Mississippi State Department of Health

About the Agency This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies. Mississippi's State Board of Health was established in 1877, and became the Mississippi State Department of Health in 1982. OUR MISSION The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Our Work Public health protection takes a wide variety of forms, from ensuring the safety of your food and water to setting standards for health, care and safety. Below is an outline of the major operations of the agency. They involve health protection, health promotion and health planning, and affect you and your health every day, throughout your life. Disease Surveillance - Disease tracking and outbreak management - Laboratory testing for West Nile virus, flu, syphilis, TB, HIV, and other diseases - Prevention programs for flu, mosquito-borne diseases, HIV, and other STDs, and communicable diseases - Statewide coordination of immunizations and vaccinations Environmental Health - Drinking water testing - Restaurant permits and inspections - On-site wastewater and sewage system regulation Disease and Injury Prevention - Tobacco control and cessation programs - Nutritional training and information - Chronic disease prevention and management (arthritis, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases) - Safe biking and walking in communities - Car seat safety and installation - Fire safety Standards of Care - Child care facility licensing and regulation - Licensing and regulation of nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities - Trauma care regulation - Licensure of audiologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other professions Immunizations - Required and recommended childhood immunizations - Meningococcal and HPV vaccinations for adolescents - Seasonal flu vaccinations for all ages - Recommended vaccinations for international travel Comprehensive Reproductive Health - Educational information and counseling - Physical exams and contraceptive supplies - STD/HIV testing - Pregnancy care Women, Infants and Children - New and improved monthly supplemental food packages - Nutrition education classes - Breastfeeding support - Health care referrals Licenses and Records - Birth and marriage certificates - On-site wastewater permits - Applications for food service facilities and childcare providers Social Services - Education, advocacy and consultation - Supervision and monitoring of medical treatments - Coordination of patients with community resources - Special care for children with chronic or disabling conditions Keeping You Safe in Emergencies - Preparing the public for disasters and public health emergencies - Nationally-recognized emergency preparedness programs - Severe weather/disaster response - Regular training sessions for preparedness and response plans Providing You with Information - Bringing health news and information the public - Educating professionals and the public on health improvement and disease prevention - Emergency notifications for doctors, hospitals, and the healthcare community - Community training, summits, and other outreach efforts