Community Activities in Mississippi
As a study, one of our fundamental values is engaging with the spirited communities that we’ll visit. Check out some of our local community engagement efforts in Mississippi so far!
Panola County Community Engagement Activities (2018 – 2019)
Community engagement activities in Panola County included hosting a focus group in early 2018, holding two county stakeholder meetings, participating in a Juneteenth Celebration in Sardis, MS, visiting the Ministerial Alliance for the Church of God hosted by Brother Raymond, visit to Panola Medical Center (Mr. Quinton Whitwell and Mr. Chris Ware – CEO and COO respectively) as a potential site for the mobile exam unit during the exam phase of the study and formation of the community advisory board and resource support group for Panola County.
The Panola County community advisory board includes (in alphabetical order):
Dr. Kristie Alvarez
Dr. Kristie Alvarez is a Family Medicine Physician at Panola Family & Specialty Clinic at Panola Medical Center. She is from Tate/Panola County. She graduated from Independence High School and completed her undergraduate education at Delta State University. Dr. Alvarez completed medical school and residency training in family medicine at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, respectively. Dr. Alvarez likes to say she is “home-grown”. She loves caring for her community.
Mayor Jerry Autrey
Mayor Jerry Autrey is a native of Batesville, MS. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. As Mayor, he along with the Board of Alderman, works to maintain harmony between agriculture, industry and urban economic growth. He also works with the Board of Alderman to oversee city services, parks and the academic system. Mayor Autrey has shared his strong interest in improving health conditions in the city of Batesville and other communities throughout Panola County.
Dr. Johnnie Cumming Jr.
Dr. Johnnie Cummings attended and graduated from Meharry Medical College School Of Medicine in 1986. He has over 34 years of diverse experience in Internal Medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Service, Inc. in Batesville, MS. The mission of the agency is to improve the health of people in the Mississippi Delta and delta hills communities by increasing access to integrated, comprehensive primary and preventive health care. Dr. Cummings is also affiliated with Panola Medical Center and Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
Reverend Darryl Dixon
Reverend Darrell Dixon Jr. is a native of Clarksdale, MS and serves as Pastor of St. Matthew Church in Lambert, MS. Darrell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS and a Master’s Degree in Economic and Workforce Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. After working in banking, he served as legislative staff in the United States Senate in Washington, DC before leaving that career for other pursuits. He now uses his talents and skills to develop individuals and organizations as a Program Specialist with North Delta Planning & Development District, Inc.
Mr. Trey Hamby
Mr. Thomas G. “Trey” Hamby III, grew up in Batesville, MS, graduating from South Panola High School in 1989. After high school, Mr. Hamby accepted a scholarship to be an athletic trainer at Mississippi State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fitness Management. After graduating, he coached high school football, basketball and track. He won 2 North MS Championships and his teams played for 6 State Championships in only 3 years. After a few years in private business, in 1998, Mr. Hamby returned to Panola County and accepted a job as the Nutrition Coordinator for North Delta Planning and Development district. He has worked for North Delta PDD for the last 22 years, the last 10 as the Assistant Executive Director.
Ms. Pat Neal
Ms. Pat Neal is a native of Batesville, MS. She attended South Panola High School and completed undergraduate work at Delta State University where she received her bachelor’s degree. She completed her Master’s Degree at Mississippi State University. She has been working at the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Services for 22 years. The MSU Extension Service provides research-based information, educational programs, and technology transfer focused on issues and needs of the people of Mississippi, enabling them to make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being. She also works with the 4-H program and the Junior Natural Wellness Volunteers Program.
Mayor Lula Palmer
Mayor Lula L. Palmer was born in Noxapater, MS. She is currently residing in Sardis, MS. She attended Alcorn State University then transferred to Mississippi Valley State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. In May 2017, she was elected Mayor of Sardis, becoming both the first female and the first African American to hold the position. She was also the first African American female to be elected (2011) to serve on the Sardis Board of Alderman-serving as Alderwoman of Ward Three.
Dr. Tammy Taylor
Dr. Tammy T. Taylor, a native of Sardis, MS and a graduate of North Panola High School. She completed undergraduate studies at the University of MS. She begins her healthcare career at Northwest Community College. She received both her Masters of Science as a Nurse Educator and Post Master’s as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Alcorn State University. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama. She is an advocate for change and serves as the Lead Volunteer for the state of MS for the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF). She currently practices at Delta Cardiovascular diagnosing and treating heart conditions that abruptly ended her own father’s life at the age of forty-six.
Members of the Resource support group include (in alphabetical order):
- Dr. Phyllis George
- Alderman Justin Pope
- Reverend Louis Wilson
Panola Juneteenth Celebration in Sardis
Panola Juneteenth Celebration in Sardis
Panola Juneteenth Celebration in Sardis
Oktibbeha County Community Engagement Activities (2018 – 2019)
Community engagement activities in Oktibbeha County included hosting a focus group in early 2018, holding two county stakeholder meetings, participating in a Juneteenth Celebration in Starkville, MS , conferencing in with the Baptist Ministerial Alliance hosted by Reverend James Covington, visit to OCH Regional Medical Center (Mr. Joe Jackson, Dr. Todd Smith – CEO and CMO respectively) as a potential site for the mobile exam unit during the exam phase of the study , visit to local physician offices (Dr. Lee Brandon, Dr. Emily Landrum, Dr. Josh Black, Dr. Jack Hollister and Dr. Drew Anthony) and formation of the community advisory board and resource support group for Oktibbeha County.
