AGP Executive Report

Rural Care: MSU-Meridian received a $500,000 grant to expand rural clinical training for physician assistant students, a step toward strengthening Mississippi’s healthcare workforce. Prevention: A Mississippi doctor is urging residents to get flu shots as cases rise earlier than usual. MSU Extension’s free Magnolia Moves challenge also encourages people of all ages to build activity into their routines through Nov. 22. Research and Risk: UMMC scientists are taking new approaches to Mississippi’s cancer burden, while a study ranks the state eighth nationally for lung disease risk factors. Drug Costs: Mississippi has joined settlements with three more generic drug companies. Diabetes Support: Hattiesburg’s Oct. 18 Walk for Diabetes will raise awareness and support.

Prevention and Wellness: Mississippi’s flu season is ramping up early, and Hattiesburg physician Jennifer Bryan urges residents—especially older adults, infants and people with chronic conditions—to get vaccinated. MSU Extension’s Magnolia Moves challenge also encourages people of all ages to track activity through Nov. 22. Cancer Care: A free breast cancer lunch-and-learn is set for Oct. 20 in Meridian, with a radiologist discussing screening, early detection and treatment. UMMC scientists are also taking new approaches to the state’s cancer burden. Rural Health Workforce: MSU-Meridian and Mississippi Christian University will share a $500,000 federal grant to expand rural clinical placements for physician assistant students through August 2029. Prescription Costs: Mississippi joined settlements with three generic drug companies over alleged price-fixing. Residents who bought certain generic drugs from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation. Health System Security: Lawmakers were told that UMMC was among Mississippi institutions hit by cyberattacks this year. Lung Health: A new study ranks Mississippi eighth nationally for lung disease risk factors.

Kratom Safety: The deaths of two Ole Miss students are renewing scrutiny of kratom products; reports say both had bought kratom pills before they died. Federal officials have distinguished natural kratom from chemically altered products, including synthetic 7-OH. Cancer and Maternal Care: UMMC scientists are pursuing new approaches to Mississippi’s cancer burden, while an anesthesiologist represented the state at a United Nations maternal-safety panel. Prevention and Wellness: Hattiesburg’s Walk for Diabetes returns Oct. 18, and Mississippi State Extension’s free Magnolia Moves challenge is encouraging Delta residents to get active through Nov. 22. Care and Access: Therapy dogs are bringing comfort to Gulf Coast nursing home residents, while Indianola residents raised healthcare affordability and hospital access at a Senate candidate’s town hall.

Kratom Safety: Federal agencies have moved to distinguish botanical kratom from chemically altered products, as two Ole Miss students’ deaths renew concern about illegal kratom pills. The American Kratom Association plans Capitol events Oct. 13–14 on the policy change. UMMC Research and Leadership: University of Mississippi Medical Center scientists are pursuing new approaches to the state’s cancer burden, while an anesthesiologist represented Mississippi at a United Nations maternal-safety panel. UMMC also received recognition for employee well-being. Diabetes Support: The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi’s annual Walk for Diabetes returns to Hattiesburg Oct. 18, raising awareness and support for Mississippians with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hospital Recognition: St. Dominic Hospital and St. Catherine’s Village received top honors in local Community Choice Awards.

Hospital Recognition: St. Dominic Hospital earned community honors for its emergency room, medical center and maternity services; St. Catherine’s Village was recognized for senior living and skilled nursing. Maternal Safety: A UMMC anesthesiologist represented Mississippi at a maternal-safety panel during a United Nations event. Long-Term Care: Mississippi resident Wendy Rowland says paying for memory care for her husband, who has early-onset Lewy body dementia, has drained his retirement savings and forced her to sell their home. Health Workforce: Hinds Community College dedicated a $64 million Health Sciences Complex in Pearl. Prevention: Preliminary research suggests better blood-pressure control could prevent more than 518,000 cardiovascular deaths each year across 20 countries.**

