Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is the government agency responsible for protecting and improving the public health of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The department operates under the authority of the State Health Officer, who is appointed by the Governor of Mississippi.

History

The MSDH was established in 1877, making it one of the oldest state health departments in the United States. Its creation was a response to the Yellow fever epidemic that swept through the South in the late 19th century.

Functions

The primary functions of the MSDH are to prevent and control the spread of disease, promote health education, and provide direct health services to the residents of Mississippi. This includes the administration of immunization programs, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness.

Organization

The MSDH is divided into several offices and bureaus, each with a specific focus. These include the Office of Epidemiology, Bureau of Public Health Laboratory, Bureau of Health Services, and Office of Health Data and Research.

Public Health Programs

The MSDH operates a number of public health programs aimed at improving the health of Mississippi residents. These include programs focused on maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, infectious disease control, and environmental health.

See Also

• Public health
• Health department
• Mississippi