Mississippi News

Mississippi maternity care deserts by county

Published

2 years ago

November 4, 2022

Data Dive: Access to maternity care in Mississippi, by county

by Kate Royals and Alex Rozier, Mississippi Today
November 4, 2022

More than half the counties in Mississippi are considered maternity care deserts, according to the new report from the March of Dimes. These counties have no hospitals providing obstetric care, no OB-GYNs and no certified nurse midwives.

Discontinued labor and delivery services and shuttered neonatal intensive care units have dominated headlines in the state in recent months, painting a bleak picture for mothers and babies’ access to care. Greenwood Leflore Hospital closed Leflore County’s only labor and delivery unit on Oct. 15. Over the summer, Ochsner Medical Center in Hancock County did the same.

The Mississippi Delta’s only neonatal intensive care unit closed in July. A few months ago, the NICU at Merit Health Central in south Jackson also shut down, raising concerns about disruptions in care for high-risk moms and babies.

The trend of reduced access and care for mothers and babies — on the heels of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and is expected to result in 5,000 additional babies in Mississippi alone — does not bode well for a state already plagued by high infant and maternal mortality rates and poor health outcomes.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related Topics:Mississippi Today Roe v. Wade

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 21-23

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-02-21 06:33:00

SUMMARY: This weekend in Mississippi (February 21-23), enjoy various activities including the William Winter Free Day at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, and the “Art in Bloom” Flower Show in Natchez. Other highlights are the 31st Annual Chili Feast and “Of Salt and Spirit” quilt exhibition in Jackson, along with the Mississippi Blues Marathon. Engage in arts, culture, and wellness at the No Flinch Faith Women’s Empowerment Conference, and explore local markets in Jackson and Natchez. In Hattiesburg, participate in a Mardi Gras Tennis Mixer and various family-friendly events, culminating in the Monster Truck Mayhem show.

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Mississippi News

All aboard Delta flight survive after plane flips while landing in Toronto

Published

5 days ago

February 18, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-02-18 05:00:00

SUMMARY: A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto flipped over while landing at Pearson Airport on February 17, 2025. All 80 passengers and crew survived, with 18 hospitalized for minor injuries. Blowing snow and high winds were reported at the time of landing. Passengers described a forceful landing, with one recalling the plane suddenly rolling sideways. Initial investigations indicated normal communications before the incident, and experts noted that the aircraft is designed to handle adverse weather. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating, particularly the missing right wing. No fatalities were reported.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 14-16

Published

1 week ago

February 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-02-14 08:42:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (February 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events for relaxation and fun. Highlights include the HBCU Love Valentine’s Day Celebration and S.T.E.M. crafts in Jackson, a Valentine’s dinner concert in Ellisville, and multiple activities at the Dixie National Rodeo. Vicksburg features mythical vow renewals officiated by an Elvis impersonator, a Civil War Gun & Relic Show, and the Laces for Love 5k. In the Pine Belt, enjoy a candle-making session and a Galentine’s Day brunch at the Hattiesburg Zoo. There are also art exhibitions and workshops across various cities, ensuring a memorable weekend.

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