Your loved one is having a stroke. You dial 911. It’s what you’ve been trained to do. Call 911 and the local Emergency Medical Service (EMS) will respond, evaluate your loved one and transport him or her to a hospital. Now imagine there are not enough paramedics and EMTs in the state of Mississippi to staff all of the ambulances. Will your husband, brother, or best friend survive? You’ve read or heard about many industries nationwide that are struggling to find employees. In EMS, the issue is so dire that the American Ambulance Association and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians sent a letter to Congress in early October pushing for a hearing to address the shortfall. Most other industries have the ability to pass on increased costs to their paying customers. That simply is not the case in EMS. Ambulance providers are at the mercy of insurance providers and the federal and state governments. It is these entities that set reimbursement rates, and rates have not kept up with skyrocketing healthcare costs. These first responders put their lives on the line for you, and unlike many healthcare providers, EMS serves all Mississippians – whether or not they have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. We need a funding system that keeps EMTs and paramedics in our Mississippi communities, and that attracts new employees to the EMS industry. Today’s young people may feel a calling to serve others, but if they can earn more money elsewhere, how many will go into the pre-hospital medical field? It’s a downward spiral made worse by the pandemic. EMS agencies were already short-staffed before COVID-19 gripped Mississippi and the country in 2020. Paramedics and EMTs who continued to answer the call were now confronted with the stress of being exposed to the virus, having to work more hours because there are not enough people to cover 24-hour shifts. They too, are now leaving. We cannot wait on legacy EMS education programs to turn out employees for the ambulances. We have to start that early. If we’re going to be successful long-term, we must recruit and train our own workforce. The state legislature and the federal government must continue to focus on the EMS industry as a healthcare provider. It’s more than just the need for additional paramedics and EMTs in a healthcare setting – these highly valued healthcare providers are needed on the ambulances. We do more than drive patients to the hospital – EMS provides critical care to patients across Mississippi before we ever transport them to definitive care. We are the frontline, the first hands on the patient. Jay Chappelle, a Mississippi resident, is the Vice President for Global Medical Response’s Southeast Group, which includes American Medical Response (AMR), Lifeguard Ambulance and MedStat EMS in Mississippi. Dwayne Tullos is a Regional Director for Global Medical Response, and a Mississippi resident.

An official Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination that will verify that an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is now available from official Mississippi State Department of health (MSDH) records through the MyIRmobile.com website. This certificate is a convenient option for those who do not have or do not want to carry the vaccination card. You can review your complete immunization record, and your children’s immunization record (for children under 18 years) and retrieve your official MSDH Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination, which can be printed or downloaded and stored on your portable device or home computer system. It’s quick and easy to sign up for MyIR and view your immunization record. Just visit HealthyMS.com/myIR for full instructions. Assistance with registering your account is available by calling 1-877-978-6453 or 601-576-7751. Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

On Monday, November 16, the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. Included in the Act is the reauthorization of funds and the addition of new funds for numerous agencies including the Mississippi Transportation Department of Transportation (MDOT). “What this is not, is a fourth economic stimulus package to be compared to the CARES Act, CRRSSAA funds or HARPA money that is delivered to the states with an infrastructure focus,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “All of this money will be put through the programs of Federal Highway and will have to meet the criteria for which they allow for those expenditures to be made.” The Act was authorized through The Federal-Aid Highway Program (the Program). The Program is funded from federal taxes on fuel, tire sales and other items which are deposited into the Federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF), as well as General Fund transfers. Distribution from the HTF is subject to periodic authorization and annual appropriation by Congress. This assistance was created by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, and since its establishment the Program has been authorized 15 times in various forms at generally increasing funding levels. Most recently, the Program was reauthorized by the FAST Act in 2015 for FFY 2016-2020 and by the Act in 2021 for FFY 2022-2026. Through the FAST Act MDOT received around $2.6 billion; the Act reapproved those funds with the addition of nearly $1 billion more spread over five years. For more information on MDOT’s funding visit GoMDOT.com.

