Summit - A Movement for Justice ASTHO Blog Article: Exploring the Effect of Public Health Crises on Health Equity Leadership  

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, writes about problems impacting public health, such as underfunding, bureaucracy, and inadequate administrative support, in an article for Health Affairs; Omar Khalid, ASTHO's Director of Workforce Development, says ASTHO has a new online resource hub to help agencies build resilience among members of their workforce; and five years ago today, ASTHO delivered the first episode of the Public Health Review podcast. Health Affairs News Article: Getting Government To Work For Public Health ASTHO Webpage: Be in the Know Public Health Review Podcast: The Epidemic of Epidemics: Opioids, Part I ASTHO Webpage: PH-HERO Resource Hub

Hosts Gregg Masters and Fred Goldstein meet Thomas E. Dobbs, MD, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Melissa R. Stephens, MD, Associate Dean of GME and Population Health and Professor of Clinical Sciences at the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. They discuss the intersection of public health, population health and the retooling of the acute care health system to remedy the many disparities in evidence in the United States. In addition to his role as Dean, Dr. Dobbs serves as the executive director of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities. He has a clinical position within the Division of Infectious Disease, working specifically in the fields of HIV and sexually transmitted infections with a focus on the intersection of disease and the social determinants of health. Dr. Dobbs has a long career working at the crossroads of clinical medicine and public health as a physician, researcher and public health leader. He has held numerous leadership roles within the Mississippi State Department of Health including State Epidemiologist and State Health Officer (a role through which he directed the state's response to the COVID pandemic). In his role as State Health Officer, Dr. Dobbs focused the agency on addressing the numerous health inequities that plague the state. Additionally, he has worked in leadership roles nationally and internationally in the fight against diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.

On today's episode of PopHealth Week on HealthcareNOW Radio, our guests are Thomas E. Dobbs, MD, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Melissa R. Stephens, MD, Associate Dean of GME and Population Health and Professor of Clinical Sciences at the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  We discuss the intersection of population health with public health and the potential for systemic relief afforded by better alignement of public health 'infrastructure' with health system, health plan or risk bearing medical groups or physician networks as sponors of population health initiatives. We also address the value add of the John D,  Bower School of Population Health for clinicians who are expanding their interest in population level outcomes. In addition to his role as Dean, Dr. Dobbs serves as the executive director of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities. He has a clinical position within the Division of Infectious Disease, working specifically in the fields of HIV and sexually transmitted infections with a focus on the intersection of disease and the social determinants of health. Dr. Dobbs has a long career working at the crossroads of clinical medicine and public health as a physician, researcher and public health leader. He has held numerous leadership roles within the Mississippi State Department of Health including State Epidemiologist and State Health Officer (a role through which he directed the state's response to the COVID pandemic). As State Health Officer, Dr. Dobbs focused the agency on addressing the numerous health inequities that plague the state. Additionally, he has worked in leadership roles in the fight against diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. ==##==

PopHealth Week on HealthcareNOW Radio features Thomas E. Dobbs, MD, Dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Melissa R. Stephens, MD, Associate Dean of GME and Population Health and Professor of Clinical Sciences at the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  We discuss the intersection of population health with public health and the potential for systemic relief afforded by better alignement of public health 'infrastructure' with health system, health plan or risk bearing medical groups or physician networks as sponors of population health initiatives. We also address the value add of the John D,  Bower School of Population Health for clinicians who are expanding their interest in population level outcomes. In addition to his role as Dean, Dr. Dobbs serves as the executive director of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities. He has a clinical position within the Division of Infectious Disease, working specifically in the fields of HIV and sexually transmitted infections with a focus on the intersection of disease and the social determinants of health. Dr. Dobbs has a long career working at the crossroads of clinical medicine and public health as a physician, researcher and public health leader. He has held numerous leadership roles within the Mississippi State Department of Health including State Epidemiologist and State Health Officer (a role through which he directed the state's response to the COVID pandemic). As State Health Officer, Dr. Dobbs focused the agency on addressing the numerous health inequities that plague the state. Additionally, he has worked in leadership roles in the fight against diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.

As Mississippi students return to school this week, a focused campaign begins to reduce teen vaping.Then, Dr. Thomas Dobbs reflects on two policy issues that became high profile during his tenure.Plus, helping barbers help others. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Thomas Dobbs reflects on his tenure as Mississippi's Health Officer.Then, a new report examines the the adequacy of public health funding.Plus, some Mississippians can get financial assistance to install a storm shelter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the WHERE, discusses vaccines and what to expect for the rest of this year as panels for both the FDA and the CDC begin discussing the COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of five; ASTHO has a new update to its COVID-19 vaccine comparison chart; Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippi State Health Officer, who is leaving his position later this summer, discusses misinformation on a local podcast; and ASTHO's Juneteenth webinar on the impact of racism on health equity is coming up Thursday afternoon. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Webpage: Paul A. Offit, MD ASTHO Brief: COVID-19 Vaccine Comparison  The Other Side Podcast: Dr. Thomas Dobbs discusses his tenure as State Health Officer ASTHO Juneteenth Webinar: Commemorating Juneteenth A Journey to Equity

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs has been the face of Mississippi's COVID-19 response. Mississippi Today reporters Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Will Stribling spoke with Dr. Dobbs about his tenure at the health department, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization abortion case, and what comes next for him after he leaves the health department in July.

Building on a recent interview that I did with the Lincoln Project, this episode examines why today's Supreme Court is like a bowl of soup, heated by two separate burners. The first is the ongoing scrutiny over Justice Thomas's recusal decisions in matters related to his wife's political activity. The second, cool now but with the potential to become blazing hot, is the pending Dobbs case in which the Court could significantly limit or even overrule Roe v. Wade. The combined heat potentially generated by these two issues--an ethical dispute about a Justice coupled with the possibility of a uniquely controversial ruling--could present a legitimacy problem for the Court of a magnitude not seen in recent memory. 

