HEIDELBERG  – It’s 1 a.m. and Heidelberg native Courtney Darby, a mother of four, is sound asleep in her room with part of her leg wrapped in a cast due to a broken ankle. She is suddenly awakened by the sound of her 8-month-old son, R’Jay Jones, crying. 

Her daughter, Deysha Ransom, 13, who is sleeping in the room next door, wakes up and springs into action. She brings R’Jay to Darby, who breastfeeds him until he falls asleep. Deysha returns R’Jay to his room, and everyone goes back to sleep. 

April-May

Darby relies heavily on her daughter, who is now 14, to help with her son since she broke her ankle in May when R’Jay was 5 months old.

“My oldest daughter is the real MVP,” Darby said. “She does a lot because she understands my issues. During that time, it’s like she was experiencing what it was like being a mother.”

The accident happened when she was getting out of her SUV to go to work. The side step bar didn’t extend as usual, and her foot landed hard on the ground, twisting her ankle. She was taken to the hospital, where her ankle was treated and wrapped in a cast. 

She went to surgery for pins and a plate to be placed in her ankle several days later on a Monday. The following Friday, she went to her doctor in Laurel, and she told him she was in extreme pain. 

“He said it was normal,” Darby said. 

June

The following week, on June 3, she went back to the doctor to tell him about the continued pain and how tight the cast was on her ankle.

“When they took the cast off, the doctor noticed drainage in my ankle,” she said. She left with a prescription for antibiotics.

But the pain medicine she got at the hospital was not giving her any relief.

“I went through pain that I never imagined,” Darby said. 

Her mom, who is a nurse, noticed that the pain was abnormal. They called the hospital several times a week seeking answers. During a visit on July 15, the doctor denied her pain medication, citing the laws surrounding narcotics.

Tears began to roll down her cheek, and her voice cracked as she told him about her pain – including that it was so severe, she considered ending her life.

She went to the doctor about six times before she was finally diagnosed in early August with osteomyelitis, an inflammation in her bone that resulted in infection. Luckily, she was diagnosed and treated around the time she was expected back at her job as a teacher at Heidelberg Elementary.

July

Before her ankle injury, she dealt with postpartum depression. She started to receive counseling about three months after giving birth to R’Jay. 

“That was a fight with the devil,” Darby said. “Sometimes it was very much so getting the best of me. I didn’t want to get out of bed or comb my hair.” 

She was breastfeeding, so she had to push through, she said.

In January, right after giving birth to R’Jay, she received a letter stating that her Medicaid coverage would stop in February. Then, Medicaid sent another letter saying it would be reinstated due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. She had secondary insurance through her job as well. 

September

But even with Medicaid and her insurance, she still received medical bills that amounted to thousands of dollars. 

“I don’t understand why I have to pay this much money out of pocket when I have Medicaid coverage and secondary insurance,” Darby said.

Darby’s story isn’t unique. She is one of many women in Mississippi who feels she is being pulled close to the ground.

Specifically, Black women in the state deal with more health disparities than any other state in the country. A recent report from the state health department showed Black women in Mississippi are four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts. 

The state has also not extended postpartum Medicaid coverage for women as most other states have done.

This is Darby’s story.

October -December

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A look inside one Mississippi mom’s life a year after giving birth

