AGP Executive Report

Energy & Health Costs: A new national analysis says federal energy policy changes since Jan. 2025 could drive up household energy spending in every state by 2040, with cumulative GDP losses and rising healthcare costs tied to higher electricity and gasoline prices. Medicare Cash for Seniors: Trump announced $90 one-time payments for more than 20 million seniors in October, mainly for Medicare Part B enrollees not covered by Medicaid, with direct deposit or mailed checks depending on enrollment. Youth Mental Health Funding: Mississippi Department of Mental Health received a five-year federal grant to strengthen youth suicide prevention for people up to age 24, focusing on early identification, intervention, and better referral pathways. Public Health Alerts: A frozen-berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people; affected products were sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, including lots shipped to Mississippi. Kratom Probe: Court documents reviewed by CNN say packaged tablets found near two Ole Miss students who died included potent semisynthetic kratom-related compounds, as federal bans and local scrutiny continue. Safety & Care Access: Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating two fatal Friday crashes in Pearl River and Harrison counties, leaving four dead.

Youth Mental Health: Mississippi Department of Mental Health received a five-year federal grant to strengthen youth suicide prevention and mental health support for people up to age 24, with a focus on early identification, intervention, and better referral pathways. Public Health & Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, adding more lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in multiple states including Mississippi, after 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations were reported. Substance Use Warning: Court documents reviewed by CNN and law enforcement say tablets found near two University of Mississippi students who died contained potent, semisynthetic kratom-related compounds (not natural kratom), renewing scrutiny of synthetic kratom products. Access to Care: A Mississippi State University study is recruiting adults (with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities) for a cardiovascular and fitness research project that includes health testing and a free report. Health-Related Incidents: Two fatal multi-vehicle crashes in Pearl River and Harrison counties left four dead, with survivors transported to hospitals including UMMC.

Maternal Health Disparities: A new Mississippi study found Black mothers had more than twice the sepsis rate during delivery-related hospital stays than white mothers, with Medicaid-covered births also seeing higher rates—highlighting ongoing gaps in maternal care. Kratom Crackdown in Oxford: Federal prosecutors charged a store clerk and his son in connection with illegal kratom-like pills found in two University of Mississippi student death investigations, as authorities warn about synthetic products sold under kratom names. Breast Cancer Access: Meridian-area reporting spotlights the importance of early breast cancer detection and mammograms, with local experts urging regular self-checks and provider conversations. School Attendance & Health: Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate fell slightly to 26.5%, but leaders say more work is needed to keep kids in class—an issue that can affect health and wellbeing. Heat Death in Chickasaw County: A coroner ruled an agricultural worker died from extreme environmental heat exposure while harvesting sweet potatoes, with OSHA and the state continuing the investigation. Nutrition Support: Mississippi announced a new Child and Adult Care Food Program to reimburse eligible institutions serving healthy meals to children and adults over 60. MSU Fitness Research: Mississippi State’s Kinesiology department is recruiting adults (with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities) for a cardiovascular and fitness study, offering participants a detailed health report.

Kratom crackdown and overdose fallout near Ole Miss: Federal charges and new warnings follow the deaths of two Ole Miss students, with investigators pointing to synthetic kratom products and a third suspected overdose in Oxford; a gas station owner denies pills found near one student came from his store, while authorities say more lab results are pending. Rural hospital funding: Delta Health System in Greenville received $3.89 million through Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including support for robotic-assisted surgery and cybersecurity upgrades. Neuroscience access in the Gulf South: Ochsner opened the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Institute, a $120 million facility expanding neurology, neurosurgery, rehab and behavioral health services. Infant formula settlement: Mississippi is set to receive more than $771,000 from a multi-state Abbott Laboratories settlement tied to alleged safety failures in government-funded formula products. Maternal health disparity: New analysis finds sepsis rates are higher for Black moms in Mississippi, highlighting ongoing gaps in maternal care. Mental health support: NAMIWalks events are underway to fund local education, support and advocacy for people living with mental health conditions.