Dr. Thomas Dobbs is currently the State Health Officer of Mississippi, a title he has held since 2018. He holds a Doctorate of Medicine and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Dobbs has also previously served at Mississippi Department of Health for many years in the roles of District Health Officer and State Epidemiologist. Prior to joining the Department of Health, Dr. Dobbs worked as an Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases physician in Laurel and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Dr. Dobbs is also a member of the Mississippi State Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and is an Associate Professor at the UMMC School of Population Health. *Contact: futurefamilymedicineleaders@gmail.com**Post Episode Survey: https://surveyking.com/a/f0fqjsu

Our conversation with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs continues. Then, the Board of Education takes action against the Holmes County Consolidated School District. And, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, UMMC helps develop a new weapon in the battle against COVID-19. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs updates us on Mississippi's COVID-19 response. Then, the Holmes County Consolidated School District faces existential questions. And, the federal eviction moratorium lifts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs discusses the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.Then, USM launches a digital archive of Civil War Governors' Letters. And, we return to our conversation with Representative Bennie Thompson as he prepares to lead the January 6th Select Committee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mississippians begin the road to rebuild and recovery after a flurry of tornadoes damaged some communities Sunday evening.Then, hospital leadership responds to the latest Executive Order lifting pandemic-related social distancing restrictions.Plus, state health officials explain the latest in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.Segment 1:Damage assessments are underway across Mississippi following a wave of severe weather that destroyed homes and snapped trees. The National Weather Service in Jackson sent crews out to impacted communities yesterday after suspected tornadoes swept through parts of central Mississippi Sunday evening. The northeastern part of the state - especially the Tupelo area, was also hard hit. Experts have confirmed at least five tornados statewide, and more assessments are underway. In Yazoo County, at least one EF-1 storm has been verified. Meteorologist Felecia Bowser was on the scene eight miles south of Yazoo City yesterday where she shared more about the assessment process with our Kobee Vance.Segment 2:With statewide mask mandates and capacity restrictions now a thing of the past, health leaders say it's incumbent upon Mississippi residents to continue exercising caution to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Last week, Governor Tate Reeves rescinded nearly all remaining restrictions on venue capacity and social distancing. Ryan Kelly, executive director of the Mississippi Rural Hospital Association, tells our Desare Frazier people must take responsibility for protecting themselves from COVID 19 and spreading the virus.Segment 3:Health officials are continuing the vaccine rollout in Mississippi, despite declining demand. Only about 25 percent of Mississippians have are fully vaccinated, and vaccine appointments through department of health sites are being left unfilled. Four months into the wider distribution of the vaccine, cases are trending down but transmission is still present. In long-term care facilities, the number of outbreaks have more than doubled - from 15 to 32 - since April 11th. We hear from State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers and State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health officials continue their vaccination campaign as variants of the coronavirus grow more present in the Magnolia State.Then, federal applications for financial assistance to attend colleges and universities is down compared to last year. We examine the factors with Get 2 College.Plus, in today's Book Club, meet Mississippi's new poet Laureate, Catherine Pierce.Segment 1:Mississippi's health officials say coronavirus transmission is still a concern as the state's seven-day rolling average rose above where it was earlier this month. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says a more easily transmitted variant is showing up across the state now, causing a steady trend of infections. The concern over variants is paired with a slowing vaccination rate. Only one quarter of the state's population is fully vaccinated, and weekly doses have been on the decline since the first week of April. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state has addressed access challenges, but recognizes reaching younger adults is the key to increase vaccination rates. Segment 2:Fewer Mississippi high school seniors are filing for federal aid this year compared to last. That's according to data from the U.S. Department of Educations. The completion rate for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid , or FAFSA, is down nearly 9 percent in the Magnolia State - higher than the 6.5 percent decline nationwide. Less than 25 percent of estimated high school graduates from many Delta counties have not yet completed the application. Stephen Brown is with Get 2 College. He explains the contributing factors of the drop with our Michael Guidry.Segment 3:Mississippi has a new Poet Laureate and her name is Catherine Pierce. A native of Delaware, Pierce teaches Creative Writing at Mississippi State University and has published four books of poetry. She sat down with us to talk about her love of writing and what she hopes to accomplish during her four year term. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given the green light to resume, and the CDC revised it's guidance.Then, Mississippi was only one of three states to lose population last decade. We examine the socio-political factors that could explain the shift.Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, restaurants get additional relief through a new grant administered by the Small Business Administration.Segment 1:The Mississippi Department of Health is allowing usage of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine to resume. The single-dose vaccination was paused earlier this month over concerns for blood clots in several women. During a virtual town hall hosted by Jackson State University, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs discussed the vaccine's new green light.Dobbs and other health leaders insist the vaccines are the most immediate path toward a return to normalcy, but also recognize hesitancy is still a challenge. Dobbs says home remedies like immune boosters cannot replace the efficacy of the vaccine. He warns, eventually it will come down to residents getting one of two things - the vaccine or COVID-19.Segment 2:Preliminary data from the Census Bureau reveals a number of population trends that ultimately result in the Magnolia State losing 6,000 people over the last decade. Census numbers released Monday show Mississippi gained nearly 20,000 Black residents, about 16,700 Hispanic residents and another 4,500 Asian residents. The state lost about 48,400 white residents during the decade. Sociologists typically examine an number of factors when studying population shifts - including death rates and birth rates. But John Green of the University of Mississippi says studying migratory trends helps better understand the impact of policy in population changes. Preliminary data from the Census Bureau reveals a number of population trends that ultimately result in the Magnolia State losing 6,000 people over the last decade. Census numbers released Monday show Mississippi gained nearly 20,000 Black residents, about 16,700 Hispanic residents and another 4,500 Asian residents. The state lost about 48,400 white residents during the decade. Sociologists typically examine an number of factors when studying population shifts - including death rates and birth rates. But John Green of the University of Mississippi says studying migratory trends helps better understand the impact of policy in population changes.Segment 3:Southern Remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:When the pandemic reached Mississippi last year, restaurants faced some of the most immediate impacts. Dining rooms closed, wait-staffs were let go. For weeks the business model changed. And even as restrictions were slowly lifted, capacity restrictions presented some limitations while public hesitancy added another prolonged layer of challenges. Now, a new federal program administered by the Small Business Administration is launching to help restaurants across the country recover. The Restaurant Relief Fund - a $28.6 billion grant program - will soon have funds available to the state's restaurateurs. Janita Stewart is the SBA's Mississippi Director. She shares more on the program. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the Johnson & Johnson vaccine still on pause, health officials examine vaccination rates and the hesitancy factor.Then, from the Gulf States Newsroom, how partnerships with community health centers are reaching rural residents in the region.Plus, in part four of You Vote, Your Voice, we explore how those with felony convictions lose access to the ballot.Segment 1:The vaccination in Mississippi continues despite an unexpected bump in the road. Last week the state put a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in accordance to CDC guidelines after a small number of rare blot clots were attributed to the shot. