Mississippi News

Mental health care in 2022

Published

3 years ago

May 28, 2022

Staff Editor

Data Dive: The state of mental health in Mississippi

by Nigel Dent, Mississippi Today
May 28, 2022

In March 2022, Mental Health America released its annual report on the state of mental health across the United States. Mississippi Today has aggregated data specific to the Magnolia State.

The latest Data Dive is State of Mind, a report of compiled statistics on the current state of mental health and health care in Mississippi. This analysis zooms in on several categories such as substance abuse disorder, major depression, lack of treatment related to health care coverage and more across the country and among adults and youth.

MHA uses a complex set of criteria to categorize and rank each state. Their overall ranking specifically weighs the prevalence of mental health issues in a state with an estimated rate of access to care to address those issues. Those states ranked 1-13 have a lower prevalence of mental illness and a higher rate of access to care, while those states ranked 39-51 show a higher prevalence of mental illness and a lower rate of access to care.

The data shows that Mississippi generally ranks lower in multiple categories related to the accessibility of mental health services for adults, including adults with any mental illness (AMI) who do not have health insurance. Notably, all thirteen states at the bottom of this ranking had not expanded Medicaid between 2018 and 2019. Mississippi’s percentage of uninsured adults with AMI is only preceded by:

Alabama (19.3% or 154,000)
Missouri (19.3% or 209,000)
Texas (21.5% or 759,000)

Furthermore, over 27 million American adults are going untreated for a mental illness or other mental health issues. Lack of insurance coverage contributes to this, but also a majority of people who do have coverage — 54% — still go untreated.

Over 70% of children in Mississippi with major depression did not receive treatment. That rate outbeats even the national percentage, which is 60.3%. Texas is the state with the highest individual percentage of 73.1%.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

Read the full article

The post Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

4 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

Read the full article

The post Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15

Published

4 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-13 07:54:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.

Read the full article

The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15 appeared first on www.wjtv.com