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. 

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - For Black Maternal Health Week, metro area moms received the tools and resources they need for better pregnancy and mental health. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Rho Lambda Omega chapter and the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health hosted Healthy Moms, Healthy Futures. Organizers focused on baby CPR, maternal health, mental health, SIDS education, and more, providing education for new moms and moms-to-be. “This is important to make sure that we come out in the community to educate moms about how to have healthy pregnancies. If they have questions about what is going on during their pregnancy, they have someone to talk to and know how to advocate for themselves,” Latasha Rice, program manager for maternal and child health with the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, said. Rice said she hopes mothers utilize and understand the information they are given to help promote better health in Mississippi. 

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Community Resource Fair was held at College Hill MB Church in Jackson. 

Institute Program Manager Latasha Rice shares information with Judge Yemi King during the Community Resource Fair on Saturday, February 21 at College Hill Church.

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health (IAMH) is proud to recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for its generous support of Mississippi families through a significant contribution to IAMH’s Baby Depot program. During the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, IAMH received more than 5,000 essential items, including diapers, wipes, and baby food, from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Beta Delta Omega Chapter and Gamma Rho Chapter. This donation directly supports infants and toddlers across Mississippi who face diaper insecurity—a challenge that forces many families to choose between purchasing diapers and paying for basic necessities such as rent and utilities. Diaper insecurity is more than a supply issue; it is a public health concern that disproportionately affects low-income families and those eligible for Medicaid. Access to clean diapers is essential for infant health, reducing the risk of infections, supporting early childhood development, and easing financial strain on caregivers. The Baby Depot program provides critical relief to families by supplying essential items while connecting parents and caregivers to health education and supportive resources. Contributions like this one help strengthen community well-being and improve outcomes for Mississippi’s youngest residents.  Founded in 2019, IAMH works to reduce health disparities among underserved populations in Mississippi through collaborative partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and evidence-based public health interventions. The support from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to service, equity, and the health of families statewide. IAMH extends sincere gratitude to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for embodying a legacy of service and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of Mississippi families.

Warren Jones discussed the Tell Ten Challenge during an interview with WLBT. The challenge is inspired by statistics on men's health. A CDC report shows that men have worse outcomes than women.

Warren Jones was recently interviewed by WJTV. This year’s event placed a strong focus on the mental and physical health challenges disproportionately affecting African American men in Mississippi. The conference brought together community leaders, health experts, and advocates to address these issues and promote actionable solutions for improving overall wellness and equity.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A local sorority chapter is working to restore a sense of humanity in the community - one suitcase at a time. The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health and the Ebony Pearls Foundation collaborated with the Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host a suitcase drive for the unhoused community in the area. “The purpose of it is we want to restore dignity to those who are unhoused or unstably housed when carrying their belongings because we know, a lot of the time, the shelters are only really for night-time and they’re forced to leave and they have to take their belongings around either in garbage bags or plastic bags,” Dawn Magee, chapter president, said. Cars lined up outside The Ivy Pointe in Jackson on Sunday afternoon to donate both new and gently used suitcases to aid those experiencing homelessness. It was the first year for this drive, and the chapter wants to address a side of homelessness that many people may not think about. “No one wants to carry their belongings in a garbage bag around. You’re already dealing with the fact that you’re unhoused. Then, the way that you have to carry your possessions, all of us have a certain feeling towards the things that we own,” Magee added. “So, we want to make sure that they can carry around their belongings in a wheeled suitcase or duffel bag.” The suitcases will be donated to Shower Power next month. Magee also has a message for people who are unsure about donating. “It can be any of us at any day. Like they say, we’re all one paycheck away sometimes from being unhoused,” explained Magee. “So, I would encourage them to look at how you would feel if you were in their shoes, unhoused, trying to take your belongings from place to place.” If you didn’t have a chance to donate today, you still have until Nov. 20 to give back. Read more

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health proudly participated in World Homeless Day 2025 on October 10, 2025, at The Stewpot’s Opportunity Center in Jackson, MS.