JSU’s School of Public Health held its 17th Annual Eliminating Health Disparities Conference in October and its 3rd Annual Research Day at the Jackson Convention Complex. The events were part of the Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities.
The theme of the conference was “Health Matters.” The program featured an update on health disparities in Mississippi and a perspective at the national level. It also included a panel discussion highlighting the importance of health and healthcare in addressing disparities of chronic diseases and a session on critical tools in reducing and eliminating health disparities.
Dr. Marinelle Payton, chair and professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is principal investigator of the Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities. She said, “The conference brought together an outstanding and diverse group of participants as well as community leaders and scientists at the forefront of health and healthcare.”
Furthermore, she said, “Through health education and promotion the center’s annual conferences address age-old health and healthcare disparities that are presenting an extreme toll on the quality of life and economic resources.”
Keynote and plenary addresses were presented by Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities for the National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Mary Currier, a state health officer.
Others contributing included Dr. Paul Clement Alleyne, internal medicine at St. Dominic Hospital; Dr. Myrna E. Alexander, cardiologist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and Dr. Debra Bartley Rice, adult medicine at the Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Centers. Dr. Cindy Ayers Elliott, a former CEO and Wall Street investment banker, made a special guest appearance.
Meanwhile, Research Day provided a forum to showcase Jackson Heart Study scholars’ research and to stimulate and increase interest in biomedical research careers addressing cardiovascular disease and eliminating health disparities.