Mississippi Edition

The state’s largest historically black university teams up with a top health official to address community concerns about the coronavirus vaccine.

Then, a “Ban the Box” criminal justice reform bill falls short in the Senate.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, HUD awards Mississippi nearly six million dollars to address homelessness.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's Black residents are getting vaccinated at a disproportionately low rate compared to their white counterparts. State health officials and leaders within the Black community are confronting the issue by addressing concerns of trust and access regarding the coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Stephanie Miles-Richardson is an Associate Dean of Public Health at the Morehouse School of Medicine. During a virtual town hall event last night hosted by Jackson State University, she said for many in the community, the question boils down to trust.

Segment 2:

A criminal justice reform bill designed to help former inmates secure employment is facing challenges in the state legislature. Known as the Ban the Box Bill, it would prohibit questions about criminal convictions on applications for state jobs. Senator John Horhn, a Democrat from Jackson says the question is a barrier to those rehabilitated and trying to enter the workforce. Our Ashley Norwood discusses with Sen. John Horhn (D) and Sen. Joey Fillingane (R).

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi's Continuums of Care are receiving over $5.5 million dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to renew support for 32 local homeless assistance programs. COC's use funding to provide a variety of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Hannah McHarrey is with Mississippi Balance of State - a COC responsible for programs in 71 of the state's 82 counties. She shares more about the function of COC's and the programming funded through HUD.