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# Mississippi Public Health Association

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.mspha.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.mspha.org/news/)
- [The JPHDS Releases Volume 5, Number 3 of the Journal](https://www.mspha.org/the-jphds-releases-volume-5-number-3-of-the-journal/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is pleased to announce the publication of Volume 5, Number 3 of the Journal of Public Health in the Deep South (JPHDS). This issue contains commentaries, research articles, and case studies related to various aspects of public health. Click here to view the full release.
- [2025 Business Meeting Recap](https://www.mspha.org/2025-business-meeting-recap/) - MPHA held our 2025 Business Meeting virtually on December 2, 2025. You can view the recording on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLKouiZustjVqLr0RibNE_w and subscribe to our channel: @mpha-1937. Click here for a copy of the presentation. Don’t forget: our 2025 Board of Directors elections are open through December 9th. Click here for more information: MPHA 2025
- [The JPHDS Releases Call for Submissions for Special Issue on Violence Prevention](https://www.mspha.org/the-jphds-releases-call-for-submissions-for-special-issue-on-violence-prevention/) - Journal of Public Health in the Deep South Call for Submissions for a Special Issue Violence Prevention. Click here to view the full release.
- [Mississippi Public Health Association Names Lydia West as New Executive Director](https://www.mspha.org/mississippi-public-health-association-names-lydia-west-as-new-executive-director/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lydia West, MPH, RDN, LD, SNS, as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. Click here for the full news release.
- [The JPHDS Releases Call for Submissions for Special Issue on Maternal Mortality](https://www.mspha.org/the-jphds-releases-call-for-submissions-for-special-issue-on-maternal-mortality/) - Journal of Public Health in the Deep South Call for Submissions for a Special Issue Maternal Mortality Click here to view the full release.
- [MPHA Announces APHA CoA 2024 Award Recipients](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-announces-apha-coa-2024-award-recipients/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is pleased to announce that we have two members who will be receiving national awards at the upcoming American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Conference during the Council of Affiliates luncheon on October 26, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN. The two award recipients are Dr. Tanya Funchess and Dr. Kina
- [The JPHDS Releases Special Issue on Healthy Aging](https://www.mspha.org/the-jphds-releases-special-issue-on-healthy-aging/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is pleased to announce the publication of a special issue of the Journal of Public Health in the Deep South (JPHDS) focused on healthy aging. Guest co-editors for this special issue are Kina White, DrPH, MHSA, FACHE, Director of Community Health Improvement, MS State Department of Health and State
- [MPHA Issues Save the Date for Annual Conference November 13-15, 2024](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-issues-save-the-date-for-annual-conference-november-13-15-2024/) - The MPHA Annual Conference has been scheduled for November 13-15, 2024, at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg. Click here to download the event flyer.
- [MPHA HRE Committee Observes National Minority Health Month](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-hre-committee-observes-national-minority-health-month/) - Click here to view the flyer and webinar instructions
- [Mississippi's Second Annual Healthy Aging Summit May 2, 2024](https://www.mspha.org/mississippis-second-annual-healthy-aging-summit-may-2-2024/) - Join the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Mississippi Public Health Association, and the MS Chapter of AARP for this exciting event! Click here to download more information.
- [The JPHDS Releases Final Call for Submissions on Healthy Aging Issue](https://www.mspha.org/the-jphds-releases-final-call-for-submissions-on-healthy-aging-issue/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA), in partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU), initiated the Journal of Public Health in the Deep South (JPHDS) in 2018. The JPHDS is a peer-reviewed, open-access, online journal focused on disseminating high-quality research and/or effective applied techniques to academicians, educators, and practitioners. The JPHDS is the first publication to
- [JPHDS announces call for submissions on Healthy Aging special issue](https://www.mspha.org/jphds-announces-call-for-submissions-on-healthy-aging-special-issue/) - Journal of Public Health in the Deep South Early Notice of Call for Submissions for a Special Issue Healthy Aging December 14, 2023 The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA), in partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU), initiated the Journal of Public Health in the Deep South (JPHDS) in 2018. The JPHDS is a peer-reviewed, open-access,
- [Virtual HRE Training #3 Webinar Stories from the Field Now Available](https://www.mspha.org/virtual-hre-training-3-webinar-stories-from-the-field-now-available/) - Click here to download the webinar’s instructions.
