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.
Cahaba lily season draws crowds, inspires conservation efforts
Alabama is thought to be home to one of the world's largest populations of the unique flower, which is only in bloom for a few more weeks.
Alabama health officials seek to eliminate cervical cancer by 2033
A new campaign aims to dramatically increase rates of HPV vaccination, cancer screening and follow-up care.
Birmingham officials launch violence intervention program at UAB hospital
The initiative connects gunshot survivors with resources to try to stop the cycle of violence.
At Lovelady Center, women find hope after surviving fentanyl
Four women share stories of using and recovering from the deadly opioid fentanyl.
Increasing popularity of Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail sparks economic opportunity
A growing number of hikers are tackling Alabama's longest continuous footpath and trail communities are welcoming the growth.
Health advocates hope Narcan’s over-the-counter status will bypass Alabama’s strict laws
Public health officials say the federal rule change should expand access to the overdose-reversing medication, after years of navigating tough state restrictions on who can dispense Narcan.
After botched executions, Alabama will try lethal injection again
Alabama paused executions for three months after the state failed to execute two men and took more than three hours to kill another man. Now, after an internal review and a rule change, prison officials will resume the procedure.
Alabama medicinal plants inspire new UAB art exhibit
The new art exhibit showcases handmade books, sculptures and drawings inspired by medicinal plants found in Alabama.
In the quest for new cancer treatments, researchers look to outer space
The Southern Research team is studying how bacteria reacts in the microgravity environment, and whether it prompts the development of novel cancer therapies.
After deadliest year on record, families remember loved ones lost in Alabama prisons
Two hundred sixty-six incarcerated people died inside Alabama's prisons in 2022, and dozens have died so far in 2023.
Red Mountain Cut features time capsule of Alabama’s robust geologic history
A national natural landmark, the road cut along Birmingham's Red Mountain Expressway documents more than a hundred million years of geologic history and was once an educational centerpiece.
Alabama health officer reflects on lessons learned from COVID-19
Dr. Scott Harris describes the challenges of navigating three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by political divisions and mistrust.
This swampy paradise is Alabama’s winter haven for sandhill cranes
As many as 25,000 sandhill cranes migrate to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge every winter, along with a handful of highly endangered whooping cranes.
Residents worry about unknown health impacts of toxic landfill fumes
Officials have advised people to stay inside, seek medical care if they feel sick and relocate if necessary, a response that frustrates many residents.
Advocacy group helps Mexican families in Alabama reunite after decades apart
Some Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. hadn't seen their parents for decades. An advocacy group in Alabama is working with Mexican officials to reunite dozens of families in time for the holidays.
Organización ayuda a familias mexicanas reunirse después de décadas separadas
Algunos inmigrantes mexicanos que viven en los Estados Unidos no han visto a sus padres por décadas. Una ONG en Alabama trabaja con las autoridades mexicanas para reunir a decenas de estas familias.
The story of Alabama’s favorite homegrown Christmas tree
The Leyland cypress is a holiday staple for Alabama farmers. But the non-native tree has a surprising history.
Alabama’s Hunting 101 workshops target newcomers — and conservation dollars
State leaders hope to reverse a decades-long decline in hunting participation rates and secure more funding for wildlife restoration.
Alabama health providers warn of unusually early flu activity
In recent weeks, outpatient providers across Alabama have reported high levels of influenza-like illness, with kids facing the highest risk of hospitalization.
New mental health crisis center aims to interrupt revolving door of jail and ER visits
The new clinic in Jefferson County will offer short-term crisis care to people who might otherwise wait hours at a hospital or wind up in jail.
Scottsboro is home to the largest gray bat summer cave. They’re leaving for the winter
At Sauta Cave anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 gray bats emerge to feast on insects. It’s thought to be the largest emergence of bats east of the Mississippi River, a spectacle that draws curious onlookers from across Alabama.
New data show how often Alabama uses solitary confinement
Survey numbers from 2021 show that roughly five percent of people in Alabama's prisons are housed in isolation for at least 22 hours a day for 15 days or more.
Midwives urge Alabama health officials to revise rules on birth centers
Critics say if adopted, the rules would further restrict options to pregnancy care in Alabama.
Local health officials plan to increase monkeypox vaccinations
Health officials will soon begin offering intradermal vaccinations, reaching more people with less vaccine.
Lawsuit aims to block Alabama from using COVID relief funds on prison project
The U.S. Treasury said prison construction is a “generally ineligible” use of American Rescue Plan funds, but has not intervened in Alabama's plans.
Abortion-rights group navigates ‘unprecedented’ legal territory in Alabama
The Yellowhammer Fund has temporarily stopped funding abortion care for people in Alabama, amid legal concerns for clients and staff.
Jefferson County health providers ‘well equipped’ for The World Games
Officials plan to treat as many people as possible at on site medical tents. They say the biggest concern is heat-related illness.
World Games officials aim for full venues amid pandemic uncertainty
Event organizers say they're following guidance from local health officials, who say it's impossible to predict COVID case numbers this summer.
Brookside under pressure after report finds police aggressively ticketed motorists
An investigation led by Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald found the small Jefferson County town of Brookside targeted drivers to rack up fines and fees.
UAB surgeons transplant pig kidneys into a human body for the first time
Researchers hope genetically modified pig kidneys could potentially provide a life-saving solution for thousands of people who die every year waiting for a transplant.
Omicron is less severe, but it’s overwhelming Alabama’s hospitals
The omicron variant leads to fewer hospitalizations and deaths, but the variant is infecting more people than any previous surge.
Alabama prisons commissioner Jeff Dunn to retire as system faces federal pressure
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the leadership change just two months months after Alabama lawmakers approved a $1.3 billion prison construction plan.