by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today
January 28, 2023

<h1>A look inside one Mississippi mom’s life a year after giving birth</h1> <p class="byline">by Eric J. Shelton, Mississippi Today <br />January 28, 2023</p> <p>HEIDELBERG &nbsp;– It’s 1 a.m. and Heidelberg native Courtney Darby, a mother of four, is sound asleep in her room with part of her leg wrapped in a cast due to a broken ankle. She is suddenly awakened by the sound of her 8-month-old son, R’Jay Jones, crying.&nbsp;</p> <p>Her daughter, Deysha Ransom, 13, who is sleeping in the room next door, wakes up and springs into action. She brings R’Jay to Darby, who breastfeeds him until he falls asleep. Deysha returns R’Jay to his room, and everyone goes back to sleep.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="h-april-may">April-May</h2> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088267" data-id="1088267" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A7326-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby, center, her son R'Jay and her daughters Deysha Ransom, left, and Zhyria Jones spend family time together at their home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, April 29, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088265" data-id="1088265" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A7404-1200x783.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby holds her son R'Jay Jones at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, April 29, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088266" data-id="1088266" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A7376-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby holds her son R'Jay Jones at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, April 29, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088272" data-id="1088272" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A7211-1200x823.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's son Willie Parker Jr. holds his brother R'Jay at their home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, April 29, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088264" data-id="1088264" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8395-1200x819.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney cleans her kitchen at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Wednesday, May 11, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088258" data-id="1088258" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8508-1200x1703.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney cleans her kitchen at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Wednesday, May 11, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088257" data-id="1088257" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8559-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney changes R'Jay's diaper while her stepdaughter, Zhyria Jones, pays attention at their home in Heidelberg, Miss., Wednesday, May 11, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088262" data-id="1088262" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8425-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney and her son Willie Parker Jr. spend time with R'Jay at their home in Heidelberg, Miss., Wednesday, May 11, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088261" data-id="1088261" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8440-1200x837.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's son Willie Parker Jr. carries his brother R'Jay to the kitchen at their home in Heidelberg, Miss., Wednesday, May 11, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>Darby relies heavily on her daughter, who is now 14, to help with her son since she broke her ankle in May when R’Jay was 5 months old. </p> <p>“My oldest daughter is the real MVP,” Darby said. “She does a lot because she understands my issues. During that time, it's like she was experiencing what it was like being a mother.”</p> <p>The accident happened when she was getting out of her SUV to go to work. The side step bar didn’t extend as usual, and her foot landed hard on the ground, twisting her ankle. She was taken to the hospital, where her ankle was treated and wrapped in a cast.&nbsp;</p> <p>She went to surgery for pins and a plate to be placed in her ankle several days later on a Monday. The following Friday, she went to her doctor in Laurel, and she told him she was in extreme pain.&nbsp;</p> <p>“He said it was normal,” Darby said.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="h-june">June</h2> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088299" data-id="1088299" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1073-1200x827.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney looks at medical bills while in a wheelchair at her home in in Heidelberg, Miss., Thursday, June 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088294" data-id="1088294" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1255-1200x830.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Family members play with R'Jay before the start of his six months of life celebration party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088297" data-id="1088297" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1150-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney decorates R'Jay's cake before his six months of life celebration at her home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088288" data-id="1088288" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1413-1200x814.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">R'Jay's hand print is left after grabbing his cake during his six months of life celebration party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088286" data-id="1088286" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1510-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">R'Jay gets frosting on his face during his six months of life celebration in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088284" data-id="1088284" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1600-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney sits with her boyfriend and father of R'Jay, Raphael Jones, while celebrating six months of R'Jay's life at her home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088283" data-id="1088283" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1604-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby smiles while celebrating six months after giving birth to her son R'Jay at her home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088296" data-id="1088296" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1185-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney prepares R'Jay's six months of life celebration at her home in Heidelberg, Miss. on Thursday, June 16, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>The following week, on June 3, she went back to the doctor to tell him about the continued pain and how tight the cast was on her ankle. </p> <p>“When they took the cast off, the doctor noticed drainage in my ankle," she said. She left with a prescription for antibiotics.</p> <p>But the pain medicine she got at the hospital was not giving her any relief.</p> <p>“I went through pain that I never imagined,” Darby said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Her mom, who is a nurse, noticed that the pain was abnormal. They called the hospital several times a week seeking answers. During a visit on July 15, the doctor denied her pain medication, citing the laws surrounding narcotics. </p> <p>Tears began to roll down her cheek, and her voice cracked as she told him about her pain – including that it was so severe, she considered ending her life. </p> <p>She went to the doctor about six times before she was finally diagnosed in early August with osteomyelitis, an inflammation in her bone that resulted in infection. Luckily, she was diagnosed and treated around the time she was expected back at her job as a teacher at Heidelberg Elementary.</p> <h2 id="h-july">July </h2> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088255" data-id="1088255" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9451-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's daughter Deysha Ransom helps her down the ramp at her home before a doctor's appointment in Laurel, Miss. on Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088254" data-id="1088254" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9484-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's son Willie Parker Jr. kisses his brother R'Jay as they wait to travel to Laurel, Miss. for Courtney's doctor's appointment on Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088253" data-id="1088253" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9535-1200x774.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney gets in a wheelchair before entering the hospital for a doctor's appointment in Laurel, Miss., on Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088252" data-id="1088252" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9590-1200x761.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney holds her son R'Jay as her daughter Deysha Ransom wheels her in the hospital in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088251" data-id="1088251" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9652-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney holds her son R'Jay as she waits for her doctor in Laurel, Miss., on Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088249" data-id="1088249" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9693-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney expresses the severity of her ankle pain to her doctor during a visit in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088248" data-id="1088248" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9730-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney cries out of pain and frustration during a doctor's visit after repeatedly expressing how painful her broken ankle is feeling, Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088245" data-id="1088245" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9777-1200x813.