- [MPHA Re-Elects Martin as Secretary](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-re-elects-martin-as-secretary/) - MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION RE-ELECTS BRAD MARTIN AS SECRETARY FOR THE ASSOCIATION Released December 14, 2023 Jackson, Mississippi The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA), at its November 8, 2023, annual business meeting, re-elected Brad Martin, MS, CHES, to another term as Secretary of the association. He began his first term as the MPHA Secretary
- [MPHA Elects New President-Elect](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-elects-new-president-elect/) - MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT-ELECT- DANIELLE FASTRING, PhD, MS, MPH Released December 14, 2023 Jackson, Mississippi The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA), at its November 8, 2023, annual business meeting, elected Danielle Fastring, PhD, MS, MPH, as our new President-Elect. Dr. Fastring is the Director of Student Research and Associate Professor of
- [MPHA Appoints New Board Members at Large and Student Position](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-appoints-new-board-members-at-large-and-student-position/) - MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS-AT-LARGE AND STUDENT TO THE BOARD Released December 14, 2023 Jackson, Mississippi The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members-at-large to the MPHA Board of Directors. Each of these new members will begin their terms in January 2024. The members-at-large
- [The Politics of Health Inequity Webinar Available](https://www.mspha.org/the-politics-of-health-inequity-webinar-available/) - Click here to download the webinar's instructions.
- [Call for applications for four Member-at-Large position on the Board of Directors](https://www.mspha.org/call-for-applications-for-four-member-at-large-position-on-the-board-of-directors/) - MPHA has opened a call for applications for four member-at-large positions on the Board of Directors and for one student board member. Please check your MPHA email for the application details. Applicants must be a current MPHA member.
- [MPHA Members Only Virtual Annual Business Meeting November 8, 2023](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-members-only-virtual-annual-business-meeting-november-8-2023/) - MPHA members will vote for officers and the 2024 legislative agenda as well as receive important public health updates. You must be a current member and register to attend. Check your MPHA email for the link to register.
- [Healthy Aging Summit May 4](https://www.mspha.org/registration-is-open-for-the-healthy-aging-summit/) - Registration is now CLOSED for the Healthy Aging Summit, May 4. We have reached capacity for the conference. Click here for the agenda
- [Save the Date - Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/save-the-date-empowering-communities-for-a-healthy-mississippi/) - The 10th Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference has been scheduled for May 24-26, 2023, at the Sheraton Refuge Hotel and Conference Center in Flowood. Click here to download the event flyer.
- [Age-friendly Public Health Systems](https://www.mspha.org/age-friendly-public-health-systems/) - Age-friendly Public Health Systems
- [Health and Racial Equity Committee](https://www.mspha.org/50-2/) - Health and Racial Equity Committee

## Pages

- [We are your voice for public health in Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/) - We are a community of public health advocates and professionals from all across Mississippi committed to keeping Mississippi healthy and safe.