Maternal Safety: UMMC anesthesiologist Dr. C. LaToya Mason represented Mississippi at a United Nations panel on safer childbirth, including better patient monitoring and C-section care. Mental Health: A free Oxford event on Oct. 18 will connect families with local services and launch a support alliance for former Ole Miss athletes and their families. Campus Drug Risks: Two Ole Miss students’ deaths have renewed attention on kratom after reports they bought pills days earlier; the available reports do not establish a cause-and-effect link. Heart Health: Preliminary research presented at an American Heart Association meeting estimates better blood-pressure control could prevent more than 518,000 cardiovascular deaths a year across 20 countries. The findings have not yet been peer-reviewed. Cancer Care: A Mississippi hospital and state program are working to close gaps in breast cancer care.

Kratom Safety: Two Ole Miss students found dead in September had synthetic kratom compounds in their systems, according to court testimony. Their deaths have intensified concern about potent products sold in smoke shops and renewed calls for tighter regulation in Mississippi. Storm Readiness: Ahead of Hurricane Isaias, officials urged Gulf Coast residents to refill prescriptions and plan for backup power for dialysis and oxygen equipment. The storm later brought outages and damage across the Southeast, underscoring risks for people who rely on medical devices or refrigerated medicines. Cancer Care: A Mississippi hospital and state program are working to close a breast cancer care gap, as advocates also press lawmakers to prioritize cancer research funding. Health Workforce: Hinds Community College dedicated a $64 million Health Sciences Complex in Pearl, expanding facilities for health-professions education.

Ole Miss Drug Safety: Court testimony revealed that two students who died in separate incidents had synthetic kratom compounds in their systems. A defense lawyer said one died after taking a combination of substances, including cough syrup; the other died from inhalation asphyxiation. Two men face drug-selling charges, and investigators say the students bought kratom-related pills shortly before their deaths. Hurricane Preparedness: Mississippi opened shelters and urged Gulf Coast residents to refill prescriptions and plan backup power for dialysis and oxygen ahead of Hurricane Isaias. The storm made landfall in Florida, while power outages in South Mississippi were later reported restored. Breast Cancer Care: A Mississippi hospital and state program are working to close gaps in breast cancer care as health officials urge residents to keep up with screenings.

Storm Response: Mississippi opened shelters and urged residents to prepare for Hurricane Isaias; after the storm made landfall in Florida, South Mississippi utilities reported restoring outages. Cancer Prevention: The state health department is urging regular breast cancer screenings during awareness month, as Mississippi faces a high breast cancer mortality rate. Youth Mental Health: Canopy Children’s Solutions marked the expansion of a $25 million psychiatric treatment center, adding capacity for children’s care. Health Workforce: Hinds Community College dedicated its new $64 million Health Sciences Complex in Pearl. Drug Safety: Concerns are growing over kratom and potent 7-OH products after reports of deaths and rising poison-center calls; experts remain divided over how to regulate them.

Hurricane Preparedness: As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, Mississippi officials have opened shelters and urged residents to secure medications and supplies. Gulf Coast families should also plan for dialysis and oxygen needs; outages were already affecting parts of South Mississippi. Kratom Risks: Recent Ole Miss student deaths have renewed calls for tighter controls. State Health Officer Dan Edney has urged a ban on all kratom, while officials warn that products may be mislabeled and synthetic versions carry serious risks. Breast Cancer Care: A Mississippi hospital and state program are working to close gaps in breast cancer care as health officials encourage regular screenings amid the state’s high mortality rate. Drug Prices: Mississippi is among 45 states and territories seeking court approval of settlements with three generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing. People who bought generic prescriptions from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation.

Storm Health Preparations: Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with flooding and power outages possible. Residents who rely on dialysis, oxygen or powered medical equipment are urged to plan backups, refill prescriptions and follow evacuation guidance. Federal Funding Review: Mississippi’s Cindy Hyde-Smith, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell joined a request for an HHS inspector general investigation into Planned Parenthood’s use of federal funds; the request raises questions about compliance, not a finding of wrongdoing. Kratom Concerns: After two Ole Miss students died in suspected overdoses, Mississippi officials are calling for tighter restrictions. Kratom was found during both investigations, but its role in the deaths has not been confirmed.

