Reducing Health Disparities

The Heart of Community Health in Mississippi

Empowering underserved communities through advocacy, education, outreach, and compassionate care initiatives.

Help us continue to advocate, educate, support and raise awareness
Three people posing indoors, one holding a newborn wrapped in a blue blanket and one holding a blue gift bag.
Healthy Moms, Healthy Futures.

Supporting healthier pregnancies and stronger families through maternal care resources, education, and community support across Mississippi.

Men's health checkup
Black Men's Health Equity Council

The Black Men's Health Equity Council, and community partners are working together to meet Black men where they are right in the barbershop to encourage conversations about health, prevention, and wellness.

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Get Tested. Stay Protected

Raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and support while empowering individuals and communities across Mississippi to make informed, healthier choices through education, compassion, and access to care.

Publications


What's New in Research

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By Minority Health June 16, 2026
This study is actually a strong fit for IAMH's Men's Health, Youth Health, Behavioral Health, HIV Prevention & Stigma, and Health Equity messaging because it connects a behavioral health issue (bullying) to a physical health risk behavior (vaping).
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Impact Stories


MDPI logo in dark blue, with hexagon-style outline around the letters
By Minority Health June 16, 2026
This study is actually a strong fit for IAMH's Men's Health, Youth Health, Behavioral Health, HIV Prevention & Stigma, and Health Equity messaging because it connects a behavioral health issue (bullying) to a physical health risk behavior (vaping).
By Minority Health June 1, 2026
WJTV highlighted the importance of bringing health awareness directly into our communities through the "The Shop" . The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, the Black Men's Health Equity Council, and community partners are working together to meet Black men where they are—right in the barbershop—to encourage conversations about health, prevention, and wellness.
By Minority Health May 4, 2026
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The Jackson State University School of Social Work hosted a health and wellness fair that brought resources directly to students. Delicia Young said she learned about stroke risks at the event. “I learned about strokes being more prominent in women, especially Black women, versus other ethnicities and other genders. And so that was something that will make me keep a watch on,” Young said. Students said having resources on campus makes a difference. “A lot of times we don’t prioritize our health. So I feel like having this event and letting us know what we can go to like those organizations and those companies and businesses that are there to help us with our health and with our wellness is very educational,” Kayla Sanders said. Epidemiologist Warren Jones said holding health events at convenient places are key. “A lot of men seem to be more comfortable opening up to their barbers. So, it’s not just a haircut that they’re getting, but it’s almost like a counseling session sometimes,” Jones said. Mississippi is facing a maternal and infant mortality crisis. The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health runs the “baby depot,” providing free diapers and food to help mothers through the first year. Khaylah Scott with Mississippi Health Advocacy Program said these disparities are not accidents and the solution starts with an informed community. “I think the needle is moved more in these casual settings, especially in barbershops or places where communities convene, because that’s where real talk happens. And you never know how effective that can be,” Scott said. Scott said young Mississippians belong in the health advocacy space and their voices matter. “You can advocate for others as long as you’re demanding more and better for people around you and yourself,” Scott said. The goal is to keep the conversation going beyond April and National Minority Health Month. 

Health and Hope for the Unhoused,   One Community at a Time

Institute staff partnered with community organizations during Breakfast in Blooms. The event provided dignity, care, and support to our unhoused neighbors. Attendees received a hot breakfast, free health screenings, haircuts and access legal, mental health, and financial resources. 

We deliver community-driven strategies that raise awareness and reduce health disparities.

The Institute was established in 2019 to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and underserved minority populations in the southern region through program development and implementation, training and technical assistance, organizational capacity building, grant writing and evaluation. The areas covered by the Institute include all 82 counties of Mississippi. We offer full portfolio of health resources that provide a wide array of services, to help reduce health disparities within our community. With our expertise and extensive knowledge and skillset, we improve health outcomes for the underserved and disadvantage throughout the State of Mississippi.

Group of people at a Minority Health event, posing near a promotional banner, smiles and table displays.

For our lives, we fight!


African Americans face high rates of death and illness, so we must help them quit smoking, encourage early cancer screenings, get more people tested for HIV, promote healthier lifestyles, and ensure they have access to quality health care.


Our Programs


IAMH programs are being implemented in the State of Mississippi with the goal of addressing the most pressing health issues currently impacting minority populations. We are leading the effort to make optimal health and well-being a reality for all.

Campaigns and Initiatives


As part of our initiatives, we implement campaigns and programs in conjunction with partner organizations in an effort to spread awareness about pertinent health issues.

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Minority communities face a crisis in chronic health.

Rates of preventable diseases like hypertension and kidney failure are alarmingly high—and we’re taking action. Through targeted initiatives and health equity advocacy, we’re changing the numbers and saving lives.

IAmH Partners

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health is committed to working with likeminded organizations and agencies dedicated to improving the health of Mississippians.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health as a Section 501(c)(3) public charity. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 83-4631016. Contributions to The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health may be eligible for a tax deduction in the U.S.A., please consult your tax advisor for eligibility. No goods or services will be offered or provided in exchange for this contribution.

Partner With Us to Advance Health Equity

Get involved to help build healthier, more equitable communities.