- [Annual Conference](https://www.mspha.org/annual-conference/) - Our 2026 Annual Conference will be November 19-20, 2026 at the Clyde Muse Center (515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl, MS 39208). This year’s theme is “Public Health Partnership: Moving Forward Together”. Join us in Pearl to attend education sessions on a wide variety of topics, learn about innovative tools and resources, network with public health
- [Sections](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/sections/) - MPHA is comprised of a number of Sections made up of students and professionals with similar backgrounds or fields of interest. Section members work together for common goals and opportunities for networking and professional development. Please click on each section for information about specific section membership, dues and activities. Environmental Health > Criteria for Section
- [Age-Friendly Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/age-friendly-mississippi/) - MPHA, in partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and AARP-MS, is engaged in initiatives across the state to support Mississippi becoming an age-friendly state. According to the MSDH, Mississippi’s older adult population is growing, and special health considerations come with this increase. Age-friendly services and age-friendly public systems are needed for the
- [Healthy Living in Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/healthy-living-in-mississippi/) - Healthy living is vital for individuals and communities across Mississippi. This webpage is a resource that includes information about a variety of programs, services, and community initiatives related to support, disease prevention, access to services, opportunities for activity, and mental health support. Age Friendly Mississippi > Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities > Maternal Health > Child
- [Child Health](https://www.mspha.org/child-health/) - Information coming soon
- [Maternal Health](https://www.mspha.org/maternal-health/) - Information coming soon
- [Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities](https://www.mspha.org/individuals-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities/) - MPHA is working with communities, organizations, policy makers, elected officials, and others to advocate for changes that will increase inclusion, access, and the welcoming of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all places in Mississippi that impact health. We are working with partners to create a plan for Mississippi that clearly makes working with
- [Member-At- Large, North Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-north-mississippi/) - Allison Ford-Wade, PhD Gillespie Distinguished Scholar Chair and Professor of Public Health The Department of Public Health The University of Mississippi Dr. Allison Ford-Wade serves as Department Chair in the newly created Department of Public Health at The University of Mississippi. Dr. Ford-Wade holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Alabama in exercise
- [2026 NPHW](https://www.mspha.org/2026-nphw/) - National Public Health Week 2026 is April 6-12, 2026. MPHA’s theme for this year’s celebration is “Ready. Set. Action! Mississippi Moves for Health.” Throughout the week, we will highlight key areas that move Mississippi forward: Monday – April 6: Ready! Health Starts at Home with a focus on prevention, family health, and early care. Tuesday
- [MPHA Current Initiatives](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/mpha-current-initiatives/) - MPHA supports key health policies that support improved health outcomes for all Mississippians. Healthy communities enhance economic development efforts and ensure a productive workforce statewide. MPHA’s 2026 Legislative and Policy Agenda includes topics in investing in a strong public health infrastructure, advancing health across the life course, and modernizing public health systems: INVESTING IN A
- [Legislative Contacts](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/legislative-contacts/) - MPHA members can engage in the policy process by contacting their local legislators. Mississippi House Member Roster Mississippi Senate Member Roster Timetable for Processing State Legislation Provides information on deadlines for legislation. Looking for your state and national legislators? It’s simple! 1. Go to www.OpenStates.org 2. Enter your complete address in the rectangle under "Enter your
- [Policy and Advocacy](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/) - One of the most important pieces of MPHA’s work is its advocacy efforts on behalf of Mississippi public health professionals. We provide an objective, outside voice to advocate not only for public health’s interests but also for Mississippians’ health interests. From calling for adequate funding of public health to advocating for policies that improve the
- [Organization](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/organization/) - The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Association with five officers elected by a secret ballot at each Annual Conference for staggered terms. The elected officers comprise the Board. The Treasurer and four members at large are appointed by the Board. There is one Chapter (Pine Belt Chapter) and a number
- [Webinars](https://www.mspha.org/webinar/) - Healthy and Resilient Workforce Webinar Series This free series will focus on addressing a number of workforce topics that include challenges and opportunities; addressing burnout, fatigue, and compassion; advancing your career; as well as workforce planning and development. Check back soon more sessions will be added to this list. Registration is required for each of
- [Become an MPHA Sponsor](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/become-an-mpha-sponsor/) - In addition to donations, MPHA offers other organizations, corporations, businesses, and individuals the opportunity to sponsor or promote MPHA events and activities. MPHA treasures the work that we can collectively do to promote public health in Mississippi. The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) is a statewide association boasting more than 650 members dedicated to the