Drug Pricing Accountability: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined a multistate deal with Abbott over alleged infant formula safety failures, with Mississippi set to receive about $771K. Kratom Crackdown & Safety: After two Ole Miss student deaths, officials and lawmakers are pushing for tighter control of kratom and “kratom-like” products; court documents and police statements note packaging tied to kratom-related items at the scenes while toxicology/autopsies are still pending. Public Health—Breast Cancer: Mississippi Baptist Medical Center urges early breast cancer detection, recommending annual mammograms starting at 40 and noting lifestyle steps that can lower risk. Mental Health Access: Oklahoma became the latest state to join the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed counselors to practice across state lines—aimed at easing provider shortages. Local Health & Community: The Humane Society of South Mississippi and Hill’s Pet Nutrition team up for an adoption special in Gulfport, helping cover large-dog adoption fees. Animal Care Oversight: A USDA inspection found multiple violations at Jackson Zoo, including pests near animal food and issues in the veterinary hospital. Healthcare Infrastructure: Jackson’s former Mississippi Department of Public Safety tower demolition will trigger short road closures around I-55 and nearby streets.

Kratom-linked Ole Miss deaths: Mississippi police say they’ve found a potential link between the deaths of University of Mississippi students Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang, with investigators tracing purchases tied to suspected kratom-like products at Oxford vape shops; two men were arrested after a raid, and toxicology results are expected soon as officials work to determine whether the substances contributed to the fatalities. Drug enforcement & access: A separate report says DEA-banned ingredients tied to synthetic pills were found near both students, raising questions about how illegal products keep showing up in stores and online despite state and local kratom restrictions. Public health support: Mississippi’s 988 Crisis Lifeline is highlighted as free, year-round support for people in crisis, alongside local efforts to reduce stigma and connect residents to mental health resources. Medication cost relief: Michigan and other states are urging consumers to check eligibility for compensation from a multistate settlement over inflated generic drug prices, with claim portals open for qualifying purchases. ACA refund checks: The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 “Obamacare overcharge” refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Mississippi, for eligible enrollees who paid full premiums without assistance. Safe Haven Baby Box: Picayune installed its Safe Haven Baby Box at the fire department, joining a growing list of Mississippi communities offering an anonymous option for infant surrender. Drug court milestone: Forrest and Perry counties renamed their Intervention Court for Judge Robert “Bob” Helfrich as 25 people graduated, marking another step in recovery from addiction.

Infant Formula Settlement: Mississippi is set to receive more than $770,000 after Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced a multistate Abbott Laboratories settlement tied to alleged infant formula safety failures, with Abbott paying $348.7 million to the U.S. and $35.5 million to states. Heart Health Watch: New CDC data show heart disease is the top killer nationwide, with higher age-adjusted death rates in both Tennessee and Mississippi than the national average—highlighting risks tied to cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and diet. Kratom-Like Drug Alarm: Lafayette County officials are urging Mississippi lawmakers to act on “synthetic kratom-related” products after two Ole Miss student deaths; investigators say similar tablets were found at both scenes, while kratom advocates dispute what was actually involved. ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 Affordable Care Act rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to claims of overcharged federal exchange “user fees,” while people in state-run marketplaces like California won’t receive them. Local Public Health Push: Vancleave High School held a large community blood drive that also supports senior scholarships, aiming to keep hospital blood supplies steady. Military & Tech Shift: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced major Pentagon changes, including a new autonomous drone warfare command—an update with potential downstream effects on health and safety planning for service members.

Opioid overdose response: Mississippi State University distributed naloxone and trained students after deaths of UM students where kratom was found at the scene, as local officials continue cracking down on kratom sales. Kratom regulation & accuracy: The American Kratom Association urged Mississippi outlets to correct the record, saying tablets recovered in the Ole Miss deaths were “Smax” Pseudo-DHM—not natural kratom—while lawmakers and experts push for tighter rules. Public health alerts: Mississippi ranked last for childhood flu vaccination in 2024-25, with health leaders urging families to get shots before flu season ramps up. Maternal substance-use support: Faith leaders and healthcare workers unveiled a Gulf Coast “Plan of Safe Care” for pregnant and parenting families affected by substance use, launching in January. Medicaid pressure: A new analysis says federal rules will cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals in dozens of states, raising concerns about access for Medicaid patients. Workforce development: AccelerateMS is moving to an earlier start for workforce development, aiming to build the talent pipeline for Mississippi’s economy.

