Mississippi
Mississippi’s maternity program is extremely insufficient
Since January 2011, the state of Mississippi has contracted a NY based company, ActiveHealthⓇ Management, a former subsidiary of Aetna and currently owned by CVS Health.
ActiveHealth Management purportedly provides comprehensive health and wellness management services to the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan to improve health among more than 197,000 active employees, dependents, spouses and retirees.
The company has received four consecutive contracts valued at a nearly $64,000,000. Yet, it has not produced one evaluation report on its efficacy because the Department of Finance Administration does not require it to assess employees’ health outcomes.
According to Cindy Bradshaw, former State Insurance Administrator, DFA administers patient satisfaction surveys about their experiences within the ActiveHealth Management program. Patient satisfaction surveys are designed to determine how a person feels about or perceives her/his experience with something or someone; it does not determine whether the experience was effective and to what degree.
This is particularly concerning for pregnant state employees who are at risk for pre-term births and Cesarean deliveries, the No. 1 surgery in the state of MS and the nation.
Annually, Mississippi pays for over 90% of prenatal care and births in the state through Mississippi Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi plans. In 2022, members in both plans experienced comparable Cesarean delivery rates. About 39% of BCBS of MS members experienced a Cesarean delivery and 37% Medicaid members, according to data from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Also, 20% of BCBS members and 21% of Medicaid members, whose labor was induced, subsequently delivered via a Cesarean. The State paid an estimated average of $27.4 million for Medicaid-members and $30.6 million for BCBS-members who had Cesarean deliveries.
Furthermore, those members who had a first-time Cesarean delivery have a 90% probability of experiencing a repeat procedure because only a handful of providers in Mississippi will attempt to deliver a vaginal birth after a Cesarean delivery.
Liz Welch, DFA’s executive director, said she wasn’t aware of the birth outcomes of state employees and would request a report from BCBS of MS, the state’s plan administrator. I am almost certain she did not.
Since 2019, I have administered a community health worker program that provides preventive based services to pregnant residents, including state employees. I have found ActiveHealth Management’s maternity program to be extremely insufficient and ineffective as it does not address the complex underlying risk factors influencing common negative birth outcomes in Mississippi.
Underlying preventable risk factors affecting most pregnant women in Mississippi are maternal obesity and smoking that can lead to gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, Cesarean deliveries, preterm babies, low birth weight babies, NICU babies, and maternal and infant mortality. Annually Mississippi residents experience the highest rates of maternal obesity (37.6%), fetal deaths (9.5), Cesarean deliveries (39%), preterm births (15), low birth weight (13), maternal mortality (43) and infant mortality (9.2) in the nation.
ActiveHealth Management’s maternity intervention involves nurses making three phone calls to pregnant state employees and one call after the baby is born.
The nurse asks a list of general questions such as, “how’s your overall health,” “how’s your pregnancy going so far,” “any medical concerns,” “are you taking prenatal vitamins,” “what you know about pre-eclampsia,” etc.
There is no face-to-face engagement between the employee and nurse, including no home visits and no birth support. The nurse doesn’t assist the employee with developing a prenatal dietary and exercise plan, a birth plan, healthy birth practices to prevent medically unnecessary labor inductions, and Cesarean deliveries. She does not provide crucial childbirth education and breastfeeding and postpartum support, which is needed in the home.
Providing exclusive phone support during pregnancy has been shown to reduce risk for depression, but it does not improve risky health behaviors, e.g. smoking, sedentary, unhealthy foods or birth outcomes. Data show that neither phone nor short message support are effective at reducing prenatal smoking, improving prenatal body mass index, reducing preterm births, and Cesarean deliveries.
In contrast, there is considerable evidence showing that community health worker programs, which provide in-personal maternal health education and birth assistance, are significantly effective at changing risky behaviors and improving healthcare decisions that lead to better prenatal health and birth outcomes.
Community health workers can provide a supportive social network, motivate and drive pregnant patients at risk to make healthy lifestyle changes that reduce maternal obesity, stress and anxiety and improve physical health, which subsequently reduces maternal morbidities associated with pre-eclampsia, preterm births, and Cesarean deliveries.
In 2021, I initiated a dialogue with ActiveHealth Management’s medical leadership about enhancing its program through the integration of community health workers. My suggestion was met with resentment and rejection. They stated they would do no more than their contract requires.
The State will issue a new RFP in 2025 and likely renew ActiveHealth Management’s contract. It should seriously consider reducing the value of the contract and redirecting a substantial amount of funding to the Mississippi Department of Health’s Community Health Worker Program.
The MS Department of Health could train, certify, and strategically deploy community health workers across the State to deliver evidence based, maternity services, which would be more feasible and effective than ActiveHealth Management’s telephonic/virtual program.
— Getty Israel, MPH, is a population health specialist in the Jackson area.
Private high schools in Mississippi are receiving an enrollment multiplier for their respective sports teams.
The MHSAA announced on June 2 that it will apply a 1.5 multiplier to private schools enrollment for grades 9-11. The multiplier will go into effect during the 2027-28 sports season, when the MHSAA implements its new reclassification.
The MHSAA board voted on the motion, which passed.
“There’s always been a question of why our state does not have a multiplier from private schools that are in our association,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said in a statement. “So beginning with the next reclassification year, there will be a 1.5 multiplier added to all private schools that are currently in our organization. And to any of those that may be wanting to join our association.”
