PHHS Block Grant funds are used to support sexually assaulted persons through six Rape Crisis Centers located statewide. In FY 05, Mississippi's documented sexual assault cases totaled 227 males and 1,131 females. Of this total, 545 were below the age of eighteen. The Rape Crisis Centers present youth education-training sessions to elementary, middle, junior and high schools statewide.

PHHS Block Grant funds have been used to encourage local communities to pursue water fluoridation. Because over 97% of its population receives water from public water systems, Mississippi has great capacity to increase the population that receives fluoridated water and reduce the prevalence of dental caries. Currently, 172 water systems adjust the fluoride content of their water, 83 systems are naturally fluoridated, and 63 systems are connected to an adjusted or naturally fluoridated system, for a total of 318 fluoridated systems that serve 54% of the population.

PHHS Block Grant Funds are used to support the Community School Health (CSH) Program. CSH goals are to foster healthy lifestyles, environments and behavior though population-based intervention strategies. Health Educators work in the priority areas of worksites, communities and schools. In FY '07, projects were funded that developed strategies consistent with the components of CDC's Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP).

Vernesia Wilson, MPH
(601) 576-8165 or (800) 426-1587
vernesia.wilson@msdh.state.ms.us