Mississippi Power Foundation invests $150,000 in local organizations to expand healthcare services for those in need

Gulfport, Miss. – The Mississippi Power Foundation recently invested in three local, nonprofit organizations in Mississippi Power’s service territory to expand healthcare services for those in underserved communities.  

Coastal Family Health Center, Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SeMRHI) and The Free Clinic of Meridian each received a Mississippi Power Foundation grant. The three organizations, which serve thousands of Mississippians annually, provide a wide range of healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost.

“The Mississippi Power Foundation is proud to partner with these organizations as they play a vital role in our communities,” said Mississippi Power Foundation Executive Director Arnie Williams. “They provide invaluable services to local families by making healthcare more accessible for those on a fixed income or living below the poverty line.”

The healthcare services provided include primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health and preventative healthcare and screenings.

The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative serves nine communities across the Pine Belt with more than a dozen clinics. They provide a range of specialty services to their patients including optometry, mental health services and in-school healthcare. 

“At SeMRHI, we believe healthcare is for everyone, and our mission is to ensure that our services are affordable and accessible,” said SeMRHI Chief Executive Office Janice Robinson. “Investments from partners like the Mississippi Power Foundation ensure that we’re able to continue our good work offering services like our School-Based Health Program – where we’re able to provide quality healthcare to local students in the schools we serve. We’re thankful for this partnership and look forward to making positive impacts together.”

At Coastal Family Health Center, medical professionals treat more than 36,000 patients annually, including those experiencing homelessness, at locations across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The organization also dispatches a mobile unit that can provide on-site healthcare at locations like domestic violence shelters and community outreach events.

"Supporting individuals experiencing homelessness takes more than shelter, it also requires accessible, consistent healthcare. This generous donation strengthens our ability to meet people where they are and provide them with quality, comprehensive, patient-centered primary care,” said Coastal Family Health Center Chief Executive Officer Angel Greer. “We’re truly grateful for this support and the lasting impact it will have across our community.”

The Free Clinic of Meridian has been providing free medical care to uninsured individuals in east Mississippi for more than a decade, effectively reducing non-emergency use of local emergency rooms and offering patients chronic care management in the appropriate setting. The clinic coordinates care, referrals and services with the support of local healthcare providers.

“We are committed to removing barriers to healthcare and believe the best health outcomes occur when patients are active partners in their care,” said Dr. Jennifer Brown, Medical Director. “Thanks to partners like the Mississippi Power Foundation, we’re able to sustain our mission and continue to provide quality healthcare right here in east Mississippi.”

“The Mississippi Power Foundation seeks opportunities to make localized, transformational change in our communities, and we believe this partnership is a perfect example of that,” continued Williams. “We know that when families are supported and healthy, that’s when Mississippi can truly shine.”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for nearly 194,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power has served its communities for more than a century and is an industry leader in safety, reliability and economic development. The Southeastern Electric Exchange recognized the company for Top Safety Performance in its generation category, and Site Selection named Mississippi Power a top utility driving economic development in the United States. For reliability, The Edison Electric Institute has recognized Mississippi Power with multiple Emergency Response Awards for outstanding storm response. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for company updates.

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