An event aimed at improving health care and expanding Medicaid in Mississippi arrived in Jackson on Thursday.
Together for Hope, a nonprofit organization that works with America’s poorest counties, partnered with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Alabama and Mississippi this year to host Better Health Summits in those two states. . Expanded Medicaid.
“Health is one of our top priorities,” said Dr. Debbie Pierce, Assistant to the President of Together for Hope.
In Mississippi, organizations have hosted summits in Aberdeen, Meridian, and Cleveland over the past six weeks for community leaders, health care providers, social workers, and anyone interested in health care in Mississippi. ” Pearce said.
Medicaid expansion has emerged as one of the key issues in this year’s gubernatorial election.
Despite support from a majority of Mississippians, Governor Tate Reeves remains adamantly opposed to Medicaid expansion, which would bring the state more than $1 billion annually. In Mississippi, one of the nation’s sickest states, nearly half of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, according to one report.
Conversely, Reeves’ Democratic opponent, Brandon Pressley, vowed to change policy from his first day in office.
Previous Summit speakers have included State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney and other prominent physicians, faith leaders and advocates. Dr. Dan Jones, past president of the American Heart Association, past president of the University of Mississippi, and dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, will speak at an event tomorrow at Druing Hall, along with other representatives. It is expected to be. From the state medical authority.
“Each of these speakers has a diverse range of experience and is guided by a deep belief that all people should have access to good health care,” Pierce said. “There is compelling data-driven evidence that Medicaid expansion may be one way to begin this process.”
Through panels and presentations, Summit participants will learn and discuss local health resource availability, health policy issues, hospital status, current health system operations, and social determinants of health.
The free event began at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 2 p.m. after a call to action.
— Article credit: Devna Bose Mississippi today —