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, in a roundtable with leaders of the Mississippi Medical Association, called the decision wise.The pause raised two immediate questions - how will distribution be affected and will hesitancy in ALL vaccines grow. Dr. Dobbs says some logistical adjustments are being made to compensate for the temporary sidelining of the J&J, but doesn't think long-term goals will be affected.Segment 2:About two in five Americans live in rural areas across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many of these residents are people of color, low-income and uninsured – communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden Administration has given billions in funding to community health centers in its mission to get vaccines to those populations. But for much of the rollout, these providers were underutilized. From the Gulf States Newsroom, Shalina Chatlani reports.Segment 3:In thirty-seven states, those who lose their right to vote due to felony convictions, have those rights restored immediately upon release. That, however, is not the case in the Magnolia State where it is estimated that ten percent of potential voters have lost access to the ballot. In Mississippi, a conviction of any of twenty-three felonies results in permanent disenfranchisement. We talk to Nshombi Lambright, Executive Director of One Voice Mississippi and Pauline Rogers of RECH Foundation about the challenges of disenfranchisement. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health officials call for a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a change in CDC guidelines.Then, in the third installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we examine both past and existing barriers to ballot.Plus, the fate of medical marijuana possible hangs in the balance as the Mississippi Supreme Court hears oral arguments challenging the legitimacy of Initiative 65.Segment 1:Mississippi vaccine providers are pausing Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccinations in the state while the CDC investigates siz related cases of blood clots. No cases of the rare blood clot associated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have been identified in Mississippi. But health officials in say they are erring on the side of caution until the CDC has finished it's investigation. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the risk of someone getting this type of blood clot from the J&J vaccine is extremely rare. Around 53,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine are at clinics, pharmacies and hospitals across Mississippi. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says those doses will likely not go to waste in that time.Segment 2:Throughout American history, access to the ballot has been a dynamically controversial issue. When the nation was founded, voting was limited to white landowners. Efforts to expand the right to vote over the centuries were often met with resistance. And even after the 15th, 19th and 26th amendment removed federal restrictions based race, color, previous condition of servitude and sex - and reduced the legal age to 18 - many communities still face barriers to voting.Aside from voting rights secured through constitutional amendments, the federal government currently exhibits little power over elections. The power to manage and administer elections belongs to the states, and it is where some barriers can still be found. We examine the history of voting laws and practices designed to create roadblocks to the ballot with Christy Wheeler, co-President of the Mississippi League of Women Voters and Pauline Rogers of the RECH Foundation.Segment 3:Mississippi Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments today challenging signature collections for Initiative 65. The constitutional amendment - approved by over 70 percent of Mississippi voters last November - makes medical marijuana legal in the state. But the mayor of the City of Madison is challenging the initiative, claiming signature collections for the ballot referendum are unconstitutional. The Mississippi constitution requires an equal number of signatures from five congressional districts. The state lost a seat after the 2000 Census, but the constitution hasn't been updated to four districts to change the process. Ken Newburger is with the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Association. He says signatures gathered during the initiative process were legitimate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health leaders provide updates on coronavirus vaccinations and transmission in the state.Then, in the first installment of our Your Vote, Your Voice series, we examine the basic voting requirements in Mississippi.Plus, a coalition including the NAACP is leading the drive to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot.Segment 1:Overall coronavirus transmission in Mississippi is down this spring compared to the surge in cases earlier this year. But the threat of emerging variants in the U.S. has health officials expressing some caution. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says transmission of those variants - especially the U.K. variant - in other states is starting to have an effect. Reports show the state's vaccination rates lagging behind the national average. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says there is a perception that Mississippi is struggling more than actually is. Segment 2:Voting is the cornerstone of the United States' representative democracy, and each individual state has incredible power to determine how its residents participate in the voting process. In the first installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we examine the basic voting requirements in Mississippi. Secretary of State Michael Watson joins our Michael Guidry to examine the year-to-year elections in the Magnolia State, and the procedures for registering for and casting your vote.Segment 3:Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation with the lowest health outcomes. And the state is one of more than a dozen in the nation that has punted on expanding Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act - a move that would provide health coverage for Mississippi's working poor. Now, a coalition is forming to put the decision in the hands of the voters. Healthcare for Mississippi, a non-profit of around 15 advocacy groups - including the NAACP - has filed the preliminary paperwork to put Initiative 76 on the ballot. Corey Wiggins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Chapter of the NAACP. He tells our Desare Frazier advocates have lobbied lawmakers to expand Medicaid, but there isn't enough legislative support. So he wants to help give residents a voice in the matter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Overall coronavirus cases are trending down. Vaccine rollout is now in its fifth month. We talk to the State Health Officer about how Mississippi is faring in its year long fight against COVID-19.Plus, migrant workers profoundly affected by the ICE raid of 2019, are calling on action from the Biden Administration.Segment 1:Vaccines for COVID-19 have been available to all Mississippi residents 18 and over for more than three weeks now, but the effort to educate and encourage vaccination has been a five month endeavor for the Department of Health. Still, despite being one of only a few states to offer widen availability, the rate of Mississippians receiving at least one dose is below the national average. About one in every four Mississippi residents have gotten one shot - a rate that falls eight points below the national average of 33 percent.State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says hesitancy and access have been the two most significant challenges in getting the state to the roughly 80 percent rate needed to reach a level of herb immunity. In part one of our conversation, we discuss vaccine hesitancy, access, the question of booster shots.Segment 2:During the winter wave of coronavirus cases and deaths, residents in long term care facilities were especially hard-hit. The number of outbreaks in those facilities reached their highest points in January, right when vaccine distribution began in the state. Now, three months later, outbreaks and deaths within that group has declined significantly. We pick up our conversation with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs discussing the vaccine effort in long term care facilities, and how a recent health grant from the CDC can help Mississippi continue it's fight against COVID-19.Segment 3:Advocates for immigrant workers in Mississippi are calling on the Biden administration to overturn policies that target undocumented immigrant communities. They say the President can start by protecting those affected by the 2019 ICE raids. Yesterday, those advocates gathered outside the Department of Labor's capital city office to deliver a letter to the Wage and Hour Division, urging the Biden administration to create protections for immigrant workers See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State officials continue to encourage residents to get shots as Mississippi attempts to climb from the bottom rungs of the national vaccination tables.Then, a coalition of health leaders file an initiative to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot.Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we recap the 2021 legislative session.Segment 1:Over four months into vaccine availability, more than 1.3 million Mississippians have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine according to Governor Tate Reeves. But, the Magnolia State still sits toward the bottom of the national tables when it comes to partially and fully vaccinated rates, and Reeves says he is concerned about vaccine hesitancy. Yesterday, flanked by a number of doctors including State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Reeves addressed the concerns for hesitancy and says some residents are slowly realizing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.Segment 2:After years of political punting by state leaders and legislators, a coalition of medical professionals are leading the charge to expand Medicaid in Mississippi. First reported by Mississippi Today, a group - including the President of the Hospital Association - filed an an application with the Secretary of State's office to make the question of expansion a ballot initiative. Healthcare for Mississippi is the non-profit behind the new Initiative 76 effort. Dr. John Gaudet is part of the effort. He shares more with our Michael Guidry.Segment 3:Southern Remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:Mississippi Lawmakers closed out the 2021 legislative session one week ago today- allocating the state's $6 billion budget across a range of state agencies and programs. MPB's Senior Reporter Desare Frazier covers the state legislator and is here to give us a recap. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

