Mary Scott Hodgin
Health and Science Reporter
An award-winning journalist from Birmingham, Mary Scott Hodgin joined WBHM as the Health and Science Reporter in 2018. She has reported extensively on the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as issues related to mental health care and Alabama's criminal justice system. From 2019 through 2022, Mary Scott led the development of WBHM’s first narrative podcast, “Deliberate Indifference.” The 7-part series traces how Alabama’s prisons became among the nation’s most dangerous, culminating in a years-long battle with federal officials.
Mary Scott has received multiple regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Alabama Associated Press Media Editor awards. In 2021 and 2022, she was recognized by the Alabama Broadcasters Association as the state's “Best Large Market Radio Reporter."
A native of Birmingham, Mary Scott earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Alabama and recently earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys exploring the outdoors, listening to music and experimenting in the kitchen.
Mary Scott wants to know what's on your mind. Let her know what health and science questions you have.
Ivey signs a $1.3 billion prison construction plan into law
The action caps a special legislative session that lasted only five days.
Alabama Lawmakers Will Take On A $1.3 Billion Prison Construction Plan In A Special Session
As Alabama faces mounting federal pressure to address violence in state prisons, lawmakers begin a special session Monday to vote on a proposal that includes two new mega prisons for men and a new women's facility.
Amid ICU Shortage, Alabama Hospitals See Record-Breaking Pediatric Caseload
Alabama's hospitals are caring for more children with COVID-19 than ever before, the latest development in an increasingly dire situation for the state's health care system.
Alabama’s Frontline Providers: ‘We Are Overworked And We Are Frustrated’
Amid a fourth, more rapid surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Alabama health care providers share stories from inside hospitals across the state.
Alabama’s COVID Hospitalizations On Track To Surpass Winter Surge
State hospitals may soon be caring for more coronavirus patients than ever before. Many are already diverting resources to keep up with the surge.
Vaccination Rates Are Ticking Up. Here’s Why Birmingham Residents Are Rolling Up Their Sleeves.
The delta variant and rising hospitalizations are among the reasons vaccine recipients cite.
Birmingham Hospital Leaders: COVID Surge ‘Heartbreaking … And Largely Preventable’
Statewide hospitalizations for COVID-19 topped 1,700 Wednesday, fueled by the highly-contagious delta variant.
Alabama Sees ‘Unprecedented’ Surge In COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the increase is linked to the more contagious Delta variant, coupled with Alabama’s low vaccination rate.
UAB And JeffCo Officials Plan Hospital-Based Intervention Program For Gunshot Survivors
Trauma doctors in Birmingham are treating a record number of patients with gunshot wounds. Health officials hope a violence intervention program could help reverse the trend.
People in Alabama Prisons Confused, Frustrated As State Officials Withhold Their Stimulus Checks
Thousands of people in Alabama prisons received COVID-19 stimulus payments from the federal government, but state officials are holding the checks. They say people in prison will get their money, but maybe not all of it.
Why Alabama’s Declining Vaccination Rate Could Spell An ‘Uncomfortable Summer’
Close to 70% of Alabamians are still not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but many people have stopped wearing masks and returned to normal activities.
Ivey’s Prison Construction Plan Meets Financial Roadblock
State officials are back to the drawing board after Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan to lease three privately-owned prisons missed a major financial deadline this week.
Starting Thursday, UAB To Offer Pfizer Vaccine To Adolescents
The Pfizer COVID-19 shot was found to be 100% effective in preventing disease among children aged 12 to 15 years old.
Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Increase 100% In Jefferson County
The powerful synthetic opioid is now being mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, leading to more overdose deaths.
Alabama Health Officials: ‘Plenty’ Of COVID-19 Vaccines
While about 30% of Alabamians have received at least one shot of a COVID vaccine, officials said demand has declined in recent weeks, leaving thousands of unused doses sitting on shelves.
A Decade Later, Tuscaloosa Continues Rebuilding From Deadly EF-4 Tornado
Of the 62 tornadoes that struck Alabama on April 27, 2011, the largest twister hit Tuscaloosa, killing 53 people and destroying more than 5,000 homes and businesses. A decade later, much of the city has redeveloped, but communities are still recovering.
Alabama Pauses Distribution Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Alabama is one of several states halting distribution of the vaccine as federal health officials examine links to adverse health effects.
Businesses React To Birmingham’s New Mask Order
A local ordinance replaces the statewide mask order expiring April 9. Some say the move is necessary, but others call it an "undue burden."
Residents Clean Up After Deadly Tornadoes
Recovery efforts continue across Alabama after yesterday’s storms left widespread destruction. Some of the worst damage was in Calhoun County, where five people died.
Will Alabama And Mississippi Expand Medicaid To Low-Income Adults This Time Around?
Many advocates and politicians argue the new incentive is an offer that’s too good to refuse, but it still might not move the needle.
Alabama To Expand COVID Vaccine Eligibility March 22
Alabamians aged 55 and older, plus those with high-risk conditions and disabilities are among the groups that will soon be eligible for a COVID vaccine.
ADPH Plans Mobile Vaccination Clinics For Black Belt Region
State health officials hope to administer more vaccines to residents of rural areas.
Alabama’s COVID Vaccination Rate Increases
Federal programs have helped increase the number of Alabamians getting vaccinated in recent weeks.
Black Residents Call For More COVID Vaccine Outreach And Access
Concerned about disparities in vaccine allocation, Birmingham community leaders want officials to increase outreach efforts in Black neighborhoods.
Surge In Deaths Strains Local Funeral Homes, Morgue
In recent months, deaths due to COVID-19 increased dramatically, further stressing an industry already overwhelmed.
Dozens Rally To Support Amazon Union in Bessemer
The upcoming union vote is significant for Amazon, which has fought efforts to unionize, and the region as a whole.
‘Huge Number’ Of Jeffco Residents Soon Eligible For COVID Vaccines
Many people will have to wait weeks, maybe months to get the COVID-19 vaccine, despite being eligible.
Ivey Signs Contracts To Build Two Mega Prisons
Alabama moves one step closer to replacing most existing male prisons with three privately-built mega prisons.
‘Mixed Signals’: ADPH To Expand Criteria Without Enough COVID-19 Vaccine
Beginning February 8, Alabama health officials will expand eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines.
Frustration Grows With Alabama’s Slow Vaccine Rollout
Alabama has administered less than half of its COVID-19 vaccine supply. So why do state health officials say supply is the main obstacle?
Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Order Until March 5
Alabama residents must continue to wear masks in public for another six weeks.
UAB Hospital Ready To Vaccinate More People, Waiting On More Vaccine
Alabama's biggest hospital says it could establish a mass vaccination site this week if it had more doses.