- [Donate to MPHA](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/donate-to-mpha/) - From making sure our water is clean to helping your town prepare for flu season, the work of public health is not only important – it’s vast. That’s why your donations are so critical. While we wish we could perform our work through membership dues alone, MPHA needs additional financial support to maintain a strong
- [Why is Policy Important?](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/why-is-policy-important/) - One of the most important pieces of MPHA’s work is its advocacy efforts on behalf of Mississippi public health professionals. We provide an objective, outside voice to advocate not only for public health’s interests but also for Mississippians’ health interests. From calling for adequate funding of public health to advocating for policies that improve the
- [Journal of Public Health in the Deep South](https://www.mspha.org/journal/) - About the Journal MPHA in partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU), initiated the Journal of Public Health in the Deep South (JPHDS) in 2018. The JPHDS is a peer-reviewed, open-access, online journal focused on disseminating high-quality research and/or effective applied techniques to academicians, educators, and practitioners. The JPHDS is the first publication to specifically focus
- [Professional Development](https://www.mspha.org/resources/professional-development/) - General Academy Health: Professional Development Catalogue American Public Health Association (APHA): Career Development APHA Continuing Education Daily Writing Tips The Free Management Library Live Career Monster.com Career Advice National Association of County and City Health Officials Public Health Foundation Regional Public Health Training Centers RN to MSN Programs Continuing Education APHA Continuing Education CDC
- [Career Services](https://www.mspha.org/resources/career-services/) - Member Tips Consider joining a MPHA section, chapter and special interest group. The network of professionals you will meet in these groups will expand your professional networks, open doors to leadership opportunities, and learn more about your field in public health. Student Tips By becoming a student member of MPHA, you join a community of
- [Health and Racial Equity](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/) - Who We Are The Health and Racial Equity (HRE) Committee is a department under the Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) born out of the MPHA’s strong commitment to health and racial equity and justice for all Mississippians. The MPHA is an affiliate organization of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Committee Members Committee Chair- Katie
- [Executive Director Message](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/executive-director-message/) - Hello and welcome to the Mississippi Public Health Association. My name is Lydia West and I am so grateful to serve as the Executive Director of MPHA. It is such a pleasure to work with our board of directors, committees, members, and partners as we continue the legacy of our Association’s efforts to improve the
- [Executive Director Lydia West](https://www.mspha.org/executive-directorr-lydia-west/) - Lydia West has worked in public health and community health for over 20 years. For the majority of her profession, she has focused her work in the areas of maternal/child health as well as school breakfast and lunch programs. Lydia brings experience from roles at Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Public Health Institute, Mississippi State
- [President Danielle Fastring, PhD, MS, MPH](https://www.mspha.org/danielle-fastring/) - Director of Student Research Associate Professor of Preclinical Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine William Carey University Dr. Danielle Fastring is President of the Mississippi Public Health Association. She serves as the Director of Student Research and an Associate Professor of Preclinical Sciences in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University. Dr. Fastring holds
- [Contact Us](https://www.mspha.org/contact-us/) - Phone: 601-966-4219 Email: execdir@mspha.org Mailing Address: Mississippi Public Health Association P.O. Box 4834 Jackson, MS 39296-4834
- [APHA Delegate – Shawn Rossi](https://www.mspha.org/apha-delegate-shawn-rossi/) - Shawn Rossi, DHA, FACHE is Vice President of Communication & Member Engagement for the Mississippi Hospital Association. She serves on the MPHA Board of Directors as the MPHA Affiliate Representative to the APHA Governing Council. She was elected to this position in November 2024. Dr. Rossi has worked in her capacity for the Mississippi Hospital
- [Treasurer - Paige Stevens](https://www.mspha.org/treasurer-paige-stevens/) - Paige Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Blue Mountain Christian University and a Master of Science in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix. She is currently employed as an Accountant/Auditor at the Mississippi State Department of Health in Jackson, MS. She has been a member of MPHA since 2018.
- [Past President – Karin Thurman](https://www.mspha.org/treasurer-karin-thurman/) - Karin Thurman is the Administrative Services Director in the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory at the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Karin has worked in state government 10 years but with the MSDH 6 years. She focuses her talents on accreditation, grants coordination and management, strategic planning, performance management and quality improvement. Karin is a
- [Trainings](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/trainings/) - MPHA HRE Committee Observes National Minority Health Month Click here to download the webinar’s instructions. Virtual HRE Training #3 Webinar Stories from the Field Now Available Click here to download the webinar’s instructions. The Politics of Health Inequity webinar is now available. Click here to download the webinar's instructions.