Medicaid Payments: A new Health Affairs analysis says federal rules could force three dozen states, including Florida, to cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by $50B+—a move that could reduce access for Mississippi patients who rely on Medicaid. Flu Vaccines: Mississippi ranked last for childhood flu vaccination in 2024-25, with only 31% of kids vaccinated versus about 50% nationally, prompting renewed calls for families to protect children and elders. Substance Use & Pregnancy Support: Coastal Spiritual Care Network partners with counties to launch a Gulf Coast “Plan of Safe Care” for pregnant and parenting families affected by substance use, starting in January. Kratom Scrutiny: After Ole Miss student deaths, investigators found the same type of tablets in two rooms; experts warn some newer kratom products may be synthetic and far more potent, while the American Kratom Association disputes details and plans a press conference in Oxford. Public Safety Training: Meridian-area officers completed 40-hour crisis intervention training to better respond to mental health crises. Community Health: St. Dominic Hospital and St. Catherine’s Village earned top Community Choice Awards across emergency, maternity, assisted living, skilled nursing, and retirement categories. Rural Health Research: Mississippi State seeks adults (with and without intellectual/developmental disabilities) for a cardiovascular and fitness study with a free health report.

Kratom Safety in Focus (Ole Miss): Court filings and affidavits tied to the deaths of two Ole Miss students describe “Smax” kratom-based pills and purchases at nearby vape stores, while Mississippi doctors and lawmakers say the public health risk is already clear even as toxicology results are pending. Mental Health Response Training: A dozen Mississippi law enforcement officers completed Crisis Intervention Team training to better handle mental health crises and connect people to care. Rural Health Funding Watch: A Mississippi Today analysis says a small set of providers captured a large share of the state’s $104M rural healthcare grants, including Memorial Health System and a south-central hospital consortium. Flu Vulnerability: Mississippi ranks sixth for severe flu season risk, with low vaccination rates and access barriers highlighted. Maternal & Infant Health: MSDH hosted a maternal and infant health conference, underscoring ongoing state efforts to improve outcomes. Drug Pricing Relief (Multi-state): South Carolina and other states’ attorneys general, including Mississippi’s, urged eligible consumers to claim compensation from settlements over alleged inflated generic drug prices. Community Health Access: A telehealth and children’s services group partnership received grants aimed at improving rural healthcare. Public Health & Safety (Crash): An 18-wheeler crash and fire on I-59 in Lamar County sent two men to hospital with serious injuries. Deer Feeding Rule Update: Mississippi changed supplemental deer feeding rules to allow broadcast feeding on the ground, with limits still in place to help slow chronic wasting disease.

Kratom Safety Push: Mississippi doctors and lawmakers say the Ole Miss deaths have renewed urgency for stronger kratom rules, pointing to years of warnings and noting the state already banned synthetic kratom and tightened sales of natural products. Ole Miss Death Case Updates: Court records describe investigators finding Smax Pseudo DHM tied to banned kratom-derived substances in two students’ rooms, while families and officials await toxicology results. Public Health Risk Signals: Mississippi ranks sixth for flu season vulnerability, with low vaccination rates among children and adults and barriers to care cited as key drivers. Rural Care Funding: A Mississippi Today analysis breaks down how the state’s $104M rural healthcare grants are being spent, with a handful of recipients taking the largest shares. Behavioral Health Training: A dozen Mississippi officers completed Crisis Intervention Team training to better handle mental health crises and connect people to care. Rural Health Transformation: The state outlines Rural Health Transformation Program pilots aimed at expanding behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability crisis services. Community Health & Access: Mississippi’s maternal and infant health efforts continue, including conferences and home-visit support models designed to improve baby safety and connect families to resources. Injury & Emergency Response: An 18-wheeler fire crash on I-59 in Lamar County sent two men to local hospitals with serious injuries. Public Safety Review: The AG’s office completed reviews of two South Mississippi deputy-involved shootings and found use of force justified. Health Policy Watch: Looming Medicaid work requirement changes are raising concerns for patients and caregivers.

Medicaid Cuts: New federal rules could force three dozen states, including Mississippi, to reduce Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by more than $50 billion, raising fears some providers will limit care for Medicaid patients. Kratom Safety Push: After two Ole Miss student deaths, health officials are urging caution around kratom and other substances; the American Kratom Association is also demanding clearer public details and independent testing of “packaged kratom” recovered in the investigations. Lead in Drinking Water: A federal appeals court ruled Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to truthful information from officials or a constitutional right to lead-free municipal water, even as families argue children face lifelong harm. CHOICE Arrangements: CMS and the SBA rebranded ICHRAs as CHOICE Arrangements, highlighting a tax-credit model for small businesses that lets workers choose coverage. Public Health & Environment: A new review finds the herbicide atrazine contaminates nearly 25% of U.S. rivers at levels that can harm wildlife and potentially threaten human health. Community Health Access: FEMA awarded more than $72 million across Region 4 for fire and first-responder grants, including nearly $900,000 to Lawrenceburg Fire Department.

