Conference targets health equity for Black men in Mississippi

Minority Health • August 27, 2025

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Black men face some of the highest rates of chronic disease, as well as some of the lowest access to care.

The annual Black Men’s Health Equity Conference was held on Saturday at Tougaloo College in Jackson. It was hosted by the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. The conference focused on closing the health gap affecting Black men in Mississippi and beyond.

“Black men are three or four more times more likely than other groups to pass away from heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease, as well. So, these different chronic illnesses, the disparity rates are so wide. And these particular communities have also a low rate of screening and testing. So, it’s very important for us to educate and provide interventions to some of these chronic illnesses, as well,” said Warren Jones, Epidemiologist with the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health.


Organizers said the conference is designed to raise awareness, offer education and connect people to critical resources, especially where access to care is limited.


“We want to provide free resources from different nonprofits. Particularly right now, because we as we see that Medicaid and Medicare is scarce in our marginalized community and minority communities, right now. So, we’re being very intentional with this conference to bring in people to give us the best education that we can,” said Markyel Pittman, program manager for the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health.

This year’s keynote speaker was journalist Roland Martin, who was chosen for his national leadership on racial and health equity issues. The free event featured screenings and discussions to improve Black men’s health.

Barbershop Series 'The Shop'

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.

Highlighting real conversation during National Minority Health Month

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. 

Healthy Moms, Healthy Futures event brings education to metro area moms

By Minority Health • April 21, 2026
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.