State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson announced today that Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier has been named the State Epidemiologist for the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

Dr. Currier served as State Epidemiologist from 1993 to 2003, and most recently has served as Interim State Epidemiologist since July 2007. She has been dividing her time between MSDH and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC), where she is an associate professor in the School of Medicine. Dr. Currier will continue providing part time service at UMMC for a transition period.

"I'm thrilled to be back. MSDH employees are unequaled anywhere," said Dr. Currier.

Dr. Thompson, who has previously worked with Dr. Currier at MSDH and at UMC, said he looks forward to working with Dr. Currier at his side.

"Having Dr. Currier as our State Epidemiologist is a giant stride toward rebuilding the epidemiological capacity of MSDH, which is critical to protecting the public's health. We are proud and fortunate to once again have her as part of the Department of Health."

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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot , Elizabeth Grey or Carol Jarvis Jones, (601) 576-7667