Hurricane Readiness: As Isaias threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Pafford EMS is coordinating with hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis centers. Officials urge people who rely on powered medical equipment to plan for outages and keep essential supplies ready. Drug Costs: Mississippi residents may benefit from new multistate settlements over alleged generic-drug price fixing. A separate compensation program covers eligible purchases from 2009 to 2019; claims are due by March 8, 2027. Breast Cancer: State health officials are urging regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as a Mississippi hospital and state program work to close gaps in care. Food Safety: MSDH says State Fair food vendors have been inspected; fairgoers can check for inspection stickers at vendor stands. Kratom Concerns: Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is calling for a ban on kratom products as debate grows over potent synthetic versions.

Hurricane Health Prep: Isaias is forecast to bring dangerous winds, storm surge and flooding to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Residents who rely on prescriptions, dialysis or oxygen are urged to refill medicines and arrange backup plans before the storm. Kratom Regulation: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is calling for a ban on kratom products as concern grows over potent 7-OH. Kratom was found during investigations into two Ole Miss students’ deaths, but authorities have not linked it to either death; experts remain divided on the best approach to regulation. Breast Cancer Care: A Mississippi hospital and state program are working to close gaps in breast cancer care, as health officials urge regular screenings amid the state’s high breast cancer mortality.

Storm Readiness: Gulf Coast families relying on dialysis, oxygen, insulin or daily medicines are urged to refill prescriptions and plan for power outages and possible service closures as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches. Breast Cancer Care: Mississippi is among the nation’s top three states for breast cancer deaths, and officials say travel, childcare and cost can block screening. The state program offers free screenings to women ages 40–64 and can help eligible patients access expedited Medicaid treatment. Kratom Risks: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann is calling for a statewide ban on kratom products after recent Ole Miss student deaths renewed concern about potent synthetic versions and mislabeled products. Medicaid Oversight: Five Mississippians were sentenced in fraud cases involving more than $120,000, according to Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office. The cases involved fraudulent billing, wire fraud or false documentation.

Breast Cancer: Mississippi health officials are urging regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the state faces a high breast cancer mortality rate; the Health Department also points women to affordable mammogram options. Kratom Safety: The deaths of Ole Miss students have renewed concern about potent kratom products, with Mississippi lawmakers investigating and calls growing for tighter controls. Diabetes Support: The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi will host a walk in Meridian on Oct. 11, raising funds for care, education and supplies for people living with diabetes. Health Workforce: UMMC has launched the state’s first physical medicine and rehabilitation residency, adding a new training path for future physicians.

Child Welfare Oversight: Harrison County declared an emergency over Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services handling of children, citing reports of kids kept in hotel rooms and concerns about abuse and neglect, pushing for state action. Health Access & Equity: Mississippi urged women to get regular breast cancer screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pointing to low screening rates and high mortality. Courts & Care Funding: A Mississippi pediatric clinic is fighting a federal gender nondiscrimination rule in the 5th Circuit, with funding at stake. Diabetes Support: The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is hosting a Walk for Diabetes Sunday, Oct. 11 at Bonita Lakes Park to fund programs for people with all types of diabetes. Workforce & Training: Mississippi State University-Meridian nursing graduates launched a yearly scholarship to help future nursing students, aiming to reduce financial barriers. Public Health & Safety: A Facebook video incident led to a hospital worker’s firing after protected patient information appeared on-screen. Food Recall: PepsiCo recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade sold in 37 states due to undeclared food dyes, including lots distributed in Mississippi. Community Health Policy: Jackson officials are working on a draft ordinance for data centers after residents raised concerns tied to health, environment, water, energy, and infrastructure impacts.