The Mississippi Department of Health is expanding access to substance use disorder treatment statewide after a successful pilot in six counties, officials announced Tuesday.
State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney credited the program’s success to alignment among clinical leadership, public health infrastructure, and technology. “Mississippi is showing what is possible when these elements are aligned around patients,” Edney said.
The program now reaches all 82 counties, with plans to explore in-home care options to increase flexibility and accessibility, according to the department. MSDH estimates that nearly 327,000 residents age 12 or older could benefit from such treatment based on data from 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, about 708 Mississippians died from opioid overdoses, according to MSDH records. Overdose deaths increased by more than a third from 2020 to 2021, with a 51% jump in fatalities involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. In 2021, opioid-related deaths totaled 788, with almost a third under age 35. The department also noted rising overdose rates among Black residents since 2021.
Jonathan Hubanks, director of the MSDH Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said early intervention is critical. “It takes an average of five years before dependence causes enough problems to seek specialty care, but many patients are open to discussing it sooner,” he said.
Mississippi’s use of a risk scale supported by technology allows for proactive treatment. Using Epic electronic health records and MyChart, the department conducts earlier screenings, standardized interventions, and follow-ups. High-risk patients, including those in rural areas, may receive follow-up video calls from addiction specialists, reducing access barriers.
Julio Cespedes, MSDH chief innovation officer, emphasized the technological approach. “We built a model that feels simple for patients and staff but is powered by sophisticated technology,” he said. “This enables small teams to reach more patients before addiction becomes severe.”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