UMMC and the FCC come together to champion new efforts in tele-health. And Senator Wicker discusses the American Rescue plan and corporate response to the Georgia voting laws.Then, health officials provide updates on vaccine progress in the state.Plus, violence is down in Mississippi prisons. We hear from the commissioner of MDOC.Segment 1:The tele-health center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is being recognized by federal officials for meeting the rising demand of remote medicine. The center received $1 million dollars in federal funding last year from the FCC's COVID-19 tele-health program. The funding helped to purchase tablets and other take-home electronics so patients can monitor their health and keep in touch with physicians. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker toured the facility last week. Chairman Carr says Senator Wicker was an early advocate for tele-health at the start of the pandemic, and recalled a visit to a pilot program in Ruleville.The Senator has also recently spoken out against the corporate response to the new Georgia voting laws, and has championed some of the relief provided through the American Rescue Plan despite voting against earlier this year. He discussed his positions on the two issues with our Kobee Vance.Segment 2:Mississippi's health leaders are calling on health care providers to help vaccinate more Mississippians. During a roundtable with the Mississippi Medical Association last week, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers and State Heath Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs laid out a plan to get more vaccines to local providers.Segment 3:Violence at Mississippi prisons has gone down significantly, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Both serious and minor infractions at Parchman fell by about 63 percent from 2019 to 2020. MDOC is reporting violence at all state prisons is down by 52 percent in the same time period - statistics that include riots that occurred January 2020. Commissioner Burl Cain, who took over the department in May of 2020, tells our Becca Schimmel the drop is a result of new strategies implemented to reduce incentives for gang activity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mississippi surpasses one millions doses of coronavirus vaccine.Then, we examine the targeted strategies officials are using reach work communities that suffered outbreaks at the start of the pandemic.Plus, FEMA offers funeral assistance for families managing COVID-19 related deaths.Segment 1:The Magnolia State's vaccine rollout is hitting new benchmarks as the state tops one million doses of coronavirus vaccine. More than 350 thousand people have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in Mississippi, and around 700 thousand have gotten at least one shot. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says it is a testament to the system the state has put in place. Governor Tate Reeves says the one million shot milestone is significant. But, he recognizes there will be hurdles along the way to two million.Segment 2:Coronavirus outbreaks at food processing facilities were common at the beginning of the pandemic, impacting a lot of low-income people of color. Louisiana is startingto get vaccine supply to workers in these types of high-risk industries. From the Gulf States Newsroom, Shalina Chatlani looks at Louisiana's strategy and lessons for the region.Segment 3:Beginning in April, Mississippians may apply for funeral assistance through FEMA for deaths caused by COVID 19. Among the requirements--the death certificate must list COVID 19 as the cause of the death, receipts and expenses must have been incurred after January 20, 2020. Eric Steele with the Mississippi Funeral Directors and Mortician Association tells our Desare Frazier the reimbursements will help families struggling financially due to the deaths of loved ones.Former state representative Steve Holland operates funeral homes in the Tupelo area. He says he's seen the toll of the pandemic - the loss of life and the financial hardships - up close. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health officials confirm a second coronavirus variant in Mississippi.Then, Jackson State University steps up to promote vaccination.Plus, indigenous remains are repatriated to the Chickasaw nation.Segment 1:Mississippi health officials are reporting the first identified case of the South African strain of coronavirus in Harrison County. State Health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the South African strain or B.1.3.5.1 is more easily spread. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers is urging people to get vaccinated. He says even though some of the vaccines may not prevent infection, they will still reduce hospitalizations and deaths.Segment 2:Mississippi's expanded coronavirus vaccine eligibility means college students are now able to get their shots - and colleges and universities in the state are hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics to make access easier. This weekend, Jackson State University attracted nearly 300 students, faculty and community members. JSU President Thomas Hudson tells MPB's Kobee Vance vaccination is the best path toward normalcy.Segment 3:The Chickasaw Nation is receiving the remains of 403 Native Americans along with 83 lots of burial objects from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The return marks the largest repatriation of human remains in Mississippi History, and the first for the state agency. Meg Cook is the Director of Archeology Collections. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health leaders in the Magnolia State discuss vaccine expansion.Then, a new study analyzes the obstacles Mississippians with felony convictions face as they try to re-enter the community.Then, a Mississippi casino offers employees an incentive for getting vaccinated.Segment 1:After a steady declining slope in coronavirus cases, Mississippi is experiencing a slight leveling-off as residents resume activity without statewide mitigation strategies in place. State Heath Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers say even though vaccine eligibility is ever-expanding and restrictions are lifted, the virus still poses a threat. Vaccines are helping reduce the spread of the virus, but cases and deaths still mount one year after the pandemic began. As the state nears 7,000 COVIV-19 related deaths, Dr. Byers and Dr. Mark Horne of the State Medical Association say it's important to remember the death count is more than a number.Segment 2:Nearly 11% of Mississippi's population is ineligible to vote - a result of the state's disenfranchising statutes. The data, from 2018, is part of a report analyzing the barriers residents with felony convictions face as they attempt to re-enter the community. Organizers, like Nsombi Lambright hope to use the "Our Voices, Our Vote" report to bring change to the Mississippi criminal legal system and restore voting rights for all incarcerated citizens who have served their prison term. She shares more with our Becca Schimmel.Segment 3:A casino along Mississippi's Gulf Coast is offering employees a financial incentive for each COVID-19 vaccine shot they receive. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D'Iberville says they will give associates $150 per shot in their effort to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. The casino has also partnered with a hospital to have vaccines administered at its clinic. LuAnn Pappas is CEO of the Scarlet Pearl. She says the campaign is aimed at mitigating the impact COVID-19 is having on the hospitality industry and the coast community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Officials in the city of Jackson say the current water crisis is nearing an end, but certain underlying issues still need to be reconciled.Then, as the state approaches the one year anniversary of its first case of COVID-19, health officials reflect on the year that was.Plus, as the nation recognizes National Women's Month, advocates in Mississippi say more must be done to support low-income single mothers.Segment 1:Water restoration in Jackson is nearly complete after over three weeks of outages. Public Works Director Charles Williams says most residents should have access to running water, but pressure remains and issue. The entire city is still under a boil water advisory.The immediate cause of the water issues in Jackson was last month's winter storm. But the underlying complications have been decades in the making. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba says the city is working on securing aid from the state and federal level.Segment 2:Nearly half a million Mississippians have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The milestone comes nearly one year after the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Mississippi. The state's health officials are reflecting on the year that was as the state nears the anniversary date of March 11th. Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers recall it was mid-January when the department of health realized potential severity of the coronavirus. As the state prepared for the potential pandemic, early mitigation guidance from federal leadership was disjointed. Dr. Dobbs says there is a long-existing neglect of public health systems in the United States.Segment 3:National Women's History Month is a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. It is also a time to assess socio-economic progress of women in a sustained fight for financial equality. Advocates say women in Mississippi are making gains, but many are finding it hard to make ends meet financially. Cassandra Welchlin is with the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable. She tells our Desare Frazier, Mississippi's women are bearing an tremendous load in the marketplace, but still lack economic security. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Governor roll backs restrictions on mask wearing and gatherings while advocating vaccinations.Then, the long-promised teacher pay raise sits in legislative limbo. We look at how and if the raise will come this year.Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we examine how yesterday's Supreme Court hearing could affect voting rights in Mississippi. Segment 1:Mississippians will no longer be required to wear a mask in public. Yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves announced he is rolling back many of restrictions designed to combat transmission of the coronavirus. Reeves said with a steep decline in hospitalizations and deaths, it is time for Mississippi to open up.While government orders requiring masks and limiting gatherings are going away, public health guidance still places heavy reliance on those mitigation strategies. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs is strongly encouraging those who have not yet been vaccinated to continue safe practices.Segment 2:For the second year in a row, members of the Mississippi Senate are including a teacher pay raise on their list of top priorities. This session, the Senate passed a stand-alone bill that included a raise and lifted the salary floor for new teachers. That bill had until yesterday to clear House committees. MPB's Ashley Norwood caught up with Senate Education Chair Dennis Debar on Deadline Day.Segment 3:Southern Remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:A recent Supreme Court hearing could go a long way in deciding how new voting restrictions will be judged under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The high court heard arguments in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee yesterday. Following the last year's general election, Republican-controlled state legislatures across the country are offering up new voting laws that could limit the ability to vote and create additional barriers to the ballot box. Ezra Rosenberg, co-director of the Voting Rights Project, shares more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The water crisis in the Capital City continues as residents face prolonged outages. City officials weigh in.Then, the coronavirus vaccination rollout accelerates following delays brought on by last month's winter storm.Plus, an analysis of the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act.Segment 1:Residents in parts of the capital city have been without running water for nearly two weeks. Jackson's water treatment plants were unable to operate during last month's winter storm, and many pipes froze. City officials expected to have the water pressure stabilized and restored over the weekend, instead they say the system crashed and lost pressure. Charles Williams, Director of Public Works, and Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba address a series of issues causing the delay in restoration.Segment 2:Mississippians may soon have another option for a coronavirus vaccine that only requires one shot. The new Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine has been approved for emergency use by the FDA. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says the introduction of a new vaccine could create a higher total allocation of shots, and give residents a choice.Mississippi's vaccination effort was in rebound mode last week after severe winter weather shut down many of the health department's drive through vaccination sites. The storm also slowed down testing throughout the state. Health officials say canceled vaccination appointments were made up smoothly and the rollout remains efficient. But cases of COVID-19 ticked up last week after a period of steady decline. Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says he is worried there could be some complacency among residents, and warns of a potential rise nationwide.Segment 3:Last week, House Republicans introduced the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act - a comprehensive tax reform bill that would eliminate the personal income tax, reduce the grocery tax, and raise the sales tax. Advocates say the reform plan will create new economic opportunities in the state, but some analysts say the plan could be ineffective. Meg Wiehe (We-He) is Deputy Executive Director at the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy. In part one of her conversation with our Michael Guidry, Wiehe breaks down the state's current tax structure and examines who will be most affected by the changes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health officials update residents on the vaccine rollout.Then, second draw loans though the Paycheck Protection Program became available last month. We check in with the Bankers Association.Plus, ahead of a virtual panel examining and celebrating the history of the black church, we talk to Mississippi gospel icon.Segment 1:Mississippi residents 65 and older are getting vaccinated in growing numbers. According to data from the state department of health, more than 3 in 10 Mississippians 65 and older have received first doses. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state-run drive through sites are operating at a high efficiency rate, but he is exploring more solutions to make the vaccine more accessible to communities of color.Segment 2:Mississippi banks are working with small business owners to originate new Paycheck Protection Program loans. The federal program, designed to assist small businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, reopened in early January. Gordon Fellows, President and CEO of the Mississippi Banker's Association, says the first round of PP loans presented a number of challenges - chiefly a more severe level of unemployment, and an original fund from Congress that was depleted so quickly it had to be refilled. He details more on the second draw loans available through the federal program.Segment 3:Tonight MPB is presenting a virtual event celebrating the upcoming two-part documentary "The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song. It will include a screener of the documentary, songs from HBCU choirs, door prizes and the panel discussion. One of the panelists is Lannie Spann McBride - renowned music minister, retired educator and composer. She shares more about the role of music and the church. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After topping a quarter-million first doses, state health officials say the expect new vaccines will be available within a month.Then, a recent report reveals inmates with disabilities face dire circumstances in Mississippi prisons.Plus, the debate over how to rehabilitate Mississippi's state parks intensifies in the senate.Segment 1:Mississippi is crossing new thresholds in vaccination distribution. More than a quarter-million Mississippians have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the vaccine rollout in the state is running smoothly, and two additional vaccines could make the vaccine rollout more efficient. The AstraZeneca vaccine trial is nearing completion, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to be approved by the FDA in two weeks. dr. Dobbs says he has not seen detailed data from the study but says publicly available information looks promising.As the department continues reaching more residents with vaccinations, it is also monitoring tests for traces of the new variants. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says that, unlike some other states in the region, Mississippi has not yet seen signs of a variant strain.Segment 2:A new report from Disability Rights Mississippi alleges cruel and unusual punishment at the hands of the state Department of Corrections. MDOC, which is under investigation by the Departent of Justice following a string of violent outbreaks and deaths, has been under new leadership since last spring. But the new report brings to the surface new concerns as it details allegations of abuse and discrimination against inmates with disabilities from 2020. Jane Walton is the communications director for Disability Rights Mississippi, a private non-profit advocacy group. She details the report with MPB's Becca Schimmel.Segment 3:Debate over how best to operate Mississippi's neglected state parks is growing controversial. The Senate recently passed a bill that creates a study committee to determine if state parks should be returned to local governments, repurposed, or leased to private companies to operate. The plight of the state's public parks has been a stated priority of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The State Board of Health meets to begin outlining the state's new medical marijuana program.Then, 2020 was a record year for organ transplants in Mississippi. We examine how MORA was successful in a year complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.Plus, in our Book Club, a military Veteran and Professor Emeritus at West Point challenges the myths of the Confederate legacy in “Robert E. Lee and Me.” Segment 1:The Mississippi Board of Health is discussing how the state will begin the new medical marijuana program adopted last year. Over 70 percent of voters approved Initiative 65 - a constitutional amendment legalizing the substance and assigning administrative duties of the program to the Department of Health. Yesterday, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs met with members of the board to discuss the program.Segment 2:Despite the complications of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 was a banner year for organ transplants and tissue donation. Last year, the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency worked with doctors, hospitals and donor families to transplant 284 organs through the generosity of 98 donors. It also received a record high in tissue donations. Kevin Stump is the President and CEO of MORA. He shares how the agency was able to achieve record impact. Segment 3:Ty Seidule is an Army veteran, having retired as a Brigadier General. He taught history at West Point for decades. He's also the author of “Robert E. Lee and Me,” a book he says challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy. Seidule grew up in the south and held strongly different beliefs back then. