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Rule 1.4 Prior Policy Clause.

This policy replaces and supersedes all prior versions.

Rule 1.5 Non-Discrimination Statement.

As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, MDHS and its subgrantees do not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of: race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability; in admission to participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, whether carried out by MDHS and/or its subgrantees directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which MDHS and/or its subgrantees arranges to carry out its programs and activities. This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to these statutes at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 80, 84, and 91.

Source: 45 CFR 96.10; Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4. Revised: January 2026

Rule 1.6 Organizational Structure of LIHEAP.

The following summarizes the Organizational Structure for LIHEAP:

A. MDHS as Lead Agency:

MDHS is the designated State agency to receive funds and administer the program covered in this manual. MDHS assists the Division of Community Services (DCS) by providing support services in a timely manner that is consistent with program goals, objectives and guidelines. MDHS awards LIHEAP subgrants based on the receipt of the Federal Notice of Award for LIHEAP, and the timely receipt and approval of subgrants for funding. MDHS is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the program performance of subgrants.

B. Division of Community Services (DCS):

The Division of Community Services provides the necessary interface between the subgrantee and other divisions of MDHS. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1) Administering the program in accordance with all applicable federal and state rules, regulations and guidelines;

2) Informing the public of program rules, regulations, and guidelines through public hearings, announcements and publications;