Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative Applauds Governor Reeves’ Proclamation of May 11–17 as “Hospital Week”

May 13, 2025

Jackson, MS —  (May 13, 2025) — The Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative proudly commends Governor Tate Reeves for his official proclamation designating May 11–17, 2025, as Hospital Week in the state of Mississippi. This proclamation highlights the vital role hospitals play in improving the health and well-being of Mississippians and recognizes the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals across the state.

 “Hospital Week is a time to honor the incredible people who serve our communities day and night—physicians, nurses, administrators, technicians, support staff, and countless others who keep our hospitals running and our patients safe,” said Kent Nicaud, Chair of the Collaborative’s board. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Reeves for recognizing the contributions of healthcare professionals through this important proclamation and for his constant willingness to explore and craft sustainable health care policies.” 

 The Governor’s proclamation not only celebrates healthcare workers but also calls on all Mississippians to reflect on the essential role hospitals play in their lives. Hospitals in Mississippi serve as critical pillars of care, community, and economic support.  Notably, in 2023, Governor Tate Reeves directed the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to collaborate with the state’s hospitals to increase supplemental funding by $689 million through the state’s Mississippi Hospital Access Program (MHAP).

 “This proclamation reinforces the importance of collaboration in healthcare,” said Shane Spees, President and CEO of North Mississippi Health Services. “At the Mississippi Healthcare Collaborative, we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen healthcare access, improve quality, and support the dedicated professionals who serve our communities every day.”

 ###

In Other News

Letter from U.S. Representative Mike Ezell in support of the MHC’s position on the 340B program

DOWNLOAD THE LETTER Dear Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Engels, I am writing today to address a recent letter I signed regarding support for the administration’s approach to increasing 340B oversight and implementing a rebate model system. After much…

Report from Jeremiah Mosley, The Fideo Group

Good morning. I hope this note finds everyone well.I wanted to share a brief update on where things stand with our effort to expand the Medicare wage index geographic reclassification proximity rule from 35 miles to 50 miles.Our proposal was not included in the recent…

Mississippi Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Office and Website 

Governor Tate Reeves today announced the establishment of the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Office and launch of the official Mississippi RHTP website. The newly created office will be housed within the Office of the Governor….

Registered nurses in Mississippi can apply for loan assistance through state program

Nurses in Mississippi with student loan debt could be granted financial relief.

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid offers registered nurses and licensed practical nurses with outstanding student loan debt an opportunity to apply for up to $6,000 in loan re…

Op-Ed: Stefan Grow: How President Trump can use the One Big, Beautiful Bill to reward fiscal responsibility in states like Alabama

February 6, 2026 The Washington Reporter When a rural hospital closes, it rarely makes national headlines, but it quietly reshapes the future of an entire community. Emergency rooms go dark. Expectant mothers are forced to drive hours for care. Seniors delay treatment…

Summary of Mississippi’s Plans for the Rural Health Transformation Program

This article offers details on Mississippi’s plans for using funds from the RHTP to support rural healthcare in the state.

CMS Announces $50 Billion in Awards to Strengthen Rural Health in All 50 States

Mississippi will receive almost $206 million in the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Read more.

Collaborative members recently traveled to Washington, D.C

Collaborative members recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with several US Senators and Representatives, including Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker. The team also met with Sally Thompson, Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of the Vice President….

CMS Approves SFY 2026 MHAP Preprint

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) has informed hospital providers that the SFY 2026 MHAP preprint was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. DOM has calculated the MHAP payments for the months of July…