Medicaid Payment Cuts: New federal rules could force three dozen states, including Mississippi, to cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals by more than $50B total—raising fears providers will limit care for Medicaid patients. Kratom Safety Push: After two Ole Miss student deaths, Mississippi health officials and lawmakers are urging caution around kratom and unregulated psychoactive products; the American Kratom Association is also demanding clearer product identification and independent testing. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of raw milk cheeses tied to an E. coli outbreak, with Mississippi among the states reporting cases. Lead in Drinking Water: A federal appeals court ruled Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to lead-free water or truthful updates from officials, even as families describe health impacts. Community Health Funding: Mississippi’s governor awarded more than $104M to improve rural healthcare, and separate coverage highlights $54.6M in rural health transformation funds. Local Incident: A woman died after a vehicle left the roadway and entered a pond in Natchez; investigators cited a pre-existing medical condition as a possible factor.

Kratom Safety Push: After two University of Mississippi student deaths where packaged kratom was found at separate scenes, Mississippi health officials and state agencies urged caution and faster toxicology review while lawmakers and regulators move toward tighter scrutiny of unregulated psychoactive products. Rural Care Funding: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program announced early grant recipients, including telehealth expansion for rural schools and data-system upgrades to speed behavioral health and family support responses. Maternal & Infant Health: The Mississippi Department of Health is hosting a maternal and infant health conference, spotlighting care coordination and prevention. Public Health Alerts: MSDH also warned Mississippians about counterfeit pills and other unregulated substances as investigations continue into dangerous drug trends. Justice Update in Jackson: In the Tasia Fortune case, police say the hanging scene was staged and a third suspect has been charged, keeping attention on how investigations handle violent deaths. Community & Wellness Events: Local gatherings like East Biloxi’s Resilient Community Festival and Jackson’s St. Jude Walk show ongoing momentum for community support and health-focused outreach.

Kratom Safety Push: Mississippi officials and local leaders are stepping up warnings after two Ole Miss students were found dead with packaged kratom at separate scenes, with toxicology results still pending and authorities urging caution around unregulated psychoactive products. Oxford Enforcement: Days after the deaths, Oxford police arrested two people in a raid that seized more than 500 units of kratom plus other suspected narcotics, as the city maintains kratom sales are prohibited. Public Health Funding: Mississippi is set to receive over $8.5 million in federal support to expand short-term workforce training through community colleges, including health care-focused programs. Community Mental Wellness: A metro-area mental health session and yoga-and-breathwork event highlighted stress reduction and self-care as part of Suicide Awareness Month programming. Violence Case Update: In Jackson, testimony says Tasia Fortune’s hanging was “staged” after she was killed in a drug dispute, renewing scrutiny of how investigators and the public interpret violent deaths. Maternal & Infant Care: MSDH is hosting a maternal and infant health conference, continuing the state’s focus on improving outcomes for families. Donor Call: Mississippi Blood Services is urgently seeking O-negative donors.

Kratom safety push after Mississippi student deaths: Health officials are urging caution around kratom and other unregulated substances after two University of Mississippi students died, with kratom found at both scenes and campus overdose-response efforts expanding nationwide, including Narcan access and intervention kits. Opioid threat update: A Nashville-based lab says it has identified the synthetic opioid cychlorphine in 18 states, including Mississippi, raising fresh concerns for poison control and emergency response. Local mental health support: A metro-area event paired beginner yoga with a mental health session focused on stress reduction, self-care, and coping strategies during Suicide Awareness Month. Neurology access in east Mississippi: Ochsner Rush welcomed Meridian-area physician Dr. Erin Britt to its neurology department, expanding care for conditions like epilepsy, neuropathy, dementia, headaches, and concussion-related disorders. Maternal and infant health focus: MSDH hosted a maternal and infant health conference, highlighting ongoing work to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Community wellness and nutrition: Mississippi State Extension’s Magnolia Moves fall fitness program promotes physical activity and healthier nutrition habits through a tracking app and weekly prize drawings. Public health and safety in the spotlight: Jackson police testimony in the Tasia Fortune case described her death as a homicide and said the hanging was “staged,” fueling renewed attention to violence prevention and community safety.