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Mississippi Edition
4/9/21 - Conversation with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs | Migrant Works Pleas for Protection
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
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01/23/2025: Online Grooming | New Orleans Security | Immigration Legislation
23:40|The FBI and Law enforcement groups are educating the public about online groups targeting children to share sexually explicit material.Then, What will the future of New Orleans’ French Quarter be like after the New Year's Day terror attack that killed more than a dozen people?Plus, Immigrant rights groups in Mississippi are sounding the alarm over several immigration bills filed in this year’s legislative session.
01/22/2025: School Transfers | Cervical Cancer | Severe Cold Weather
24:02|Lawmakers and education officials are looking into ways to reduce the number of children in the state's underperforming school districts.Then, Mississippi has a high rate of cervical cancer. Physicians say getting vaccinated for HPV is one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease.Plus, energy providers are sharing tips on how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
01/21/2025: Snow Day | CPS Appropriations | Day of Racial Healing
29:52|Snow is expected across Southern Mississippi today. Emergency managers are cautioning folks about icy roads and dangerously cold temperatures.Then, Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services has seen a recent influx of children to the state's care.Plus, today is the National Day of Racial Healing, which focuses on sharing the truth about the nation's history which can be difficult but necessary to bring about racial reconciliation.
01/20/2025: Medicaid Funding | Blood Supplies in Ambulances | MLK Day
23:26|Officials are considering how the incoming Trump administration could affect Medicaid funding in the state.Then, ambulances in rural parts of Mississippi are now capable of offering blood care while on route to hospitals.Plus, Mississippians are remembering the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
01/17/2025: Tax Cut Legislation | Personal Care Homes | Cyber-Security
22:56|The Mississippi House of Representatives passes a major tax reduction bill.Then, a new report indicates that many personal care homes in Mississippi are operating without a license.Plus, public safety officials are seeking to advance cyber-security in the state.
01/16/2025: Presumptive Eligibility | Healthcare Access | State Superintendent of Ed.
22:23|A bill passed by lawmakers last year would have enacted presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnancies. But legal hurdles have delayed the start of that program.Then, many areas in Mississippi lack access to healthcare providers according to the American Heart Association. A new program could help close that gap in coverage.Plus, Mississippi's State Superintendent of Education is asking lawmakers to help address absentee rates in schools.
01/15/2025: Tax Bill | Jack Smith Report | Centennial Birthdays
23:27|A major bill that would cut taxes is advancing in the Mississippi House of Representatives.Then, the Mississippi Congressman who led the January 6th Committee shares his thoughts on DOJ's newly released report from Special Council Jack Smith.Plus, a commemoration in Jackson for what would have been the 100th birthdays of BB King and Medgar Evers 99 this year.
01/14/2025: Save Mississippi Act | AI Exec. Order | Whooping Cough
24:07|A major tax bill has been filed in the House. It could cut up to 1.1 billion dollars in state revenue.Then, Mississippi becomes the next location for major investments into Artificial Intelligence according to the Governor.Plus, whooping cough is going viral in Mississippi.
01/13/2025: Businesses at Capitol | MSDH Revenue Needs | Respiratory Illnesses
24:12|Business leaders from across the state are asking lawmakers to consider policies that can attract a highly skilled workforce.Then, the Department of Health is considering how marijuana revenue could help fund other healthcare initiatives in the state.Plus, respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Mississippi. How to stay healthy during flu and covid season.