The Mississippi Department of Health will begin the upcoming fiscal year with mostly unchanged funding levels, according to officials. Lecreta Tribune, the department’s chief financial officer, informed the Mississippi State Board of Health that the agency’s budget remains largely stable, with the exception of a $600,000 increase compared to the previous year.
Budget Overview
Tribune’s presentation highlighted a $27 million allocation for agency operations supporting core public health initiatives. Additionally, $33.4 million will be directed toward agency programs, $13 million is designated for the trauma care program, and $27.7 million is allocated for various other purposes.
Funding Context
State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney expressed gratitude for the level funding this year, noting that the Legislature had provided increases in the prior two years. He explained that the initial two funding categories are essential for departmental operations, while the trauma funding primarily serves as pass-through support. The remaining funds will be used to bolster health programs. Furthermore, Edney indicated that Jackson water settlement funds would roll over from the previous year to cover capital expenditures.
Opioid Settlement Funds
Officials announced that an additional $4.5 million in opioid settlement funds will be allocated to a substance use disorder program. Edney emphasized that this funding will facilitate free access to care and medications for opioid use disorders via county health departments, stating, “That’s going to help us expand that work and augment our staffing, expand our medication options.”
Medical Cannabis Program Appropriations
The budget for the medical cannabis program remains unchanged, according to officials. Edney explained that the department opted not to pursue broader budget increases following recent fee modifications that freed up approximately $8 million. He remarked, “I just don’t think that we need to be using state taxpayer money to regulate for-profit entities. The fees should take care of that,” recommending that fee increases be assessed every three years instead of every decade to maintain budgetary alignment.