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Governor outlines more vaccine programs as state health officials monitory variant strains of the coronavirus.Then, with Initiative 65 scheduled for hearings at Mississippi's highest court, lawmakers draft a potential substitute.Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a former President of the state medical association laments Mississippi's reluctance to expand Medicaid.Segment 1:Mississippi is passing another milestone in its efforts to vaccinate residents against the coronavirus. Governor Tate Reeves says the state has surpassed a quarter million vaccinations, and is prepared to begin distributing more second doses in the coming weeks. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says distribution through 21 drive-thru sites operated by the Department of Health are running efficiently. He also says more access points are being made available - including one through a new federal pharmacy program.Segment 2:Initiative 65 - the ballot referendum making medical marijuana legal via a constitutional amendment - is being challenged at the state's highest court. Over 70 of Mississippi voters approved the initiative last November. Now, a new bill out of the Senate Finance Committee would create a separate law called the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which could serve as a substitute measure if the court strikes down Initiative 65.Senate Bill 2765, authored by Republican Kevin Blackwell, delegates responsibility for regulating the program to the state department of agriculture. Blackwell says the law is more fair toward small business. Blackwell and Democrat David Blount debated the bill during yesterday's committee meeting. Our Desare Frazier also talks with Sen. John Horhn (D).Segment 3:Southern Remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:Dr. Tim Alford is a longtime family physician and past president of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He knew Mississippians were struggling to get health care before he began working in the emergency room in this small town five years ago. He laments the state has refused to accept Medicaid expansion since the discussion began in 2014. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The health department opens up new sites as the state continues its coronavirus vaccine rollout.Then, Mississippi scores poorly in a new study assessing tobacco control.Plus, a Jackson hospital is the first in the state to offer a new breast cancer treatment.Segment 1:The Mississippi Department of Health is opening new coronavirus vaccination sites in an effort to expand vaccine access in the state. The two new drive-thru locations will be stationed in the cities of Vicksburg and Monticello. Jim Craig, Senior Deputy at the Department of Health says these sites will help reach more eligible Mississippians.The state has topped 200,000 first doses of the coronavirus vaccine - both the Pfizer and Moderna products require two doses. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the department and its partners have developed a steady rhythm to get shots to residents efficiently.Segment 2:A newly released report finds Mississippi is failing to support efforts that help reduce tobacco use. The annual report card from the American Lung Association gives the state an overall "F" rating for not adequately funding tobacco prevention programs or creating enough clean-air regulations. Ashley Lyerly is with the Lung Association's Mississippi office. She shares more about the report with our Desare Frazier.Segment 3:A Jackson area hospital is the first in Mississippi to offer a new treatment method for early-stage breast cancer. Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy is now available at Merit Health Woman's Hospital and could completely replace the three- to six-week course of traditional external beam radiation. Dr. Phillip Ley of Merit Health explains the one-day treatment. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State health officials expect more doses of vaccine in the coming weeks, but distribution will still be limited.Then, it was the first rocket test of its kind in decades, but it was shut down after just over a minute. We look at what last weekend's test at the Stennis Space Center means for project Artemis.Plus, a local civil rights veteran recalls her experience with Martin Luther King Jr.Segment 1:Mississippi's officials are making mass vaccination a goal as the state begins to feel the strain and loss following high transmission during the holiday season. The state is averaging over 40 deaths per day since the new year began, and hospitals continue to operate at capacity. State Health Office Dr. Thomas Dobbs says his office is hopeful a steady decline is on the way. Governor Tate Reeves says the state is trending in the right direction, but the numbers are still significantly higher than surge last summer that stressed hospital. He agrees the vaccine provides some optimism and believes the state is improving in that regard as well.Segment 2:For the first time since in decades, four rockets designed with enough power to launch a shuttle into space were tested at Hancock County's Stennis Space center. For a little over a minute, the four engines generated 1.6-million pounds of thrust. It was the most powerful test at Stennis since the Saturn V stages were tested here in the 1960s. But then one of the engines failed. Gary Benton is director of safety and mission assurance at Stennis Space Center. He talked to us prior to the test about the role the Space Center and the Test plays in Artemis Mission.Segment 3:Flonzie Brown Wright was a champion of voting rights in Mississippi during the 1960's and 70's. The first African American female to be elected to Madison County Election Commissioner pre and post-Reconstruction, Mrs. Brown Wright helped register thousands of Mississippians during the Civil Rights Movement. She also worked directly with Dr. Martin Luther King during the Meredith Marches. In observation of this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, she shares her experience fighting for change with the Civil Rights icon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After the health department's scheduled vaccinations abruptly reached capacity, residents seek answers from officials about when the next shipment of doses will be available.Then, with FBI warnings of protests beginning this weekend throughout the nation, we examine Mississippi's preparations.Plus, 60 years after the first Freedom Rides, we reflect with a civil rights veteran who was arrested in Jackson and sent to Parchman.Segment 1:Mississippians are expressing frustration after surging demand filled all the state's drive-thru coronavirus vaccination appointments earlier this week. After Governor Tate Reeves announced the state would deviate from CDC guidelines and extend vaccine eligibility to all residents 65 and older as well as all residents 18 and over with underlying health conditions, thousands of residents overwhelmed the department of health's scheduling apparatus - causing long call waits and website delays. Preston Cantner of Grenada was trying to schedule an appointment for himself and his 85-year-old uncle. He tells our Kobee Vance the experience has left him frustrated.Officials say the demand and fulfillment of the current allocation will lead to continued allocations from the federal government in the coming weeks. But, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the change in the distribution plan is revealing an imbalance in access that is detrimental to the under-resourced.Segment 2:Mississippi law enforcement is on high alert to prepare for possible armed protests at state capitol buildings in the days leading up to the the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. This week, the FBI issued warnings as more information was gathered following the violent insurrection last Wednesday. Sean Tindell is the Department of Public Safety Commissioner. He tells our Kobee Vance he is coordinating with partners at all levels to ensure any activity remains peaceful and safe.Segment 3:A civil rights veteran who has worked and fought for 60 years, David Dennis was one of the original Freedom Riders who rode from Montgomery to Jackson in 1961. He was arrested and sent to Parchman the moment he stepped off the bus in Mississippi's capital city. He would later to go on to serve as field secretary for the Congress of Racial Equality and co-director of the Council of Federated Organizations. He also helped organize Freedom Summer in 1964. Today, he will keynote the Margaret Walker Center's virtual 53rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation at 10:00 a.m. Dennis joined us earlier this week to reflect on the events that led to his ride into Jackson, and how he view the recent surge of protests in the fight against racial injustice. