Health Talk MS

Health Talk MS | Don't Fall Prey to Fall Viruses!

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:52:17 -0100

Welcome back to Health Talk Mississippi, the official podcast of the Mississippi State Department of Health hosted by Greg Flynn! In this episode, we dive headfirst into "crud season"—the respiratory illness season spanning from October through March.

Join our powerhouse panel featuring State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson, along with Immunization experts Gerad Buffington and Amanda Netadj, as they break down everything you need to know about protecting yourself and your community against the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why early vaccination (October/November) is crucial before holiday gatherings
The reality of vaccine hesitancy and why preventing severe morbidity and hospitalizations matters
MSDH's new initiatives using mobile health units to target care deserts and community colleges
Everyday respiratory hygiene and how to access your official immunization records using MyIR (My Immunization Record)

Check out weekly respiratory surveillance reports and find out how to access your vaccination history at the Mississippi State Department of Health website: https://msdh.ms.gov

Health Talk MS | Medical Cannabis 101

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:51:15 -0100

Welcome back to Health Talk MS, brought to you by the Mississippi State Department of Health! In this episode, host Greg Flynn sits down with Marcus Davenport, Director of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, alongside Robert Welch and Callie Anyan-Draine from the National Center for Cannabis Research and Education (NCCRE) at Ole Miss.

Tune in as we dive deep into how Mississippi built a premier, highly regulated medical cannabis program from the ground up. Learn about qualifying conditions, the strict safety and lab-testing measures that protect patients, the truth behind medical vs. recreational frameworks, and ongoing clinical research shaping the future of patient care.

Useful Links and Information:

https://www.mmcp.ms.gov/
Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP): Access patient guidelines, card information, qualifying conditions, and verification resources on the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program Website.

https://olemiss.edu/nccre/
Ole Miss National Center for Cannabis Research and Education (NCCRE): Explore clinical studies, educational materials, and research publications via the Ole Miss NCCRE Website.

https://msdh.ms.gov/
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): Find broader public health resources and program updates through the Mississippi State Department of Health.

UMMC Poison Control Center: For medical cannabis questions, accidental exposures, or dosing support, contact the dedicated hotline mentioned in the episode at (601) 984-1170, or visit the University of Mississippi Medical Center portal for general clinical references.

Website: https://msdh.ms.gov/

Health Talk MS | The Battle Against Obesity, Preventable Illness, and the Heat!

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:46:13 -0100

Welcome back to Health Talk Mississippi! In this episode, host Greg Flynn sits down with State Health Officer Dr. Edney in our brand-new studio to break down the critical public health initiatives moving Mississippi forward. Tune in as they discuss the evolution of state funding, the restructuring of county health departments to improve care access, and why tackling the state's number one health crisis—obesity—remains the ultimate priority. Plus, Dr. Edney shares essential advice on maintaining childhood vaccination schedules and staying safe during Mississippi's scorching summer heat.

0:00 - Introduction to the New Studio & State Funding Progress
7:00 - Reorganizing County Health Departments & Expanding Access
15:15 - The Elephant in the Room: Tackling Obesity & Maternal/Infant Health
28:45 - Declining Vaccination Rates & Protecting Our Children
41:11 - Summer Heat Safety & Vector-Borne Illness Updates

Website: https://msdh.ms.gov/

Health Talk MS | Summer Safety

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Talk MS | Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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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Health Talk MS | Protecting Your Water and So Much More!

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Talk MS | Overcoming Opioids

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0100

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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Health Talk MS | Health Report Card

Mississippi Department of Health — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0100

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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Health Talk MS | Supporting Survivors with OAIV

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0100

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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Health Talk MS | Mental Notes for Mental Health

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0100

With the holiday season upon us, your mental health is as important as your physical health. In the November episode of the MSDH Podcast, Health Talk Mississippi, our host Greg Flynn sits down with a powerhouse panel of mental health experts. Wendy Bailey, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH), Dr. Thomas Recore with MDMH, and Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer and MSDH Executive Director, discuss the signs of potential mental health issues and how you can find help for yourself or someone you know. It’s a powerful episode that can save lives.

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Health Talk MS | Power of Pink: A Look at Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:00:15 +0000

October is about pumpkins and pink...or even pink pumpkins! This month is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness and the color pink, which you will see everywhere. The October edition of the MSDH Podcast, Health Talk Mississippi, focuses on breast cancer. Our host Greg Flynn sits down with Amy Gibbons, the State's Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Director, to discuss prevention, screenings, and support offered by the Mississippi State Department of Health. For more information about services, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/bccp

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Health Talk MS | Prepare to Fight the Fall Viruses!

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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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Health Talk MS | What Vital Records Can Do for You!

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

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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Health Talk MS | Dr. Edney, Your State Health Officer

Mississippi Department of Health — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Health Talk MS launches with a powerful first episode featuring Mississippi State Health Officer, Dr. Dan Edney. In this kickoff conversation, Dr. Edney confronts the preventable conditions that are shortening lives across the state and explores how improved public health could unlock billions for Mississippi’s economy.

Produced in partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Health Talk MS pulls back the curtain on the work of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)—from clean water to chronic disease prevention—and offers listeners the tools and knowledge to take charge of their health.

Public health is personal. This show makes it real.

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