News, Events and Updates from the Mississippi State Department of Health https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23.html 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.) https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21805.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Wed, 8 Apr 2026 01:04:42 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is honored to join organizations across the nation in recognizing &quot;National Public Health Week&quot; from April 6-12. This annual observance highlights the importance of public health and its impact on communities in Mississippi and nationwide.</p> <p>During National Public Health Week, we reflect on the contributions public health professionals make every day to improve the health and well-being of our nation. Whether serving patients, supporting communities, analyzing data or keeping operations running smoothly, their impact can be felt in all facets of public health, spanning government, business and nonprofit sectors.</p> <p>Some examples of public health professionals are public health nurses and physicians, pharmacists, community health workers, health educators, first responders, epidemiologists, restaurant and facility inspectors, waste-water technicians, scientists and researchers.</p> <p>We encourage everyone to participate and take action in support of public health initiatives. MSDH is dedicated to protecting and advancing the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi, with no exceptions. Each day this week, MSDH will spotlight services that touch every Mississippian on our social media platforms and website, including the following:</p> <ul> <li>Perinatal and Infant Services + Child and Adolescent Services</li> <li>Adult Health</li> <li>Vital Records and Statistics</li> <li>Regulatory Services</li> <li>The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program</li> <li>Communicable Disease Prevention</li> <li>County Health Departments</li> <li>Rural Health + Physician Workforce</li> <li>EMS and Acute Care Systems</li> <li>MSDH Opioid and Substance Use Program</li> <li>Epidemiology (EPI)</li> <li>Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program</li> </ul> <p>For more information on the services MSDH provides, visit our website: <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov">msdh.ms.gov</a>.</p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30844,341.html?rss= RSS News Mon, 6 Apr 2026 12:04:00 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; You may not realize just how the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) serves every Mississippian and every visitor, every day. The April episode of our podcast, Health Talk MS, covers many of the ways the Office of Environmental Health takes on that responsibility to protect your health and wellbeing. </p> <p>Host Greg Flynn sits down with two Environmental Health leaders: Les Herrington and Bill Moody. Herrington is the longtime director of the Office, and Moody is the Director of the Public Water Supply Bureau. It's an eye-opening episode that you don't want to miss.</p> <p>Environmental Health programs include:</p> <ul> <li>Food Safety and Permits, including restaurant inspections and grades.</li> <li>On-Site Wastewater regulation and certification.</li> <li>Milk and Bottled Water regulation of producers and processors that includes frozen desserts.</li> <li>Public Water Supply licensing and quality assurance for all public water systems.</li> </ul> <p>Some of the hot topics Moody talks about are the operators' response to emergencies like the recent ice storm in north Mississippi, what goes into the decision-making process of ending fluoridation in water supplies, and the resources available to fund repairs and replacement of critical infrastructure for all public systems.</p> <p>You'll come away with valuable insight into how MSDH works to protect you and your family every day.</p> <p>Discover the latets episode of <em>Health Talk MS</em> at <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/podcast">msdh.ms.gov/podcast</a>.</p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30848,341.html?rss= RSS News Mon, 6 Apr 2026 12:04:00 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is honored to join organizations across the nation in recognizing &quot;National Public Health Week&quot; from April 6-12. This annual observance highlights the importance of public health and its impact on communities in Mississippi and nationwide.</p> <p>During National Public Health Week, we reflect on the contributions public health professionals make every day to improve the health and well-being of our nation. Whether serving patients, supporting communities, analyzing data or keeping operations running smoothly, their impact can be felt in all facets of public health, spanning government, business and nonprofit sectors.</p> <p>Some examples of public health professionals are public health nurses and physicians, pharmacists, community health workers, health educators, first responders, epidemiologists, restaurant and facility inspectors, waste-water technicians, scientists and researchers.</p> <p>We encourage everyone to participate and take action in support of public health initiatives. MSDH is dedicated to protecting and advancing the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi, with no exceptions. Each day this week, MSDH will spotlight services that touch every Mississippian on our social media platforms and website, including the following:</p> <ul> <li>Perinatal and Infant Services + Child and Adolescent Services</li> <li>Adult Health</li> <li>Vital Records and Statistics</li> <li>Regulatory Services</li> <li>The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program</li> <li>Communicable Disease Prevention</li> <li>County Health Departments</li> <li>Rural Health + Physician Workforce</li> <li>EMS and Acute Care Systems</li> <li>MSDH Opioid and Substance Use Program</li> <li>Epidemiology (EPI)</li> <li>Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program</li> </ul> <p>For more information on the services MSDH provides, visit our website: <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov">msdh.ms.gov</a>.