The Oktibbeha County community advisory board includes (in alphabetical order):
Dr. David Buys
Dr. David Buys graduated from Mississippi College’s Department of Sociology and Social Work in 2004. After that he earned a Master’s degree in sociology from Auburn University and the PhD in Medical Sociology, a graduate certificate in gerontology, a postdoctoral fellowship in Health Services and Outcomes Research, and the Master of Science in Public Health all from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Buys served on faculty in the UAB School of Medicine and is now a member of the faculty at Mississippi State University where he is State Health Specialist for the MSU Extension Service.
Ms. Eileen Carr-Tabb
Ms. Eileen Carr-Tabb received her Masters of Arts degree in Communications and her Master of Science degree in Health Promotion from Mississippi State University. After receiving her education, Ms Carr-Tabb worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist, Senior to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Later, Ms. Carr-Tabb returned to Starkville, MS to a career as a Community Health Educator for the Mississippi State Department of Health. Eileen currently serves as health committee chair of the Oktibbeha County branch of the NAACP, executive board member of the Starkville Lion’s Club and Vice-Chair of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Minority Task Force and Ms. Carr-Tabb is on the Community Advisory Board of the OCH Regional Medical Center. Ms. Carr-Tabb is a member of the Mississippi State University Black Alumni Council and works as an advocate and leader with early childhood education.
Reverend Maurico Clark
Reverend Maurico Clark, Sr. is the Pastor of Blackjack Missionary Baptist Church where he has served for 4 years. Reverend Clark is also employed with the Institute of Community Service as the Technology Manager for the 4 County areas which houses Head Start Centers in the Golden Triangle. Reverend Clark is a native of Starkville where he was born, raised, and educated and now serves with the intent of helping to make his community better.
Ms. Jacqueline Ellis
Ms. Jacqueline Ellis grew up west of Oktoc Rd in Bethel, Pine Grove, Bethel, and Mt. Olivet Church Communities. Educated in Starkville Public School and Oktibbeha County Schools District, Mississippi State University, and Troy State University. Ms Ellis currently presides over a 501C 3 Community Education group (EAEOCS), and strives to enhance the educational perspectives on community history and culture, health, fitness, and community education.
Dr. Placid Eze
Dr. Placid Eze is an experienced and accomplished family physician and primary care doctor practicing in the community of Starkville, MS. Dr. Eze attended the Morehouse School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree. He also holds his doctorate in pharmacy from Mercer University. He believes in listening to each patient and creating a partnership to maintain and improve lifelong health.
Ms. Yulanda Haddix
Ms. Yulanda Haddix is a native of Starkville Mississippi. A graduate of Rutgers University Camden, New Jersey. Along with educating incarcerated and disadvantaged youth, she also served on numerous committees in her free time. As Vice-President of the Philadelphia Eagles Wives Association, New Jersey Mayor Youth Council, New Jersey Child Assault Prevention Coordinator, New Jersey Judicial Board for Rutgers University in Camden and The National Coalition for 100 Black Women, she continues to serve on Starkville Mayor Youth Council, Board Member of the Golden Triangle Boys and Girls Club, currently works at EMCC as a WIOA Youth Career Navigator and a State of Mississippi Certified Workforce Trainer.
Dr. Emily Landrum
Dr. Emily Brandon Landrum is a native of Starkville, MS. She graduated from Starkville High School in 2007. She went on to Millsaps College where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. During her junior year of college she applied for and was awarded the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship, a scholarship to promote return to practice in rural Mississippi. She is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and is an active member of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians and Mississippi State Medical Association.
Mayor Larry Pruitt
Mayor Larry Pruitt is the Mayor of Maben, Mississippi
Members of the Resource support group include (in alphabetical order):
- Ms Cherri Lightsey
- Dr. Brianna Kendricks
- Ms Erica Owens
- Ms. Jossie Redmond
- Supervisor Orlando Trainer
Interesting Fact: Dr. Fox’s mother, Eva Mae Fox (maiden name Rice), was a native of Oktibbeha County He has an aunt Martha (at age 95 years) living in the county. Several of his cousins continue to live in that area as well. He and his siblings attended Mississippi State University and go back to Starkville often for family reunions. Also interestingly, Dr. Fox and his family grew up in the Mississippi Delta region (Clarksdale, MS/ Coahoma County). Clarksdale lies very near to Batesville, MS/Panola County. He travelled through Batesville as he and his family went to Oxford (Ole Miss Campus) throughout the 80’s. Dr. Fox often visits Batesville on his visit to his childhood home in Clarksdale and to visit family in Memphis, TN. Dr. Fox sister (Dr. Eugenia Fox), brother (Dr. Edwin Fox) and niece (Dr. Eva Ingram) have assisted on community activities in Panola County.