Draping electric icicles around the eaves, hanging wreaths and placing the angel atop a tall tree are only three parts of holiday decorating which often require a ladder. Of course, what goes up must eventually come down. American Medical Response (AMR) reminds central Mississippi residents that falls from ladders can cripple or kill, and even short stepladders pose a hazard. The National Safety Council and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported several thousand people per year in the U.S. are injured in falls from ladders. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that men and the elderly are at higher risk of injury from falling. According to AMR spokesman Jim Pollard, “Elders are more likely to fall from ladders because their vision and balance may have changed and elders who fall often require longer rehabilitation.” Men, he added, are more likely to be overconfident about using ladders and more inclined to take risks using them. People who fall from ladders can suffer head injuries and break hips, arms and legs, Pollard said. According to the Home Safety Council, misuse of the ladder is the main cause of injuries due to falling off a ladder. In a recent study, the Council found more than half of those injured placed the ladder on uneven ground. Nearly half reached farther than they should. Almost 40 percent fell after dark. More than a third fell after standing on the top two ladder steps. More than 20 percent drank alcohol while using the ladder. “Most folks use ladders infrequently so they lack experience and skill with them,” Pollard said. “We’re most likely to use ladders during year-end holidays and spring fix-up. With the year-end holidays, we face twice the risk because we have to take down all the decorations we put up. We all need to be mindful of the risk of ladder falls.” Pollard gave this advice to prevent ladder injuries: Before climbing a ladder, think about your current health. If you have lost strength or it is harder to keep your balance, stay off the ladder. If your instincts warn you to beware of climbing ladders, stay off them. Avoid using a ladder outdoors after dark. Keep your ladders in good condition. Check ladders for cracks or weak spots. Be sure rungs are sturdy and locking devices work properly. The feet of the ladder must rest on a surface that is firm, level, dry and not slippery. When leaning a ladder against a wall, move the bottom of the ladder away from the wall one fourth of the height of the ladder. Do not lean ladders against gutters or other weaker parts of a building that may break away. It is safer to use ladders with built-in stand-off bars that hold the ladder off gutters and other soft parts of a structure. If you’re using power equipment with cords, be absolutely sure the cords are in good condition. Metal ladders will carry an electrical jot if a frayed cord is touching the ladder when the tool is running. Wear shoes that are dry and have enough tread to prevent slipping. Never use a ladder in front of a door someone may open. Insist that another person hold the ladder the whole time someone is on it. Ladders are a two-person tool. Follow the manufacturer’s warnings on weight limits. Keep both feet on the same rung while you are working. It’s safer to maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Do not stand on either of the top two rungs. Do not reach or lean so far in any direction that you cannot keep both feet flat on the rung where you are standing. Instead of reaching too far, climb down, move the ladder closer to the spot you need to reach, climb back up and reach safely. Keep your tools on a belt or in your pockets or hand them to your “spotter” so both hands will be free when you’re going up or down the ladder. Do not use ladders when you have drunk alcohol. Do not use ladders outside on days with stiff winds. Remember: Climbing onto the roof from a ladder is especially dangerous.