</p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30844,341.html?rss= RSS News Mon, 6 Apr 2026 12:04:00 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; You may not realize just how the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) serves every Mississippian and every visitor, every day. The April episode of our podcast, Health Talk MS, covers many of the ways the Office of Environmental Health takes on that responsibility to protect your health and wellbeing. </p> <p>Host Greg Flynn sits down with two Environmental Health leaders: Les Herrington and Bill Moody. Herrington is the longtime director of the Office, and Moody is the Director of the Public Water Supply Bureau. It's an eye-opening episode that you don't want to miss.</p> <p>Environmental Health programs include:</p> <ul> <li>Food Safety and Permits, including restaurant inspections and grades.</li> <li>On-Site Wastewater regulation and certification.</li> <li>Milk and Bottled Water regulation of producers and processors that includes frozen desserts.</li> <li>Public Water Supply licensing and quality assurance for all public water systems.</li> </ul> <p>Some of the hot topics Moody talks about are the operators' response to emergencies like the recent ice storm in north Mississippi, what goes into the decision-making process of ending fluoridation in water supplies, and the resources available to fund repairs and replacement of critical infrastructure for all public systems.</p> <p>You'll come away with valuable insight into how MSDH works to protect you and your family every day.</p> <p>Discover the latets episode of <em>Health Talk MS</em> at <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/podcast">msdh.ms.gov/podcast</a>.</p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30848,341.html?rss= RSS News Mon, 6 Apr 2026 12:04:00 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; April is recognized as Oropharyngeal (mouth/throat), Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Month, and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is spreading awareness that many of these cancers are largely preventable. Of the roughly 560 Mississippians diagnosed with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers each year, about 140 die, a mortality rate of about 25 percent.</p> <p>The strongest risk factors for these cancers are tobacco and alcohol use, and human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. In fact, oral, head and neck cancers have increased by about 1 percent each year since the mid-2000s, mostly because of a rise in cancers linked to HPV.</p> <p>You can lower your risk of developing these types of cancer:</p> <ul> <li>Don&#39;t smoke. If you smoke or use nicotine products, consider quitting. Resources to help can be found at <a href="https://quitnow.net/ms">quitnow.net/ms</a></li> <li>Visit the dentist regularly and ask for oral cavity screening; checkups often can find head and neck cancers early, when they are easier to treat.</li> <li>Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.</li> <li>Get vaccinated against the HPV virus, which causes 90% of all HPV-related cancers.</li> <li>Use condoms and dental dams during sex, both available at county health departments.</li> <li>Visit the dentist regularly and ask for oral cavity screening; checkups often can find head and neck cancers early, when they are easier to treat.</li> </ul> <p>Visit this link to take a cancer risk assessment: <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.html">www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.htm</a>.</p> <p>For more resources, visit <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/cancer">msdh.ms.gov/cancer</a></p> </div> <hr /> <p>Follow us on social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HealthyMS">facebook.com/HealthyMS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdh">twitter.com/msdh</a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/healthy.ms">instagram.com/healthy.ms</a></p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30838,341.html?rss= RSS News Thu, 2 Apr 2026 12:04:00 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; April is recognized as Oropharyngeal (mouth/throat), Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Month, and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is spreading awareness that many of these cancers are largely preventable. Of the roughly 560 Mississippians diagnosed with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers each year, about 140 die, a mortality rate of about 25 percent.</p> <p>The strongest risk factors for these cancers are tobacco and alcohol use, and human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. In fact, oral, head and neck cancers have increased by about 1 percent each year since the mid-2000s, mostly because of a rise in cancers linked to HPV.</p> <p>You can lower your risk of developing these types of cancer:</p> <ul> <li>Don&#39;t smoke. If you smoke or use nicotine products, consider quitting. Resources to help can be found at <a href="https://quitnow.net/ms">quitnow.net/ms</a></li> <li>Visit the dentist regularly and ask for oral cavity screening; checkups often can find head and neck cancers early, when they are easier to treat.</li> <li>Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.</li> <li>Get vaccinated against the HPV virus, which causes 90% of all HPV-related cancers.</li> <li>Use condoms and dental dams during sex, both available at county health departments.</li> <li>Visit the dentist regularly and ask for oral cavity screening; checkups often can find head and neck cancers early, when they are easier to treat.</li> </ul> <p>Visit this link to take a cancer risk assessment: <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.html">www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360.htm</a>.</p> <p>For more resources, visit <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/cancer">msdh.ms.gov/cancer</a></p> </div> <hr /> <p>Follow us on social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HealthyMS">facebook.com/HealthyMS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdh">twitter.com/msdh</a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/healthy.ms">instagram.com/healthy.ms</a></p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30838,341.html?rss= RSS News Thu, 2 Apr 2026 12:04:00 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.) https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21788.