Jennifer Gray

The meeting addressed significant fiscal stabilization efforts, where MDRS successfully managed the FY2025 award projections through policy actions, securing a Cost-of-Living Adjustment, and acquiring $4 million in reallotment funds. Policy adjustments implemented statewide included reimplementing the Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) and restricting funding for off-campus housing and summer school for post-secondary education clients. The Council reviewed the recent constructive RSA monitoring visit and discussed ongoing statewide training for eligibility requirements. A major topic was the modernization of the AbilityWorks system, with a consultant report expected in November to shift services toward current labor market demands, aiming for a net-zero financial model. Further discussions covered proposed bylaw revisions focusing on meeting procedures, quorum definitions for remote participation, and the need to clarify the SRC's relationship with OVR/OVRB. Committee reports included a budget update showing significant unspent funds, a discussion on filling inactive member seats, and a report on the Consumer Satisfaction Surveys, which showed high overall satisfaction but noted concerns regarding slow processes and staff turnover. The OVRB program update highlighted staffing changes at the EMERGE and Addie McBride Centers and serious concerns regarding a proposal to eliminate the Randolph-Sheppard Program on military bases. The OVR report detailed performance metrics, noting that rehabilitation goals were surpassed despite four districts being placed on Corrective Action Plans related to training deficiencies.

The public hearing was held to discuss proposed policy revisions related to vocational rehabilitation services. Key topics included updates to the postsecondary education and training policy, such as funding for four-year universities, transportation for day students, and meal plans. The hearing also covered comprehensive transition and postsecondary education training programs, pre-employment transition services, project search programs, and ethical guidelines. Additionally, the potential implementation of an order of selection due to budget shortfalls and increased client service expenditures was discussed.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various public health matters. A correction to the minutes from the July 2024 meeting was addressed regarding the placement of the 2% salary progression vote. The board also received an epidemiologic update, focusing on the increase in pertussis cases in Mississippi, particularly among unvaccinated individuals. Strategies for prevention and containment, including vaccination recommendations for grandparents and pregnant women, were discussed.

The meeting included a state health officer report covering topics such as increasing rates of pertussis, West Nile virus, and respiratory diseases. The board also discussed appropriation work, eligibility determination, enrollment assistance, and a new test to treat program. Additionally, there was an announcement about a partnership between the Department of Health and the Department of Education to focus on primary prevention in schools.

The meeting of the MSDH Board of Health included discussions and updates on various public health initiatives and challenges. The board members were encouraged to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and information was shared about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP). There was also a presentation on legislative briefing books developed for elected officials, containing data and references related to population health. Syphilis was identified as a top-tier priority, with efforts underway to educate the public, expand screening, and improve treatment access. The MSDH Healthy app was introduced as a resource for accessing agency programs and scheduling appointments. The board also received updates on the Voca program and the progress of the Public Health Accreditation (Fab) process. Concerns were raised about the state's population health outcomes, including the economic impact of top causes of death and the increasing all-cause mortality rate.