The change will affect private schools in all classes and will not affect schools for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Private schools around the state currently fluctuate through classes 1A-3A.
“We’re the only state in our section that does not have a multiplier of some kind,” Neaves said. “This was done because private schools, it is perceived, can control what classification they’re in by limiting the number of people that attend there. Also for the competitive and fair play advantage.”
Presbyterian Christian is the most recent private school to switch from MAIS to MHSAA, after making its MHSAA debut in 2025. The Bobcats recently won the MHSAA Class 3A baseball title.
In other sports during the 2025-26 year, Our Lady Academy won a Class 3A volleyball title and has the most MHSAA volleyball championships with 18. St. Stanislaus claimed a 3A boys basketball championship and St. Patrick won the Class I boys and girls soccer titles. Presbyterian Christian also won the 3A boys and girls tennis titles, while Sacred Heart won in Class I.
There are currently 10 private schools in the association.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 2 drawing
05-14-16-33-35
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 3-3-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-9-5, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 6-0-4-9, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-1-0, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Mississippi governor signs Jackson MS water authority bill into law
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed the bill into law on April 8, 2026.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn claimed victory in the city’s legal fight against Mississippi’s new Metro Jackson Water Authority, arguing a federal judge’s latest ruling validates Jackson’s concerns about state lawmakers trying to influence the future of the city’s water system.
During a press conference at City Hall Tuesday, June 2, Horhn pointed to U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate’s decision to block the authority from naming a president, entering lease agreements or taking other substantive actions while Jackson’s water and sewer systems remain under federal oversight.
“What we’re thankful of is that the judge seems to agree with us,” Horhn said. “House Bill 1677 appeared to try to subvert the authority of the federal court.”
The comments come one day after Wingate issued a split ruling on the controversial law. While the judge declined to block House Bill 1677 outright, he also barred the Metro Jackson Water Authority from taking operational action beyond seating board members while the federal court continues overseeing Jackson’s water and sewer systems.
But Wingate’s ruling did not strike down House Bill 1677. It was more of a split ruling.
The judge agreed with arguments made by the state, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and JXN Water that the law itself does not automatically transfer control of Jackson’s water and sewer systems because any future takeover remains subject to federal court approval.
That leaves open a question: If the law remains on the books, could the Metro Jackson Water Authority simply remain in place until federal oversight ends and then assume control of the systems?
Horhn was asked that question directly Tuesday.
In response, Horhn focused on portions of the ruling that prevent the authority from naming a president who would serve as a deputy to JXN Water leader and Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin. Horhn also pointed to Wingate blocking movement on any lease agreements until the court decides how the eventual transition away from federal oversight should occur.
“Two major points of the judge’s ruling are that he enjoined the state and the authority if it does start taking action from being able to name a president who would become the second in command of JXN Water,” Horhn said. “The other thing is that he enjoined any action on a lease being entered into until such time as he has had a chance to deliberate and decide what the future path ought to be.”
Horhn’s answer suggested he believes the ruling leaves room for other options besides simply allowing House Bill 1677 to take effect once federal oversight ends.
“What the judge has said to us for a number of months is that he wants to see a transition plan,” Horhn said.
The mayor said city officials have already begun discussions with JXN Water about what that transition plan could look like.
“We have begun discussions with JXN Water to have meaningful conversations with them about putting such a transition plan forward,” Horhn said. “At this point, the actions of the city are focused on working with Jackson Water to try to come up with a transition plan that might be approved by the judge.”
Under existing court orders, JXN Water is expected to develop a formal transition plan that must ultimately be approved by Wingate.
When asked whether the city could pursue its own water authority rather than the state-created Metro Jackson Water Authority, Horhn pointed to existing Mississippi law allowing municipalities to create utility districts.
“For a number of years, there has been state statutory authority for municipalities to establish municipal utility districts,” Horhn said. “We have made that presentation before the judge, and as I understand it, he’s taking it under advisory.”
Horhn did not elaborate on whether the city is actively pursuing that option, but the comments suggest Jackson may continue advocating for alternatives to House Bill 1677 as discussions about a post-receivership transition continue.
Additionally, Horhn reiterated his long-standing position that Jackson should maintain majority control over any future governing body overseeing the city’s water and wastewater systems.
“We don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control.”
Horhn said Jackson’s position has never been that the state should be excluded entirely.
“What I have said is that we don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control on any future boards or authorities that would be created.”
Horhn said Jackson opposed House Bill 1677 because it would have allowed state and suburban appointees to outnumber city representatives on the authority’s governing board.
“We don’t mind if you want to have some involvement, but not control,” Horhn said.
The mayor also argued the legislation ignored concerns repeatedly raised by Jackson officials during the legislative process.
“House Bill 1677 was a classic example of the state not listening to the local interests of the City of Jackson,” Horhn said.
Overall, Wingate’s 22-page order on Monday, June 1, was something of a split decision. Jackson persuaded Wingate to freeze many of the authority’s powers, but the state successfully defended the law itself from being blocked outright. The larger question of who will ultimately control Jackson’s water system remains unresolved. For now, Wingate remains in the driver’s seat.
“The parties should all accept that this state statute cannot force this court’s hand, nor dictate the calendar of this litigation,” Wingate wrote.
Charlie Drape, the Jackson beat reporter, has covered the Jackson water crisis from its collapse in 2022 through the system’s ongoing recovery, including independent testing and other accountability reporting. You can contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.
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