With more families staying put for Thanksgiving, there will be more people trying their luck at frying turkeys. That may lead to more residential fires and injuries to residents of central Mississippi. American Medical Response (AMR) officials advise these steps from the Burn Institute (www.burninstitute.org ) to help prevent serious injuries and property loss when using a turkey fryer. NEVER leave turkey fryers unattended. Due to the risk, it is wise to have two fry cooks. ALWAYS keep children and pets away from the fryer. AMR recommends drawing a circle ten feet in diameter around the fryer and declaring it a “kid-free zone.” ALWAYS use turkey fryers outdoors. Do not use them in rain or snow, since water and hot oil can splatter and even erupt. ALWAYS keep fryers away from flammable materials. Do not use them under eaves, porches or carports or near walls, fences, leaves, bushes or trees. Do not use fryers in garages. ALWAYS place fryers on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface such as concrete. Do not fry the bird on a deck. ALWAYS thaw the turkey thoroughly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says proper thawing requires 24 hours for every four to five pounds. It is extremely dangerous to put an unthawed turkey into boiling oil. A sudden “flash-over” of burning oil can occur. A flashover is like an eruption. The oil can flow down to the heat source and cause a big fire and critical burns. NEVER overfill the fryer. Here’s how to determine the quantity of oil needed for your turkey: Before lighting the fryer, put the turkey in the pot and add water (not oil) until all of the bird is under about a half-inch of water. Be sure there are three to five inches between the top of the water and the top of the pot. If there aren’t three to five inches from the water to the top of the pot, your turkey is too big for your pot. Mark the spot on the pot where the water stopped. Remove the bird and the water. Dry the bird thoroughly inside and out and dry the pot. Then and only then add the oil. ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions. NEVER heat the oil above the recommended temperature. If you see smoke, turn off the burner immediately because that means the oil is too hot. ALWAYS wear long sleeves, flame-retardant gloves and shoes with closed toes. ALWAYS use a thermometer to monitor food temperature. Check the oil temperature frequently. NEVER move the fryer once it is in operation. NEVER let the cooks consume alcohol while tending the fryer. ALWAYS lower the turkey slowly into the oil. Nearly all fryers come with a hook that attaches to the bird. Using the hook keeps your hands several inches above the hot oil. Also consider attaching the hook to a bar and using two people to lower and raise the bird, one person on each end of the bar. NEVER stand directly over hot oil. ALWAYS make sure the oil is completely cooled before removing it from the fryer. Remember, the oil can stay hot for hours after the heat source is turned off. ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher with you when using a turkey fryer. NEVER try to extinguish an oil fire with water. Hot oil doused with water can lead to deadly results. If someone is burned or if the fryer catches fire, immediately call 911. Hot oil burns can cause extensive tissue damage. Run cool but not cold water over the burned area for at least five minutes. Apply no ice, creams or gels.

Co-Lin Engineering and Science Instructor Dr. Reed Freeman of Georgetown has been named a 2021 Moody Institute Fellow for a proposal selected among a competitive pool of applicants. He will receive an award of $1,000 to fund his enrollment in university-level courses in the field of environmental and natural hazards associated with Earth’s surface geology, water resources, and atmosphere. Dr. Freeman believes expanding his knowledge of these topics will greatly benefit students at Co-Lin. “I have observed that student interest perks up noticeably when classroom discussions include environmental and/or natural hazards,” said Dr. Freeman. “By spending more time on these topics, I am confident that student engagement and enjoyment will grow. Also, I believe that non-science major students in physical science classes will be more likely to continue to include science courses in their further education.” The Moody Institute Trust Fund (MITF) was established in 1990 in honor of Dr. George V. Moody, the first Executive Director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges (SBCJC). The purpose of the Moody Institute is to provide funds for enrichment experiences for faculty members employed in Mississippi’s public community and junior colleges.

I’ve mentioned over the years how our little corner of the world is a hot bed of talent. Our visual art and music scenes have grown and there have even been a few films shot here -- big budget ones with well known stars and low budget films with local actors. For about two years we’ve been waiting for the premier of local musician and graphic artist turned movie producer J.F. Oakes’ film, The Band Forgettable, which was filmed in Lincoln and Lawrence Counties. Without giving away the plot, it’s about an aging musician and his struggles keeping up the pace of his dying career. Oakes is a talented man and is no stranger to the spotlight, having been on stages his entire adult life. You may remember we focused on him in 2018 when he won the Josie Award for Best Southern Rock song, “Bless Your Heart.” The Josie awards recognize independent artists. Oakes had a successful career as a singer with the 484 South Band for eight years, and performed all over the region at clubs and auditoriums, opening for country stars and headlining shows. So I asked him: Why a movie and why now? I wasn’t expecting the answer I got. Oakes has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which affects cognitive functions and memory. His doctor recommended he write for therapy. After mulling the advice for a few days, he decided writing the script was what he needed. “I wrote the script in three months," he related. Write what you know, they say, so I wrote this story about an aging musician.” How did he know about movie-making? "The internet is a wonderful thing," he said simply. On the internet, he sat in on master classes with Ron Howard. With the help of the internet, he figured out the equipment he needed, and then learned all he could about using the equipment. Veteran videographer JB Lawrence, who handled all the camera work for his film, helped him. Lawrence is an award winning producer of music videos and film. Principle shooting took place in Lincoln and Lawrence Counties over a sixteen-day span. Every set is local, including my kitchen. "I tried to get the best talent available and, fortunately, I have talented friends," Oakes says. "This would be considered a no-budget film." Oakes plays the lead character, a singer with a successful southern rock band. You’ll see many recognizable faces throughout the film. There are Oakes’ daughter Amanda Rester and local musicians Charlie Hewitt and Tony Norton The Bridge brothers -- Nick and Tyler -- and Kyle Graves are part of the band. A few of the leads were imported from New Orleans, Brandon and Jackson. "I’m especially proud of the soundtrack," Oakes says. "There’s a lot of good music there.” And that's not surprising. While making a movie may be new to Oakes, making records is something with which he is very familiar. With 484 South, he recorded two albums, and now has two solo albums under his belt. “Our first album actually made money, “ he notes. That's a rarity, I assure you. Oakes spent two weeks in Memphis recording his part with top drawer studio musicians. But that’s not all. Carey Hudson, well known Americana musician from Hattiesburg, not only contributes to the soundtrack, but has a great scene in the film. Natchez band Learned Hill also makes an appearance. Because Oakes is doing all post production himself, it has taken a bit longer to make than he thought. “I hope to release it around the first of the year, then it’s off to film festivals," he says. "We’ll see after that.” Just to be fair, I make an appearance in the film as a somewhat cranky guy. Me? Cranky? I hope it hasn’t been cut in post. This was a fun project to work on and I believe you’ll be entertained by The Band Forgettable. I’ll let you know when it premieres. Until then, support the arts, my friends. EDITOR 'S NOTE: Shaw Furlow is a local composer, musician and arts promoter. He produces an internet-based video show -- From the Shadyside -- that spotlights area musical talent and is a consultant to school bands in the region.

