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. In addition to a strong interest in Alabama's biodiversity and medical landscape, she has reported extensively on the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as issues related to mental health care and criminal justice.
From 2019 through 2022, Mary Scott led the development of WBHM’s first narrative podcast, “Deliberate Indifference," which traces how Alabama’s prisons became among the nation’s most dangerous, culminating in a years-long battle with federal officials. The series won a highly coveted National Edward R. Murrow Award in the Podcast category for Small Market Radio in 2023.
Mary Scott has received multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Alabama Associated Press Media Editor awards. She was twice 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 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.
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.
What You Need To Know About The COVID Vaccine Rollout In Alabama
Answers to your questions about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in Alabama. Who is eligible? How can you sign up to get a vaccine?
Overwhelmed With COVID Patients, Alabama Hospitals Near Crisis Level
With more than 3000 people hospitalized with COVID-19, Alabama's hospitals are transferring patients out of state and cutting services.
Here’s What Kids Yearn For In A Post-Pandemic World
As we welcome a new year, we asked kids what they're most looking forward to after the pandemic.
DOJ Lawsuit Could Lead To Federal Oversight Of Alabama Prisons
More than a year after finding unconstitutional conditions in Alabama's male prisons, federal officials are taking legal action against the state.
Providers Plan For Vaccinating Millions of Rural Alabamians
As Alabama receives its first allotment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, health officials anticipate challenges distributing the vaccine in rural communities.
Slated For A Mega Prison, Brierfield Residents Demand Answers
Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced where she wants to build three new mega prisons. Residents are pushing back on the plan.
UAB Hospital Braces For ‘Terrifying’ Increase in COVID Hospitalizations
As COVID case numbers continue to increase, UAB Hospital is predicting a dramatic surge in hospitalizations next week.
Cam Ward Plans New Direction For Pardons And Paroles
State Sen. Cam Ward is replacing Charlie Graddick as director of Alabama's Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Under Graddick's leadership, paroles rates declined significantly.
Hospitalized For Months: One Man’s Fight Against COVID-19
COVID-19 has left 38-year-old Victor Perea hospitalized for almost three months. His wife wants others to understand how bad the virus can be.
Birmingham Offers ‘Beacon’ For Alabama’s Transgender Community
The newly expanded Magic City Wellness Center is one of several providers working to increase access to gender-affirming medical care.
As More Students Return To School, Officials Brace For ‘Rolling Blackouts’
Following the release of a new dashboard, state education officials are optimistic about the number of coronavirus cases in Alabama schools. But challenges remain.
UAB Launches First Uterus Transplant Program In Southeast
For women without a functioning uterus, uterine transplantation offers the possibility to become pregnant.
Demand For Bikes & Outdoor Gear Surges During Pandemic
The pandemic has driven many people outdoors, but finding the right gear could be a challenge.