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney sits in pain as her ankle is examined during her doctor's visit in Laurel, Miss. on Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088246" data-id="1088246" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9771-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney gets an X-ray on her broken ankle during her doctor's visit in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088243" data-id="1088243" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9852-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's children help her back to her mother's vehicle after a doctor's visit in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088242" data-id="1088242" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9882-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney gets back into her mother's vehicle after her doctor's appointment in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088241" data-id="1088241" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A9904-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney has her blood drawn at a doctor's appointment in Laurel, Miss., Friday, July 15, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>Before her ankle injury, she dealt with postpartum depression. She started to receive counseling about three months after giving birth to R’Jay.&nbsp;</p> <p>“That was a fight with the devil,” Darby said. “Sometimes it was very much so getting the best of me. I didn’t want to get out of bed or comb my hair.”&nbsp;</p> <p>She was breastfeeding, so she had to push through, she said.</p> <p>In January, right after giving birth to R’Jay, she received a letter stating that her Medicaid coverage would stop in February. Then, Medicaid sent another letter saying it would be reinstated due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. She had secondary insurance through her job as well.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="h-september">September </h2> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088282" data-id="1088282" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5163-1200x781.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby collects herself mentally before her ankle surgery on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088281" data-id="1088281" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5169-1200x797.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby gives her son R'Jay Jones a kiss before her ankle surgery on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088280" data-id="1088280" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5204-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby prepares to travel to Hattiesburg for ankle surgery on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088279" data-id="1088279" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5215-1200x794.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby prepares to travel to Hattiesburg for ankle surgery on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088277" data-id="1088277" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5243-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby awakes after ankle surgery in Hattiesburg, Miss., Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088276" data-id="1088276" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5250-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby awakes after ankle surgery in Hattiesburg, Miss., Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088275" data-id="1088275" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5257-1200x779.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby is helped to her mother's vehicle after having surgery on her ankle in Hattiesburg, Miss., Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088274" data-id="1088274" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A5260-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney Darby sits in her mother's car after ankle surgery in Hattiesburg, Miss., Tuesday, September 20, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>But even with Medicaid and her insurance, she still received medical bills that amounted to thousands of dollars.&nbsp;</p> <p>“I don’t understand why I have to pay this much money out of pocket when I have Medicaid coverage and secondary insurance,” Darby said.</p> <p>Darby's<strong> </strong>story isn’t unique. She is one of many women in Mississippi who feels she is being pulled close to the ground. </p> <p>Specifically,<a href="https://mississippitoday.org/2021/11/26/mississippi-among-the-worst-in-racial-health-disparities/"> Black women in the state deal with more health disparities than any other state in the country</a>. <a href="https://mississippitoday.org/2023/01/26/maternal-mortality-rate-worsens/">A recent report</a> from the state health department showed Black women in Mississippi are four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts.&nbsp;</p> <p>The state has also <a href="https://mississippitoday.org/2023/01/26/postpartum-medicaid-extension-pressure/">not extended postpartum Medicaid coverage</a> for women as most other states have done.</p> <p>This is Darby's story.</p> <h2 id="h-october-december">October -December </h2> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088239" data-id="1088239" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8316-1200x789.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney shares pizza with her children while at her stepdaughter's basketball game at Bay Springs High School, Tuesday, October 25, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088237" data-id="1088237" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8347-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">R'Jay attends his sister's junior varsity basketball game at Bay Springs High School, Tuesday, October 25, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088236" data-id="1088236" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A8372-1200x770.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney plays with her son R'Jay during her stepdaughter's junior varsity basketball game at Bay Springs High School, Tuesday, October 25, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088231" data-id="1088231" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0156-1200x834.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney gets R'Jay dressed for his first birthday party at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088221" data-id="1088221" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0465-1200x1441.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">R'Jay's birthday cake is in place during his first birthday party celebration at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088228" data-id="1088228" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0308-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Zhyria Jones, Courtney's stepdaughter, carries R'Jay to the living room as they wait for guest to arrive for R'Jay's first birthday party, Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088222" data-id="1088222" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0444-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney and her stepdaughter Zhyria Jones prepare R'Jay's birthday cake ahead of his first birthday party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088227" data-id="1088227" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0336-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's daughters Zhyria Jones, left, and Deysha Ransom hang decorations for R'Jay's first birthday party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088229" data-id="1088229" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0276-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Deysha Ransom plays with her brother R'Jay before guests arrive for his first birthday celebration at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088215" data-id="1088215" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0842-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Raphael Jones, Courtney's boyfriend and R'Jay's father, playfully puts cake on his son's head during his first birthday party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088218" data-id="1088218" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0675-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney's boyfriend, Raphael Jones, holds his son R'Jay as family sing happy birthday during R'Jay's first birthday party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088209" data-id="1088209" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A1280-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">R'Jay opens his gifts during his first birthday party at Courtney's home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-1088220" data-id="1088220" src="https://mississippitoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3X0A0490-1200x800.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Courtney kisses R'Jay during his first birthday party at her home in Heidelberg, Miss., Friday, December 16, 2022. </figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>This &lt;a 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