MS SC552

Commends Dr. Mary Currier, M.D., M.P.H., for her retirement as State Health Officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health after more than 34 years of public health service, effective October 31, 2018.

Recognizes Dr. Currier's career progression including positions as Staff Physician, Medical Consultant, State Epidemiologist, Director of the Office of Epidemiology, Deputy State Health Officer, and State Health Officer (appointed January 13, 2010).

Honors multiple awards received by Dr. Currier including the Felix J. Underwood Award (2009), Nathan Davis Award from the American Medical Association (2016), Arthur T. McCormack Award from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (2016), and Distinguished Medical Alumnus Award (2017).

Recognizes Dr. Currier's leadership accomplishments including opening the Dr. F.E. "Ed" Thompson State Public Health Laboratory, reorganizing the agency from nine districts to three regions, achieving Public Health Accreditation Board certification, and maintaining high childhood immunization rates.

Acknowledges Dr. Currier's instrumental work managing public health challenges including West Nile virus, Ebola, Zika, anthrax threats, syphilis, and HIV/tuberculosis, and her advocacy for reducing infant mortality through the Safe Sleep Initiative.