MSDH and State Board of Health Mourn Elayne Anthony's Passing

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the State Board of Health announced the passing of long-time Board member Elayne Hayes Anthony. Anthony served for nearly 20 years, providing policy direction for MSDH and contributing to public health and higher education in Mississippi.

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What changed

This document is a news release from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the State Board of Health announcing the death of Elayne Hayes Anthony, a member of the State Board of Health for nearly 20 years. The release details her contributions to public health policy direction for MSDH, her career in higher education, public relations, broadcasting, and community leadership, and includes statements from Dr. Dan Edney (State Health Officer) and Dr. Lucius Lampton (BOH Chairman) mourning her loss and recognizing her service.

As this is an announcement of a passing and a tribute to a public servant, there are no direct compliance obligations or deadlines for regulated entities. The document serves as an informational notice regarding a significant figure in Mississippi's public health and education sectors. Compliance officers should note the agency's expression of loss and recognition of service.

Source document (simplified)

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the State Board of Health (BOH) are saddened by the passing of long-time BOH member Elayne Hayes Anthony today.

For nearly 20 years, Anthony selflessly dedicated herself to serving the state by helping provide policy direction for MSDH, while also managing a career that spanned higher education, public relations, broadcasting and community leadership.

"I personally grieve the loss of a very important Mississippian who cared deeply about education at all levels, public health, and very importantly the need for the health of our population to improve," said Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer and MSDH Executive Director. "She was a strong supporter of MSDH and for my work as State Health Officer and was one of our greatest cheerleaders. Her passing is a loss to public health and higher education leadership, but her service has helped to make our state a better place."

Dr. Lucius Lampton, BOH Chairman, said, "Dr. Elayne Anthony's long service on the Board of Health, which began in 2007, was exceptional and benefited the public's health in countless ways. She led always with intellect, creativity and integrity. The Board of Health and our agency will so miss her gracious presence. I also will miss her dear friendship."

At the time of her passing, Anthony was Chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University. She was also founding head of the Department of Communication at Belhaven University and was previously Assistant Superintendent of Public Information and Staff Development for Jackson Public Schools.

We remember Anthony for her contributions to the Agency and to the health and welfare of all Mississippians. We also extend our prayers to her husband, son and grandson as they grieve her loss.

Elayne H. Anthony, Ph.D.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400