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I grew up in Mississippi but left for good about 5 years ago. Whenever I go back it seems so desolate with no sense of hope. I can’t speak to Jackson (largest city and capital) but in the rural area I’m from, the state seems like it is completely in the winter of its current cycle. After high school or college people either leave or end up poor or on drugs. Not surprised by it having the lowest life expectancy.

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Surprisingly, according to the CDC, the rate drug overdose deaths in MS didn't grow between 2006 and 2016. While terrible, the base rate isn't even that high compared to other states, so imagine what it's like elsewhere in the U.S. right now too.

For example, in states like Vermont and Delaware the drug overdose rate tripled in ten years.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus17.pdf

Man, you're not kidding. Granted, I live in what I imagine is the wealthiest city in the state, so there's constant new construction, roads, and just a general sense of vitality, but one doesn't have to venture far at all to see exactly what you're describing.

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