The Mississippi State Department of Health released its annual report card this week. Although there are some positives, Mississippi still leads the nation in mortality deaths and firearm deaths.
According to the MSDH 2023 Report Card released Tuesday:
Mississippi continues to have serious public health challenges, but there are signs of improvement in important areas. Action now can start moving Mississippi’s health upward.
Where Work Is Needed
Mississippi remains one of the lowest ranking states in major chronic diseases and important health indicators like infant and maternal mortality. It’s currently the worst in the nation in pregnancy-related deaths of mothers and infants.
Heart disease is the state’s leading cause of death, and Mississippi’s rates of heart disease are among the nation’s highest.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death. Our high rates of cancer and cancer deaths are caused partly by lack of regular screening tests for cancer, and partly by lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.