Health officials spent the day printing birth certificates and processing other documents survivors may have lost in the storm. Spokesperson Greg Flynn said having these materials in hand can make a difficult recovery feel more manageable.
“Just to make it as easy on them as possible,” Flynn said. “Because they’ve got a long road of recovery ahead and we just want to help get them on the right foot.”
The free vaccines are available to adults 19 and older who are working in debris strewn areas where tetanus exposure is a risk. Flynn said producing records onsite saves residents a trip to the department’s office in Ridgeland.
“They'll print it out right here for you, so you'll walk away with it,” Flynn said. “We also will put it in the system if you need something like a marriage license, your death certificate for somebody that was in your family that was lost. So, we will get that process started for you, so you don't have to come all the way up to Ridgeland where our vital records office is.”
For many families, the state’s presence is easing strain after days without power. April Smith of Bogue Chitto said the help means people can focus on immediate needs.
“When you lose material things, you don’t have the means to go get shots,” Smith said. “So, things like that need for health-wise and physical, and mental. They’re providing all that because a lot of people are going to need that.”
Local schools are also returning to normal operations. More than 90% of students are back in class this week. Superintendent David Martin said a consistent school day supports both students and parents.
“We can actually work with them on other needs they may have,” Martin said. “And start looking at providing resources, comfort, and getting them back into a routine.”
All four district schools closed after losing power. Loyd Star regained power within hours, while West Lincoln was the last to come back online Sunday. Martin said reopening gives students stability during an uncertain time.
“We’ve got bathrooms up and running. We can provide breakfast and lunch. We’ve got heat and air. If nothing else, it gives them a little break from whatever they’re going through,” he said. “It sometimes may feel like we’re rushing to get them back, but I also think trying to get them back gives them the chance of normalcy.”
Graduation ceremonies for all four schools are scheduled for 6:30 and 8 p.m. today and Thursday.
Health officials will remain at the location of the safe room until 4 p.m. today.
