The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is now offering free blood sugar and blood pressure checks at all clinics beginning today.

Any Mississippian can call their local clinic to be screened, or just drop in during business hours. Blood sugar numbers are done with a simple finger stick.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Mississippi, and the state’s rate of diabetes is one of the worst in the country.

Area clinics participating include:

• Jefferson Davis County Health Department, 1185 Frontage Road #A, Prentiss, 601-792-5135• Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
• Covington County Health Department, 600 South Arrington, Collins, open 8 a.m. to 5 p. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
• Marion County Health Department, 908 Sumrall Road, Columbia, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Lawrence County Health Department, 1230 Nola Road, Monticello, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

“We hope that all Mississippians will take advantage of these new, free clinic services and find out what their blood sugar and blood pressure screening numbers are. When you know these numbers, you can take action to reduce your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes, the major chronic illnesses that strike most Mississippians,” said State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney.

“These quick tests can help connect Mississippians to free support services or self-management programs from MSDH, or refer them to a doctor, if needed,” said Victor Sutton, MSDH’s Chief of Community Health and Clinical Services.

For more information on chronic diseases, visit MSDH at msdh.ms.gov/chronic.