Mississippi

4 times Mississippi was included in national rankings, and not in a good way

Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization

Mississippi appeared in national rankings in 2024, highlighting challenges and disparities. The state ranked fifth in the nation for highest grocery costs, with Gulfport and Ocean Springs organizations reporting increased food insecurity.

Women's health outcomes ranked last nationwide, influenced by Medicaid non-expansion and restrictive abortion policies, and maternal mortality remained a significant issue in counties like those in the Mississippi Delta.

Mississippi also ranked among the worst for mental health care access due to limited treatment centers and high uninsured rates.

Additionally, the state placed 48th overall in U.S. News’ “Best States” rankings, with low scores in economy and health care but high affordability rankings.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The South has a healthcare problem. By Photo by Alex Green

NO. 1: MISSISSIPPI AMONG THE 5 WORST STATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS. HERE’S WHY

Mississippi ranks dismally for mental health care access. A new study reveals shocking lack of treatment and support for mental illness. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

Medicaid expansion died Thursday night at the Capitol in Jackson, as Mississippi lawmakers could not reach a deal. By Tim Thorsen

NO. 2: MISSISSIPPI IS ONE OF THE WORST STATES TO LIVE IN, ACCORDING TO U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

The magazine ranked each state in eight categories, with the Southeast faring particularly poorly. | Published May 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by John Buzbee

Labeled monitors display the various medications of a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 3: MISSISSIPPI RANKS WORST IN THE U.S. IN WOMEN’S HEALTH ACCORDING TO NEW NATIONAL SCORECARD

The report evaluates states on health care access, affordability, quality of care and health outcomes. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sophia Paffenroth

Aisles of groceries await customers at the new Rouses Market location on Pass Road in Biloxi on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: MISSISSIPPI’S SOARING GROCERY PRICES AMONG HIGHEST IN THE NATION. JUST HOW BAD IS IT?

Here’s how much Mississippi families pay each week for groceries, and how to help this holiday season. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.