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HB 511

Chronic diseases; direct Health Department to establish WISEWOMAN and WISEMAN programs in certain counties.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Hines

Mississippi bill would have required Health Department to launch free chronic disease screening and prevention programs (WISEWOMAN/WISEMAN) in select counties but died in committee.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 511

Legislative bill overview

HB 511 would have directed Mississippi's Health Department to establish WISEWOMAN and WISEMAN programs in specified counties. These programs provide free or low-cost health screenings and lifestyle interventions targeting chronic disease prevention and management, particularly for underinsured and uninsured adults.

Why is this important

Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke are leading causes of death and disability in Mississippi, which ranks among the worst in the nation for health outcomes. Expanding evidence-based screening and prevention programs could reduce disease burden and healthcare costs, while improving health equity in underserved rural and urban areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Program costs and funding: No dedicated funding source was specified, raising questions about whether existing Health Department budgets could absorb implementation costs
  • Geographic limitations: Restricting programs to "certain counties" rather than statewide rollout could create disparities and leave other high-need areas without access
  • Implementation capacity: The Health Department's ability to establish and sustain new programs while managing existing initiatives was unclear

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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