- [Treasurer Ashley McKay-Wolff, MPH](https://www.mspha.org/ashley-mckay-wolff/) - Ashley began serving as the MPHA Treasurer in the beginning of 2023 and will serve for the next two years. Ashley is a proud citizen of Mississippi where she was born and raised. She graduated from Brandon High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Public Health Education from the Mississippi University for
- [Past President - Tanya Funchess](https://www.mspha.org/past-president-tanya-funchess/) - Tanya T. Funchess DHA, MPH, MSM is Assistant Professor of Public Health in the College of Nursing and School of Health Professions, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS Dr. Funchess is serving as Immediate Past-President for MPHA for 2024, as well as the Chair of the Health and Racial Equity Committee. Funchess has been an
- [Secretary - Brad Martin](https://www.mspha.org/secretary/) - Brad Martin, MS, CHES® Brad began serving as the MPHA Secretary in late 2021 and is honored to continue to be serving in that role over the next two years. Brad graduated from Oxford High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Health Promotion from the University of
- [MPHA Student Member](https://www.mspha.org/mpha-student-member/) - Kaylin Winters, BS (MPH Candidate) Jackson State University Jackson, MS Kaylin Winters is a student at Jackson State University pursuing a Master's degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management from Cleveland, Mississippi. She works for the Mississippi State Department of Health in Health Policy and Resource Development as a Health
- [Member-at-Large, South Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-south-mississippi/) - Jude Haney PhD, MPH, RHIA Associate Professor of Health Information Management Program Director of Health Information Management William Carey University Hattiesburg, MS Dr. Haney presently functions as the program director and an associate professor of health information management (HIM) at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Teaching on campus since 2015, he has been instrumental
- [Member-at-Large, East Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-east-mississippi/) - Brittney G. Mosley, MS Public Health Program Specialist Team Lead-District 6 Office of Community Outreach and Education Office of Preventive Health & Health Equity Mississippi State Department of Health Meridian, MS Brittney Mosley currently serves as a Community Health Director with the Mississippi State Department of Health. Brittney Mosley is a lady who believes deeply
- [Member-at-Large, Central Mississippi](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-central-mississippi/) - Robyn B. Breland, MBA Director of Health Initiatives Special Olympics Mississippi 2906 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216 Robyn B. Breland is the Director of Health Initiatives at Special Olympics Mississippi (SOMS). Robyn oversees and implements various health-related programs and initiatives for athletes and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This includes developing and
- [APHA Delegate – Sai Kurmana](https://www.mspha.org/council-of-sections-chair-sai-kurmana/) - Sai Kurmana, MBBS, MPH is a senior epidemiologist and chair of the Epidemiology Section at the Mississippi Public Health Association. Sai is grounded in a strong belief in eliminating the structural barriers to equity for vulnerable populations. Sai holds leadership positions with local, state, regional and national organizations, working to promote racial, and health equity.
- [About Us](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/) - Who we are. Why we’re here. We are a community of public health advocates and professionals from all across Mississippi committed to keeping Mississippi healthy and safe. We are physicians, nurses, environmentalists and social workers. We are emergency responders, nutritionists and epidemiologists. We are office professionals, administrators, educators and researchers. We are students, health advocates,
- [Join or Renew – Organizational Membership](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/join-or-renew-organizational-membership/) - MPHA offers four tiers of organizational membership categories based on the number of members within each organization. Memberships are on a rolling renewal date basis, and prices reflect the cost of an annual membership. Each Organizational Membership tier will include your logo, links to your social media platforms, and a description of your organization on
- [Equity and Justice Tools](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/equity-and-justice-tools/) - Individual Assessment Tools 1. Applying Cultural and Linguistic Competence to a Framework for Creating Learning Spaces for the Enhancement of Experiential Learning Promoting Cultural & Linguistic Competency Self- Assessment Checklist for Personnel Providing Services and Supports In Early Intervention and Early Childhood Settings | En Español 2. Cultural and Linguistic Competence Policy Assessment (CLCPA) Curricula
- [Glossary](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/glossary/) - Know Your Terminology Anti-Black If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service. Anti-Racism If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service. Bigotry If
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/frequently-asked-questions/) - Please contact us if you can't find the answer you are looking for. How can I become a member of the HRE Committee? You have to first be a member of the Mississippi Public Health Association and be in good standing. Then, download this form, fill it and email it to execdir@mspha.org. If your application
- [Contact Us](https://www.mspha.org/health-and-racial-equity/contact-us/) - Have questions? Want to learn more? Need to raise awareness about an issue? We would like to hear from you! Mississippi Health and Racial Equity Hours Monday - Friday (8am - 4pm) Phone: 601-927-7515 Email: execdir@mspha.org Mailing Address: Mississippi Public Health Association P.O. Box 4834 Jackson, MS 39296-4834
- [Join or Renew – Individual Members](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/join-or-renew-individual-members/) - MPHA offers six individual membership categories, all including full voting privileges. Memberships are on a rolling renewal date basis, and prices reflect the cost of an annual membership. CLICK HERE TO JOIN ONLINE Active – $30 For individuals who are professionally engaged or have serious interest in public health. Contributing Member – $50 For individuals
