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Marinelle Payton, MD, PhD, MS, MPH, School of Public Health, College of Public Service, Jackson State University, Jackson Medical Mall -Thad Cochran Center, Jackson, MS 39213, 601-368-2052, mpayton@jsums.edu
Public health is often defined as “changing society so people can lead healthier lives.” For public health programs to succeed, societal change must occur both “from the top” and “from below” (i.e., grassroots activity). The first and only School of Public Health for the State of Mississippi and the first at an HBCU will provide leadership and linkage for the dynamic interaction of both kinds of change. The myriad challenges facing the public health movement in Mississippi are reflected in the state’s many negative socioeconomic and health indicators. This demands a broad-based effort. The mobilization of existing community capacities, networks and resources is an essential part of any serious program to improve public health in the State of Mississippi. Therefore, methods of community assessment and empowerment education need to be given special emphasis at the School. Society’s growing concern with the health of populations other than white males is analogous to nascent concern with civil rights in the early twentieth century. Mississippians know all too well the human and economic costs of health disparities, as the disproportionate gap in Mississippi continues to widen. Yet Mississippians also know the value of building community as a key step toward addressing social problems, and ultimately bringing these problems to national and global attention where the resources needed for solutions can be secured. This paper addresses the important role of the School in extending and applying these traditions to improve the public's health and reduce health disparities in Mississippi.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Health Disparities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.