Attorney General Fitch announced the successful conclusion of ten days of human trafficking operations across the State. In total, investigators encountered 49 potential victims; made 13 arrests for crimes including human trafficking, promoting prostitution, and statutory rape; and uncovered multiple leads that may mean additional arrests and victim recoveries in the future. “I witnessed the outstanding work of these law enforcement officers and victim advocates in action,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Their professionalism, skill, and true compassion for the victims they encounter is inspiring. They embody the commitment of this Office, and I believe the commitment of the people of Mississippi, to end the scourge of human trafficking in our communities and to help its victims move forward with hope and dignity.” Operations were conducted between November 1 and November 10 in Southaven, Starkville, Jackson, Meridian, Hattiesburg, and Jackson and Harrison Counties. Attorney General’s Office investigators and prosecutors teamed up with law enforcement from: Forrest County Sheriff’s Office Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Lamar County Sheriff’s Office Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office Biloxi Police Department Columbia Police Department Madison Police Department Meridian Police Department Pearl Police Department Southaven Police Department Starkville Police Department Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Mississippi Department of Corrections Mississippi Gaming Commission U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Bureau of Investigation Drug Enforcement Administration “This is about helping people. It is about achieving justice. And it is about ensuring Mississippi parents can rest easy at night knowing their children are safe,” continued General Fitch. “We will continue to work with our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement to make it clear to traffickers that Mississippi’s daughters and sons are off-limits. ”Citizens who want to report suspected human trafficking can call in their tips to 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733.49 victims, 13 arrests, and multiple leads

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released the fall 2021 assessment for kindergarten readiness. Among the 33,265 kindergarteners tested, 31.8% scored kindergarten-ready with a score of 530 or higher on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Statewide, the average score was 487. Results of students scoring kindergarten-ready in previous years were 36.6% in fall 2019 and 36.1% in fall 2018. MDE allowed school districts to test students remotely in fall 2020 due to the pandemic. Districts and schools had access to their own district-level and school-level data to make instructional decisions to improve readiness and growth. The fall 2020 results were not publicly reported because of concerns with comparability of data from previous years, validity and test administration flexibilities. The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment evaluates early literacy skills, revealing students’ understanding and capabilities upon entering school. The minimum beginning-of-year kindergarten scale score associated with 70% mastery is 530. A score of 530 indicates a student can identify most letters of the alphabet and match most letters to their sounds. Students are beginning to “read” picture books and are building their vocabulary, listening skills and understanding of print. Research shows 85% of students who score 530 or higher on the assessment at the beginning of kindergarten are proficient in reading at the end of 3rd grade. “The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment is further proof of the pandemic’s impact on students in the state,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Mississippi’s kindergarten teachers are outstanding. Yearly, their hard work leads to significant gains for the state’s youngest students, and I anticipate seeing those gains when students are retested in spring 2022.”