- [Why Join?](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/why-join/) - MPHA MADE INCREMENTAL STRIDES TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH IN MISSISSIPPI IN THE AREAS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP WON’T YOU JOIN US IN ADVANCING A CULTURE OF HEALTH IN MISSISSIPPI ADVOCACY – MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Developed annual Legislative Agenda through our Policy Committee and communicated to members. Hired Policy Student Intern to monitor health legislation
- [Membership & Support](https://www.mspha.org/membership-support/) - Your MPHA Member Benefits By becoming an MPHA member, you join a community of professionals and advocates committed to strengthening Mississippi’s public health system. Not only will your professional network expand, but you will also help build a stronger voice for public health in Mississippi. Join Mississippi’s first line of defense today, and you can:
- [Pine Belt Chapter](https://www.mspha.org/pine-belt-chapter/) - The MPHA Pine Belt Chapter is made up of individuals interested in advancing public health in Covington, Forrest, Greene, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Perry and Wayne counties. If you fit this description and would like to join, just check the “Pine Belt Chapter” box when joining or renewing your membership with MPHA. The purpose of
- [Zika Virus Resources ~ provided by the CDC](https://www.mspha.org/zika-virus-resources-provided-by-the-cdc/)
- [Resources](https://www.mspha.org/resources/) - MPHA strives to be a resource for public health professionals, students as well as the general public on a variety of health issues and organizations to provide pertinent information. We also want to be a resource to highlight success stories in our State and areas of health improvement. These resources and links are catalogued below
- [COVID-19](https://www.mspha.org/resources/covid-19/) - Mississippi Public Health Association Reaffirms Statement on the Inappropriate Use of Ivermectin to Treat COVID19 October 1, 2021 On behalf of the MPHA Board of Directors, the MPHA Administrative Committee reaffirms the organizational statement issued on September 13, 2021, related to the inappropriate use of ivermectin to treat COVID19. Any statements made by MPHA’s current
- [Ebola](https://www.mspha.org/resources/ebola/) - Each of these sites provides comprehensive information on the Ebola epidemic, including health education resources. American Public Health Association Centers for Disease Control Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Mississippi Department of Public Health National Association of County and City Health Officials–Information for Health Departments National Institutes of Health–Information for US healthcare workers World
- [Organizations](https://www.mspha.org/resources/organizations/) - US Government Websites > Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health National Health Observances Environmental Protection Agency The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Health Resources & Services Administration Food & Drug Administration World Health Organization A. Healthcare Agency for
- [Mississippi Success Stories](https://www.mspha.org/resources/mississippi-success-stories/) - MPHA produces Public Health Achievements in MS Many outstanding activities and accomplishments in our public health system are taking place in Mississippi. Too often, we only hear about being last or “near the bottom” and complacency takes hold. We often feel overwhelmed with the challenges of improving health in Mississippi. In this document, MPHA takes
- [Public Databases and Reports](https://www.mspha.org/resources/public-databases-and-reports/) - National Organizations CDC National Surveys Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Kaiser Family Foundation Trust for America’s Health U.S. Census Mississippi Data & Reports Mississippi Center for Public Health Policy Mississippi Cancer Registry Mississippi Quickfacts;
- [APHA Advocacy and Education Campaigns](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/apha-advocacy-and-education-campaigns/) - As an American Public Health Association (APHA) affiliate*, MPHA looks to the national group for leadership in advocacy, especially on the federal level. To learn more about some of APHA’s current campaigns, click on the links associated with each area of interest. If you have any questions, please see the home page for APHA, www.apha.org
- [Informational Briefs](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/informational-briefs/) - DOWNLOAD MPHA’S 2016 IMMUNIZATION FACT SHEET >> FUNDING PUBLIC HEALTH: Comparing Mississippi to Neighboring States This is a document MPHA put together based on information from the Trust for America’s Health study on public health funding. While some of the state funding numbers have improved slightly, Mississippi still lags behind our neighboring states and the
- [How can I be heard?](https://www.mspha.org/policy-advocacy/how-can-i-be-heard/) - MPHA members have many opportunities to be heard on issues affecting public health policy, and we ask our members to support the approved positions on our Legislative Agenda so that we may have a stronger voice. Members should download our Advocacy Toolkit For the Public Health Professional to assist you in your advocacy efforts and as
- [Partnerships](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/partnerships/) - As part of its Leadership role, MPHA supports the efforts and contributions of many viable partners to improve health in Mississippi. We value our long-term partnership with the Mississippi State Department of Health, which serves as the backbone of public health in our state. We also have a functional relationship with the Mississippi Public Health
- [History & Achievements](https://www.mspha.org/about-us/history-achievements/) - MPHA has a long and proud history of working to improve the education and status of public health workers and to advocate for policies to improve the health of all Mississippians. We have made incremental strides to organize, grow and diversify our Association and its efforts to develop a culture of health for our State.