Go Red Women’s Heart Health Forum in Oktibbeha and Panola Counties (February 2020)
Coming out of the December community advisory board meeting in Oktibbeha County, was an idea posed by member Jacqueline Ellis to have a Go Red event in the county to educate the community about women’s heart health but to also use the event as well to introduce the community advisory board. This concept was supported by other members of the Oktibbeha County community advisory board and when presented to Panola County members, they, as well, felt that it was an excellent idea. The Go Red event was a big success in both counties, and we look forward to working with all the community advisory board members in future events. There was excellent turnout for both county events We were approached by several attendees about their interest in the RURAL Study and wanted to know ways they can join in our efforts to promote the study.
Go Red Heart Health Forum in Oktibbeha County
The event was held on February 22, 2020. The location was the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center. The event began at 11:00 AM. Mayor Spruill, Mayor Pruitt and Supervisor Orlando Trainer gave the welcome. Jacqueline Ellis gave the purpose of the event. Ms Yulanda Haddix introduced the speaker and Dr. Ervin Fox spoke on women’s heart health and the Go Red initiative. Dr. Emily Landrum introduced Dr. Frances Henderson and Dr. Felicia Caples. Dr. Frances Henderson gave a background of the RURAL Study and Dr. Felicia Caples and Dr. Frances Henderson introduced the community advisory board members. Ms. Erica Owens commented on the benefits of the study to the county. Ms. Eileen Carr-Tabb and Ms. Ann Sansing guided the question and answer session. Finally, the prayer prior to serving lunch was given by Reverend Maurico Clark. Jacqueline Ellis gave closing remarks.
Sponsors for the event:
The Education Association of East Oktibbeha County Schools (EAEOCS), the First United Methodist Church, the OCH Regional Medical Center, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Mississippi State University Extension Services, University of Mississippi Medical Center/University Heart
Go Red Heart Health Forum in Panola County
The event was held on February 29, 2020. The location was the Batesville Lion’s Club. The event began at 10:00 AM. The welcome was given by Mayor Lula Palmer. Dr. Tammy Taylor spoke on women’s heart health and the Go Red initiative. Dr. Kristie Alvarez introduced the Mississippi Core PI, Dr. Ervin Fox. Dr. Fox gave a background of the RURAL Study. Dr. Felicia Caples and Dr. Frances Henderson introduced the community advisory board members. Dr Sonja Fuqua commented on the benefits of the study to the county. Ms. Pat Neal and Ms. Akachi Agor guided the question and answer session. Finally, the prayer prior to serving lunch was given by Reverend Darryl Dixon. Tammy Taylor led door prize give-aways.
Sponsors for the event:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Upsilon Iota Omega Chapter, Day by Day Health and Wellness Center, Delta Cardiovascular Center, First Security Bank, Heavvy Hitter Construction, LLC, Jarva’s Jewelry and Fashion Boutique, MSU Extension Services, NAACP Panola County, North Panola County Resource Development Avant, Panola County Juneteenth, Panola Medical Center, Partee’s Barber and Style Shop, Piggly Wiggly, Ms Annie Rice, Mr. Arrece Webb, Mr. Wady Watters
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RURAL stand for?
RURAL stands for The Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study. It is a six-year research project seeking to identify why some people in the rural south may live shorter and less healthy lives.
Focusing on 10 rural counties in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the research team will examine about 4,000 residents to study different aspects of their heart, lung, and general health.
Participants will receive results from their research examination. County specific results will be also shared with community organizations.
Where will the study be conducted?
The study will be conducted in two Mississippi Counties: Panola and Oktibbeha
When will the study be conducted?
Tentative Schedule:
- Oktibbeha County recruitment – Summer 2021
- Exams on the MEU begin in Oktibbeha County – Autumn 2021 to Spring 2022
- Panola County recruitment – Autumn 2021
- Exams on the MEU begin in Panola County – Spring 2022 – Summer 2022
Who is conducting the study?
How will the study be conducted?
Participants will be given an appointment to come to a Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) for a thorough clinical examination and for structured interviews.
How will the participants be selected?
First, we will find out who in the County meet the eligibility criteria to be selected. For example, you have to be between the ages of 35 and 64 and an English or Spanish speaker; then a random sample will be selected from that group.
What are the benefits of participating in the study?
The study will acquire both traditional and unique factors that may contribute to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders and identify potential solutions by examining study findings. Participants will be provided with their results, including being alerted to any abnormal findings. Health promotion and disease prevention education will be provided.
How will the study results be used
The summarized results will be sent to local agencies who can then use the information to develop innovative solutions to improve the community’s health and promote health-related policies.
Defining awareness of heart, lung, blood and sleep risk factors
It is important to know that some risk factors can be modified by changing one’s lifestyle. Examples include eating healthy foods, using portion control, engaging in active physical activity for 30 minutes a day five days/week at least, not smoking and avoiding excessive use of alcohol. Knowing your blood pressure, weight blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C and cholesterol numbers is also a part of awareness. Knowing these things gives individuals more control of their own health so that the onset of chronic disease is prevented, and mild symptoms can be stopped before they progress.
