Health Talk MS

School is officially out, the temperatures are rising, and summer is in full swing! But before you pack up for the beach, the golf course, or an outdoor family barbecue, make sure you are prepared to keep your loved ones safe. 

In this episode of Health Talk MS, host Greg Flynn sits down with a powerhouse panel of experts from the Mississippi State Department of Health—including State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson, Crystal Veazey (Lead Prevention & Healthy Homes), Claire Mozingo (Perinatal & Infant Health), and Rod Mallett (Child and Adolescent Health). Together, they break down everything you need to know to survive and enjoy the hottest months of the year. 

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In this episode of Health Talk Mississippi, host Greg Flinn sits down with a powerhouse panel of experts to tackle a critical but often stigmatized topic: Maternal Mental Health. 

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and our guests—Jillian Harper (Director of 'Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies' at MSDH), LeJeune Johnson (Postpartum Support International Board Member, MS Chapter), and Dr. Thomas Recore (Medical Director of MDMH)—dive deep into the realities of the "fourth trimester." From the 1 in 5 moms affected by perinatal conditions to the surprising ways dads are impacted by postpartum depression, this conversation aims to normalize the struggle and highlight life-saving resources. 

Important Resources: 

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 

Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 

Crisis Lifeline: 988 

msdh.ms.gov/hmhb 

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Most people know the health department for clinics and vaccines, but did you know they also inspect your favorite restaurants, certify the milk in your fridge, and ensure the safety of the water in your tap? 

In this episode of Health Talk Mississippi, we sit down with Les Harrington (Director of Environmental Health) and Bill Moody (Director of the Bureau of Public Water Supply) for a deep dive into the "invisible" work that keeps our state running. 

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In this episode of Health Talk MS, host Greg Flynn sits down with Dr. Jon Hubanks, the Director of the Opioid & Substance Use Program at MSDH. Together, they walk through the frontline battle against addiction in Mississippi. 

Dr. Hubanks shares the critical reality of today’s drug supply and how the Medications for Substance Use Disorder (MSUD) program is working to replace stigma with science-backed treatment. You’ll learn that recovery isn't just a "willpower" issue—it’s a medical journey that MSDH is equipped to support. 

We also tackle the moment everyone hopes they never face: a suspected overdose. We break down the life-saving steps you can take in those frantic minutes and explain how Naloxone is becoming a household essential that any Mississippian can—and should—carry. 

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Host Greg Flynn sits down with State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney to talk about the good, the bad and the challenges we face in the state. Obesity remains an overarching problem that contributes to several other severe diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, that plague Mississippians. Improving Maternal and Infant Mortality rates is part of the formula to help the state grow both in population and prosperity.

Dr. Edney talks about solutions and groundbreaking work that MSDH has in the works for 2026 to help Mississippians live longer, healthier lives.  

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In the first episode of the new year, the OAIV (Office Against Interpersonal Violence) team discusses their work to prevent violence, support survivors, and improve health across Mississippi through community support and access to care.  

Visit msdh.ms.gov/OAIV for more information and support 

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Fall is quickly approaching, so that means it's time to consider your annual flu shot! The September edition of the MSDH Podcast, Health Talk Mississippi, focuses on the upcoming respiratory illness season. 

Our host Greg Flynn sits down with our State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson and Deputy State Epidemiologist Theresa Kittle, to break down the viruses and what you can do to stay safe and healthy. It's an important episode that you don't want to miss!

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The August edition of the MSDH Podcast, Health Talk Mississippi, focuses on the Office of Vital Records and Data Statistics.

Our host Greg Flynn welcomes longtime, now retired, Director Judy Moulder and new Director Patricia Oluade.

We examine what the Nationally Accredited Office of Vital Records can do for you, including replacing birth and death certificates, as well as maintaining immunization records and providing data and statistics for the entire state. 

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