- [Special Projects – Kay Henry](https://www.mspha.org/special-projects-kay-henry/) - Kay Henry has worked with the Mississippi Public Health Association in many capacities. She has held several offices including the Nursing Section Chair, Affiliate Representative to APHA and MPHA President. Kay was recognized in 2015 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) as one of 25 RWJF Public Health Nurse Leaders and in 2018 Kay
- [Council of Sections Vice Chair – Jillian Harper-Peavy](https://www.mspha.org/council-of-sections-vice-chair-jillian-harper-peavy/) - Jillian Harper-Peavy is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 10 years’ experience in community organizing, management and program development, and over 7 years’ experience providing case management and therapy to diverse client populations within the community. Jillian’s career highlights include: (1) creating an integrated academic and health approach to counseling at risk college students,
- [Member-at-Large – Nelson Atehortua De la Pena](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-nelson-atehortua-de-la-pena/) - Dr. Atehortua is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral and Environmental Health at the School of Public Health, Jackson State University. Dr. A currently serves as the Chairman of the Mississippi State Advisory Council for Tobacco Control and as a counselor of the Mississippi State Advisory Council for Mental Health and Addiction.
- [Member-at-Large – Danielle Fastring](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-danielle-fastring/) - Danielle Fastring is the Southern Regional Representative for the MPHA Board of Directors. She is the Director of Student Research and an Associate Professor of Pre-Clinical Sciences at William Carey University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. She received her PhD in Epidemiology from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She was a Fellow
- [Member-at-Large – Caroline Newkirk](https://www.mspha.org/member-at-large-caroline-newkirk/) - Caroline Newkirk, MPH, CHES, CPH joined the Mississippi Public Health Institute in 2020 as the Evaluation Specialist on a number of projects. Her work is dedicated mostly to a federally-funded statewide opioid prevention and surveillance grant, through the Mississippi Department of Health and the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) project, a federally-funded
- [Past-President – David Buys](https://www.mspha.org/past-president-david-buys/) - David R. Buys, PhD, MSPH, CPH is the past president of the Mississippi Public Health Association. He serves as State Health Specialist for the Mississippi State University Extension Service, a researcher in the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, and an Assistant Extension and Research Professor in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health
- [President – Lei Zhang](https://www.mspha.org/president-lei-zhang/) - Dr. Lei Zhang is professor and associate dean for research and scholarship in School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). He also holds the secondary appointments as professor of data science in UMMC’s John D. Bower School of Population Health and professor of Health Administration in School of Health-Related Professions. Prior
- [Age-friendly Public Health Systems](https://www.mspha.org/age-friendly-public-health-systems/) - May 2022 is Older Americans’ Month! Use the following links to access the proclamation from the Governor and accompanying infographics Proclamation from the Office of the Governor on Older Americans’ Month Age-friendly Public Health System for Mississippi 6 Cs for Supporting Healthy Aging
- [Mississippi Public Health Association Statement on Racism and Racial Equity](https://www.mspha.org/mississippi-public-health-association-statement-on-racism-and-racial-equity/) - The Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA) acknowledges that racism in all its forms, implicit or explicit as well as individual, group-based or structural is a threat to public health and that together, we will work for racial equity. MPHA commits to: The work of anti-racism and to actively reduce implicit bias and racism Reject overt
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