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Wed, 1 Apr 2026 03:04:42 CDT <div class="msdh newsRelease"> <div style="text-align: center"><img alt="" src="/msdhsite/images/graphics/News_release_logo_header.png" /></div> <div> <p>Jackson, Miss. &mdash; The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed the first pediatric influenza death in Mississippi for the 2025-2026 flu season. A pediatric death is defined as the death of an individual under 18 years of age. The MSDH does not provide details of the specific age, gender or location of the death out of respect and privacy for the family.</p> <p>Including this death, there have been a total of 28 pediatric flu deaths in the state since reportable flu deaths began in the 2008-2009 season.</p> <p>&quot;We highly encourage people to get a flu shot. A vaccination won&#39;t necessarily keep you from getting the flu, but it can reduce your risk of infection and is the best protection to keep you from a severe outcome,&quot; said State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson. &quot;We recommend that everyone six months of age and older to get an updated flu vaccination.&quot;</p> <p>Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi, and the flu shot usually takes up to two weeks to produce immunity. Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at county health departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children&#39;s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children&#39;s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/vfc">msdh.ms.gov/vfc</a>.</p> <p>Adults who are underinsured or uninsured can receive shots at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers.</p> <p>While yearly vaccination is the best protection against flu, there are other things you can do to reduce the spread of flu whether you are vaccinated or not. These measures include:</p> <ul> <li>Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.</li> <li>Staying at home when you or your children are sick.</li> <li>Washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face.</li> </ul> <p>Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH. The agency monitors flu activity through the ILI system, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state.</p> <p>For more information on the flu, please visit our website at <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/flu">msdh.ms.gov/flu</a>. <p> </p> </div> <hr /> <p>Follow us on social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HealthyMS">facebook.com/HealthyMS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/msdh">twitter.com/msdh</a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/healthy.ms">instagram.com/healthy.ms</a></p> <p><strong class="grayBold">Press Contact</strong>: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667<br /> <strong class="grayBold">Note to media:</strong> After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400</p> </div> https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23,30828,341.html?rss= RSS News Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:03:00 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.) https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21748.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:03:51 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.) https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21748.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:03:51 CDT The Division of Health Planning and Resource Development's assessment and recommendation for this certificate of need application. https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21746.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:03:22 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.) https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/21729.pdf?rss= RSS Documents Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:03:08 CDT <div> <h2>Birth Certificates</h2> <p>Order certified copies of birth certificates:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,1922,109.html">Online</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,1240,109,62.html">By Mail</a></li> </ul> <h2>Death Certificates</h2> <p>Order certified copies of death certificates:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,1922,109.html">Online</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,1248,109,62.html">By Mail</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Vital Records</strong></p> <p>For birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce records, visit our Vital Records <a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,1251,109,61.html">Jackson office</a> at 571 Stadium Drive. For directions, call (601) 206-8200.</p> <iframe width="300" height="300" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;client=opera&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;q=Vital+Records+Office+-+Mississippi+State+Department+of+Health&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hq=Vital+Records+Office+-+Mississippi+State+Department+of+Health&amp;cid=0,0,10008199030231065700&amp;t=h&amp;ll=32.328383,-90.176543&amp;spn=0.00272,0.003219&amp;z=17&amp;iwloc=A&amp;output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;client=opera&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;q=Vital+Records+Office+-+Mississippi+State+Department+of+Health&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hq=Vital+Records+Office+-+Mississippi+State+Department+of+Health&amp;cid=0,0,10008199030231065700&amp;t=h&amp;ll=32.328383,-90.176543&amp;spn=0.00272,0.003219&amp;z=17&amp;iwloc=A&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small> <h2>Children and Child Care</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,183,225.html">Child Care Regulations</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/93.pdf">CHIP Application</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/14,0,71,439.html">Immunization Schedules</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/14,0,71,303.html">School/Day Care Immunization Requirements</a></li> </ul> <h2>Other</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/2272.pdf">Central Office Phone List</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/29,0,261.html#page_bottom">Reportable Disease Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/432.pdf">Food Facility Permit</a></li> </ul> </div> http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/29.html?rss= RSS Documents Sat, 1 Jan 2011 12:01:00 CDT