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

Employee of the Month Spotlight:
D'Anah Evans, Tawana Hawkins, and Damien Redmon

We are pleased to recognize D'Anah Evans, Tawana Hawkins, and Damien Redmond of the HIV Prevention Team as our Employees of the Month. This recognition is in appreciation of their outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment throughout the grant cycle. Their collaborative efforts, professionalism, and consistent focus on achieving program goals have made a significant impact on the success of the project and the communities we serve.

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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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Association Between Vaping and Bullying Among High School Students in the United States

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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Every mother deserves access to care, support, and essential resources for a healthier pregnancy and postpartum journey. Your donation to Baby Depot helps provide critical items that support maternal wellness, healthier babies, and stronger families across Mississippi.

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Upcoming Events

Mississippi Public Health Association Health Administration Section webinar flyer with three speakers and July 20, 2026 date
Back to School for Life COGIC event flyer with pencils, apple, books, and school supplies on a desk

Impact Stories

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High blood pressure is climbing in young adults. In Mississippi, young women face the rising stakes

By Minority Health • July 13, 2026
Mississippi leads the nation in high blood pressure rates. Learn why hypertension is rising among young adults, especially Black women, and how prevention can save lives.
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Association Between Vaping and Bullying Among High School Students in the United States

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).

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.

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. 

A person receives a haircut from another person in a room with geometric wall art.
People listen to a woman speaking at a meeting, in a room with a TV.
People serving themselves from a buffet in a brightly lit room. A sign reads,

SERVING HOPE. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY.


Advancing Health Equity One Outreach at a Time
A woman in pink sings, others watch, and some eat at a table in a room.

CARE THAT CHANGES LIVES.

Institute staff supported unhoused populations during Breakfast in Blooms.

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People eating and socializing at tables, served by a person with food. Room with colorful accents.
Barber giving a haircut to a client wearing a black cape, indoors. The barber is wearing a red shirt and jeans.

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.

Magnolia Medical Foundation logo: Shield with
Mississippi NAACP State Conference logo: Scales of justice over a book, blue and gold, with text.
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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.