Butterbeans, Wesson Garden Club's youth group, started its new year celebrating the fall season. The group of third-to-sixth graders met on the grounds of the Old School painting pumpkins and listening to stories. The purpose of the club was explained to the members: learning about nature, preserving natural resources, beautifying the surroundings and being productive members of the community. The club members are active partners with Wesson Garden Club members in beautifying Wesson. The club is planning a nature scavenger hunt and to help improve the grounds of the Old School.

Children ages 5 to 11 can receive doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine through the University of Mississippi Medical Center at Children’s of Mississippi’s Batson Kids Clinic in Jackson. Parents should make appointments for their children online at umc.edu/healthcare/make-an-appointment or by calling (601) 815-5300 or (888) 815-2005. Batson Kids Clinic is located at 421 S. Stadium Circle in Jackson by Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Batson Kids Clinic vaccination appointments are open to all children 5 to 11 years old and not just those who are Children’s of Mississippi or UMMC patients, said Dr. Benjamin Dillard, division director of general pediatrics and pediatric urgent care. "We have volunteers from the School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy and various departments across the UMMC campus who have stepped forward to assist in our efforts to get children vaccinated safely and efficiently," he said. "I’m extremely proud of the team we have at the Batson Kids Clinic and the efforts that are going into getting this vaccine to our patients." Children get a third of the dosage of the vaccine than adults in each of two shots, given 21 days apart. Just like adults, those 5 to 11 years old are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second vaccine dose. Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, said vaccinations are a layer of protection for children as winter months and holidays approach. "A child who has been vaccinated has protection from catching COVID-19, spreading it to others and possibly having severe symptoms and complications,” Taylor said. "Because of the risks that COVID-19 and complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), we think vaccination offers the best protection from serious illness.” Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Previously, the vaccine was available to ages 12 to 15 through an emergency use authorization approved in May. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinations for children 5 and older, and clinical trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are underway among children as young as 6 months. The vaccine received full approval from the CDC in August for use in those 16 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been shown to be nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 11, which gives Dr. April Palmer, professor and chief of pediatric infectious diseases, hope. "Vaccines are our best option for ending this pandemic," she said. "We encourage parents to protect their children from COVID-19 and also to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations against flu, measles, whooping cough and other diseases." COVID-19's Delta variant caused the number of children hospitalized nationally to increase fivefold, according to the CDC. This summer, Children’s of Mississippi saw a “twin-demic” of RSV, a common respiratory infection, and COVID-19. "It is a misconception that children are not affected by COVID-19," Palmer said. "Children can and do have symptoms that are life-threatening. Children are much less likely to have severe COVID-19, but we have had patients with it end up in the ICU and have 'long-COVID' symptoms that can last for months." Common side effects of the vaccine include pain at the injection site, fever, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint pain within 24 to 48 hours of vaccination. Unvaccinated children visiting family members at risk for COVID-19 complications could transmit the virus during the holidays, Palmer said. "A lot of schools are not masking, which makes vaccination the only way left to get protection from COVID while going to school in person," she said. Taylor said vaccinations will allow children to attend school and holiday gatherings safely and visit friends and family. "We all want to be together with our loved ones and enjoy the holidays without the risk of our children or friends and family contracting COVID-19," she said. "Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is an essential step toward a safer holiday season for everyone."

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health is offering Community Health Worker training for individuals in Copiah, Hinds, Issaquena, Sharkey, Simpson and Warren Counties. The training, which is free of charge, is 4.5 days and will begin on November 29, 2021. The classes include 32 hours of coursework. Participants who complete all classes and the assigned activity will receive a Certificate of Completion. The primary role of Community Health Workers is to provide connections between the local populations and public health resource agencies. During the Community Health Worker training, participants will receive the knowledge and skills needed to work in various areas of public health within their community. Register at: https://bit.ly/2XmKrKr . For more information contact Asia McCoy, Program Manager at (769) 572-5263 or at amccoy@advancingminorityhealth.org .