Announcements and News
Helping to change lives in Mississippi
MDHS protects Mississippi’s most vulnerable population
Adult Protective Services works to protect our aging population from abuse and neglect (Jackson, Miss.) – As the COVID-19 pandemic has created new concerns for families of our aging population and their safety, it is more important than ever to remember if you see something say something. More than 250 thousand of our most vulnerable citizens are victims of abuse and neglect each year. According to a report by the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System, 1,315,992 reports of alleged maltreatment are received by Adult Protective Services (APS) programs nationally each year. In Mississippi, there were 3,299 reports investigated [...]
General Population Shelter Operations in a COVID-19 Environment Frequently Asked Questions
There will be 3 distinct areas within a hurricane evacuation general population shelter: Screening prior to entry, dormitory area, and isolation care area. Hurricane Evacuation General Population Shelters are for evacuation and of short duration up to 72 hrs. Residents and workers will be required to wear masks/cloth face coverings. Space allocation is 60 sq. ft. per person. The isolation care area space allocation will be 110 sq. ft. per person. Cots will be disseminated based on medical need. Accessible evacuation shelters will be indicated in a press release upon opening. Snack and water will be [...]
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman brings peace to families during troubled times
MDHS Ombudsman serves as the voice of the residents of long-term care facilities (Jackson, Miss.) – The COVID-19 pandemic has created new concerns for families of our aging population and their safety, even when under the care of a qualified Long-Term Care facility. Through the State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, families can be alleviated of that stress and feel confident that their loved one is safe and secure. In keeping with the federal Older Americans Act of 1965 and Mississippi state law, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Aging and Adult Services established the Office of [...]
MDHS Announces additional benefits for October
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, households currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be eligible for a supplemental benefit for October 2020. Similar benefits were provided for certified SNAP households for the previous months. SNAP households that have been certified based on meeting income and resource requirements are eligible to receive the supplement benefits. These households will receive benefit supplements up to the maximum benefit amount, based on household size. For example, the maximum benefit for a 2-person household is $355. A 2-person household authorized to receive $200 for August will receive an additional $155, the total maximum amount [...]
MDHS Receives $24 Million from CARES Act for Rent/Mortgage Assistance and LIHEAP
Many Mississippi families who were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic have been adversely impacted as businesses have closed, laid off workers or reduced the number of their employees in response to economic shifts brought on by the pandemic. Many are wondering how they will pay their rent and utility bills. Thanks to two grants, help is available to these families. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has received more than $24 million dollars in CARES Act funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist Mississippi’s most vulnerable during the [...]
MDHS retains CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to conduct forensic audit
(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has contracted with CliftonLarsonAllen LLC to conduct a forensic audit of the agency. The audit is a key pillar of Operation Restore Trust, a major initiative that Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson launched upon his appointment by Governor Tate Reeves to lead the agency in March 2020. The audit will provide a complete review of the agency’s practices and ensure it is operating with integrity and in compliance with departmental policies and state and federal laws. “I’m very pleased that Clifton Larson will be conducting this forensic [...]