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Months after an overwhelming vote, the new Mississippi state flag is finalized by Governor Reeves and raised above the state capitol.Then, vaccination roll-out in Mississippi is lagging behind - especially in long term care settings. Health officials and representatives from major pharmacies explain the delays during a hearing with lawmakers.Plus, the state's Emergency Management Director shares his battle with and recovery from COVID-19.Segment 1:It's official - Mississippi has a new state banner. Government leaders gathered yesterday to witness Governor Tate Reeves sign final certification of the November vote that made the new design featuring a white magnolia official.Last summer, as protests over racial injustice amplified the call for change, lawmakers took the first steps toward change by retiring the 1894 flag emblazoned with the confederate battle emblem. Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Gov. Tate Reeves, Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove and Rep. Zakiya Summers comment.Segment 2:The coronavirus vaccine rollout in the Magnolia State is lagging. Mississippi currently trails neighboring states for vaccinations in long term care settings, and lawmakers are searching for ways to speed up this process to protect vulnerable Mississippians. During a hearing with legislators yesterday, Dr. Thomas Dobbs explained some of the reasons for delays with the initial allocations of the vaccine.Segment 3:As the man on the right flank of Governor Tate Reeves during dozens of press conferences throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Colonel Greg Michel was immersed the state's mitigation efforts. The Director of the state's Emergency Management Agency, Michel coordinated the delivery of PPE to hospitals facilities and county health leaders, and managed preparations for emergency overflow hospitals in places like Camp Shelby. But during the pandemic's largest surge, not even Michel was spared from the virus. Now, he shares his personal COVID-19 story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With snow hitting the Magnolia State, we talk to the National Weather Service about how long residents can expect wintry weather.Then, the health department expands vaccination sites in the continuing fight to lower transmission of the coronavirus.Plus, after assuming leadership of the Department of Corrections last summer, Commissioner Burl Cain discusses his first months on the job.Segment 1:A wintry mix of rain and snow is making its way across Mississippi, causing a number of school closures and winter weather advisories. Some parts of the state have seen more than an inch of snow. For more on the system and how long residents can expect these conditions, we turn to Meteorologist John Moore who joins us now from the National Weather Service in Jackson.Segment 2:Coronavirus transmission in Mississippi remains high with the state health department reporting over 5,000 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. Although vaccine distribution in the state is underway, roll-out has been slow. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says the risk remains high for the state's long-term care facilities.State officials are deviating from the Center for Disease Control's vaccine distribution guidelines. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the decision was made to expedite the vaccines to the state's older residents.Segment 3:The Mississippi Department of Corrections is changing some policies under the direction of Commissioner Burl Cain. Cain, who took office last summer, promised to deliver prison reform based on moral rehabilitation and skills training. Under his direction, MDOC has added seminary programs for inmates and Cain hopes community college courses will be available soon. Cain shares more about his first months on the job and his vision for the Department, beginning with the progress at Parchman State Penitentiary See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Health officials lay out plans to expedite vaccines to Mississippi's oldest residents.Then, the new state flag moves one step closer to becoming official as the Senate ratified the November vote. But a recent poll indicates nearly 40 of voters still believe Mississippi is heading in the wrong direction.Plus, in today's Book Club, Mississippi author, Michael Farris Smith, creates a backstory for “The Great Gatsby's” narrator, Nick CarrawaySegment 1:With a coronavirus vaccine now limitedly available, the Department of Health is expanding vaccine availability ahead of schedule to residents age 75 and older. State health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says he wants the current allocation of vaccines to go to who needs them - especially those in the most vulnerable age groups. Segment 2:The Magnolia State is a Governor's signature away from officially having a new state flag. The Senate ratified the results of the November initiate yesterday. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says he wants the vote to be a stepping stone to more comprehensive solutions. But despite the state's progress in adopting a new banner, many Mississippians - nearly 40 percent - believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. That's according to the latest State of the State Poll conducted by Chism Strategies and Millsaps College. Nathan Shrader is the Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps. In part one of his conversation with our Michael Guidry, Shrader breaks down how voters view the direction of the state, and its leadership's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.Segment 3:It's fair to say that F. Scott Fitzgerald's “The Great Gatsby,” sits high on many lists of the greatest American novels. Mississippi writer, Michael Farris Smith, says he was fascinated by the book's narrator, Nick Carraway. In his new novel, simply titled “Nick,” Farris Smith creates a back story for Carraway. He tells us he wasn't a big fan of The Great Gatsby when he first read it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With Moderna's vaccine potentially on the way, Mississippi's health officials plan for distribution of shots to more front-line workers and long term care residents.And, the ten-month long pandemic has changed the way Mississippians live and grieve. We examine how the coronavirus has affected mental health in the state.Then, how mitigation practices are changing the ways families engage withe Santa this holiday season.Segment 1:Hospitals across Mississippi are administering the first coronavirus vaccines to front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. The first 25,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have gone primarily to at-risk health professionals. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers tells our Kobee Vance the first week of distribution has gone well, but more vaccine is needed to meet the needs of hospitals and long-term care facilities. We also hear from State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Dr. Emily Landrum of StarkvilleSegment 2:The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is launching a "Behind the Mask Campaign" to encourage residents to pay closer attention to their mental health and seek help when needed. Experts say feelings of anxiety and depression are common during the coronavirus pandemic, with contributing factors that include changes in employment, children learning from home, and death of loved ones. Molly Taylor is with the state department of mental health. She says a $1.6 million grant is allowing the department to fund 15 providers across the state to further offer mental health services. She examines the toll of the pandemic on Mississippi's mental health with our Ashley Norwood.Segment 3:How do you visit Santa in a pandemic? Of course, climbing on Santa's lap in a crowded mall isn't safe with COVID-19 surging across the South. But families and Santa are adapting. From W-B-H-M in Birmingham, Alabama, Andrew Yeager reports.Segment 4:Highway safety is a serious matter. But during this and other holiday seasons, a team from the Mississippi Department of Transportation is using a touch of levity to get those safe driving messages out. Michael Flood is with MDOT, he shares more about this year's messaging campaign and the importance of getting real-time information to Mississippi's motorists. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the first coronavirus vaccines arrive in Mississippi, health officials detail plans for the initial shipments.Then, state officials and Republican leaders gather to formalize Mississippi's six electoral votes.Plus, on the heels of its legalization, a small group organizes a trade association for medical marijuana.Segment 1:Mississippi's first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived and health workers are already receiving the first dose. During a live zoom press conference yesterday, State health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and several other health officials were some of the first in Mississippi to receive an injection of the Pfizer vaccine. Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers say the vaccine is becoming available for the state's healthcare workers and long term care facilities as Mississippi is experiencing it's highest COVID-19 transmission rate.Dobbs also acknowledges the skepticism that surrounds the new vaccine. He says understands the caution and concern. During the Zoom conference he says he and other health leaders have faith in the vaccine, noting the research and development technology used to produce the vaccine has been going on for a decade.Segment 2:Mississippi voters turned out in record numbers in last month's General Election, and yesterday, the state's six electoral votes for President were formalized. State officials and Republican leaders cast the state's votes for Republican Donald Trump, who won 58 percent of the popular vote. Following the electoral vote, Secretary of State Michael Watson celebrated the record turnout and showed reverence for the process.During the event, Governor Tate Reeves defended the institution of the Electoral College, calling out those who seek to dismantle it. Reeves says the Electoral College ensures Mississippi's voters aren't disenfranchised. He also defended AG Lynn Fitch's decision to join Texas' lawsuit against four swing states.Segment 3:Within a year, Mississippi will have a medical marijuana program, and some residents are joining in an effort to form a trade association to help create, support, and guide the medical marijuana industry in the state. Jessica Rice is the Director of Public Relatios for the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association. She discusses the association's formation and its goals with our Desare Frazier. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A COVID-19 vaccine is approved and on its way, but state health officials warn of a hospital system under duress as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to soar.Then, with outbreaks in long term care facilities growing, we explore the factors leading to transmission in the state's nursing homes. Plus, the enrollment period for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends tomorrow. We examine how residents can qualify and apply for coverage.Segment 1:Frontline healthcare workers in Mississippi could begin receiving the coronavirus vaccine today. After an approval for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration, 25,000 doses of the the Pzizer vaccine is expected to arrive in the state, and will be delivered to select Mississippi hospitals. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says supplies are limited and hospitals will decide which healthcare workers will receive the vaccination.While health officials find hope in a vaccine, they also caution there will not be enough of it in the next few months to have any impacts on the greater population. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to soar. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says hospitals are reaching a point where over-night elective procedures are utilizing too many resources.Segment 2:Coronavirus cases in Mississippi are continuing to surge and the number of outbreaks in long term care facilities are higher than ever before. Experts are calling on the community to minimize virus transmission saying it's the best tool to reduce outbreaks inside nursing homes. But as MPB's Ashley Norwood reports, an employee inside a nursing home believes community transmission is only part of the problem.Segment 3:Tomorrow is the deadline to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. This period, there are two insurance companies covering all 82 counties-- Molina and Ambetter Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says nearly 100,000 people have signed up for coverage on healthcare dot gov, and shares more how residents can enroll. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As coronavirus hospitalizations and LTC outbreaks grow, so does the demand for front-line workers. We examine how new medical professionals are preparing for work during a pandemic.Then, the coronavirus incubation period can last up to two weeks. But, as we learn from a COVID-19 survivor, the effects of infectionc an last months.Plus, the Public Service Commission is expanding broadband access with help from the FCC.Segment 1:Mississippi is facing a surge in coronavirus cases and health officials say intensive care units are stressed more than ever. In statement via Twitter yesterday, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says pressure on ICU's are worse than the summer surge, and 26 hospitals are on diversion for critically ill patients. The strain is creating fatigue in front-line workers, and there is a nation-wide shortage of nurses. This is opening doors for recent nursing school graduates. Our Kobee Vance speaks with new nurses Jamie Ramsey and Candice Ball.Segment 2:The incubation period for the coronavirus is anywhere between two to fourteen days. Some mild cases may exhibit symptoms for a few days, then pass. But severe cases can mean weeks in the hospital followed by months of therapy and recovery. That was the case for COVID-19 survivor Terry Doremus of Brookhaven. In part two of our conversation, she details her months-long recovery after leaving the intensive care unit.Segment 3:Mississippi's Public Service Commission is receiving money from the federal government to bolster its broadband expansion efforts. The Federal Communications Commission announced earlier this week that Mississippi is receiving $495 million as part of Phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. These funds are in addition to the $75 million allocated by the Mississippi Legislature. Chairman Dane Maxwell tells our Michael Guidry the project will show the nation how the Magnolia State is a leader in broadband expansion. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Governor introduces new restrictions on social gatherings.Then, with coronavirus hospitalizations reaching an all time high, we hear from a pandemic survivor whose recovery requires weeks in a hospital bed.Plus, in our Book Club.... Gift giving recommendations from a Mississippi independent book seller for everyone on your list who loves to read.Segment 1:Coronavirus transmission in Mississippi continues escalate, with the state reaching a new daily high in reported COVID-19 cases three times in the last seven days. Yesterday, the department of health reported 2,746 cases - a new record high. With transmission at a rate more intense than the summer spike, Governor Tate Reeves says additional action and more buy in are necessary until vaccines arrive.State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says this wave of transmission is being catalyzed by social events and gatherings. He continues to emphasize the importance of individual mitigation efforts until vaccines are readily available.Segment 2:During the last week of July, Brookhaven resident Terry Doremus was in an airport on her way to see her daughter in San Antonio when she noticed a seemingly mild headache. She always wore a mask and did the little things - like wash her hands - so she didn't think much of it. On the night before she was supposed to return to Mississippi, more severe symptoms surfaced - 103 degree fever, a burning in her throat, body aches. Instead of getting on a flight home with her ten-year-old grandchild, Terry was riding home in the back seat of her husbands car. In part one of our conversation, shares how her COVID-19 infection led to weeks in a hospital bed.Segment 3:If you have one of those people on your gift list impossible to shop for you might want to consider a book. Mississippi is rich with talented and notable, best-selling authors. Shelby Gorman with Turnrow Books in Greenwood has some recommendations. But first, she tells us that when she became the manager of the book store earlier this year the timing couldn't have been worse. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As daily cases of COVID-19 reach a new peak, health officials anticipate a wave of new deaths.Then, effects of the pandemic on revenues could led to budget cuts for many state agencies.Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we derail some safety tips for holiday decorating.Segment 1:The coronavirus pandemic continues to reach new heights in Mississippi. With 56 new related deaths reported by the department of health yesterday, the COVID-19 death toll has surpassed the 4,000 mark. Hospitalizations of confirmed patients are also at a new high of 1,125. Health officials say the Thanksgiving surge in virus cases is just starting surface. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says they fear more deaths are on the horizon.State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs worries there is fatigue regarding mitigation strategies and is concerned about Mississippians gathering in mass for the holidays. He says the only way to slow the trend of rising cases and deaths is to "turn off the spigot".Segment 2:Many Mississippi agencies - including universities, prisons and child protection services - may see budget cuts for fiscal year 2022. Those cuts are anticipated as the Legislative Budget Committee is trying to navigate the effects of the coronavirus on state revenues. Federal monies have provided some economic relief, especially in regards to unemployment benefits. And State Economist Corey Miller says sales tax is 9 percent above estimates. Still, he tells our Desare Frazier, revenues are below pre-pandemic levels. Mississippi's lawmakers are responsible for appropriating the $6.1 billion budget. Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall is on the Legislative Budget Committee. He says legislators must be conservative when assessing the budgetary needs of Mississippi's many agencies. He explains the process begins with identifying vacated "pins" or positions within an agency. Segment 3:Southern remedy Health MinuteSegment 4:It's the time of year when many homes are furnished with festive displays and trees are fully adorned with dazzling lights. With so many lights and plugs required, there are safety measures residents should consider as they decorate for the holidays. Mara Hartmann is with Entergy Mississippi. The first tip she shares: invest in LED lights. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.