Monica L. Northington, MD, MPH

12/27/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics is suing the Department of Health and Human Services, alleging the agency unlawfully cut millions in grants in retaliation for the group’s criticism of its policies.

12/23/2025

At just 2 weeks old, Feleena Owens was coughing so badly, her skin turned a sickly gray-blue color. Her face contorted as she tried to gulp air.

Feleena had pertussis, or whooping cough. While her mother Sophie Owens said the family had been vaccinated, Feleena was too young to have received the shots when she got sick.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get four doses of the DTaP vaccine — which protects against pertussis — before kindergarten.

But an NBC News/Stanford University investigation has found that DTaP vaccination rates are plummeting across the country, as part of a larger, troubling trend of growing vaccine hesitancy that is fueling a resurgence of preventable diseases, including measles.
“When we see these [deaths] ... they’re preventable. And when I say preventable, they’re entirely preventable. We don’t have to be dealing with this,” said Dr. Raphael Mattamal, a hospital pediatrician.

Read more at the link in bio.

12/23/2025

ABSOLUTELY

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

The Ridgeland Police Department is warning residents about a scam that has been floating around the community.

According to Ridgeland Court Services, the callers involved in the scam may say that you have active warrants for your arrest and payment must be sent using a payment app like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. Scammers may also provide valid names of Officers who are employed with the Ridgeland Police Department to make the scam appear legitimate.

All residents should know:

The Ridgeland Police Department and Ridgeland Court Services employees will never ask for payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal or financial information.

For verification or questions, contact Ridgeland Court Services directly at (601) 853.2001 or Ridgeland Police Department at (601) 856-2121

visit https://www.ridgelandms.org/city-departments/police-department/court-services/ for more information.

12/20/2025

12/18/2025

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/17/aap-hhs-funding-rfk/

HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.

12/16/2025