Reports - Mississippi Renewal

HUMANSERVICESThe reports that follow from the Health and Human Services, Education,and Non-Governmental Organizations committees describe themost complicated and fragile systems that connect all Mississippians.In the best of times, the individuals and organizations responsible forthese services are overwhelmed and underfinanced. In a time of nationaldisaster, their capabilities are strained to the breaking point.What has Katrina taught us about how we may better manage health,education, and social services?■ First, we must admit that the demands we place upon these systems areonly likely to increase. There will be more storms. There will be morepressure from the effects of population growth, especially in the coastalregion and especially for services to our most vulnerable residents – thevery young, the very old, and the least affluent.The sense of urgency a hurricane brings should help us focus on keygoals.We must:■ Replace crucial infrastructure. Help is coming. The recent federal appropriationwill help hospitals, schools, and other institutions partly recoverfrom the hurricane. Mississippians owe a debt of gratitude to GovernorBarbour, Senators Cochran and Lott, and other members of the state’scongressional delegation for securing those dollars.■ Seek value in collaborations and connections. Throughout this Commissionreport, you’ll see advocacy for forming regional coalitions to reducewaste and increase effectiveness. That approach will be especially rewardingfor cash-strapped nonprofits and government social services.