By Aron Smith
JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State University has recently been awarded a substantial $1.5 million grant by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences.
This announcement is part of a more significant commitment, with the National Academies of Sciences and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation pledging nearly $7.5 million to support five HBCUs or minority-serving institutions (MSIs) with fortifying community-engaged research. The overarching goal of this initiative is to leverage social determinants of health data, ultimately enhancing public health data systems and addressing health disparities effectively.
JSU’s project titled “Utilizing CBPR to Examine Social Determinants of Health Targeting Environmental Data with Underserved Populations” is set to address the complex interplay of climate change, economic injustice, and the enduring legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, and structural racism in Gulf Coast communities. These societal factors contribute to segregation and exacerbate health crises in various communities.
Dawn Bishop Mclin, Ph.D., department of Psychology professor, expressed confidence in JSU’s capability to spearhead this research effort.
“JSU is well-prepared to lead this research effort. Like many HBCUs, JSU has a history of addressing inequities and advocating for social justice. Our faculty, staff, and students have actively advocated for equal rights, racial justice, and systemic change at local and international levels,” she stated.
As principal investigator and project director, Mclin, emphasized Jackson State’s commitment to championing social justice, particularly for marginalized communities, specifically addressing healthcare inequality in African American communities. She highlighted how this project’s initiative aligns seamlessly with JSU’s dedication to positively impacting societal issues.
In collaboration with partners EHDS Associates Inc., HBCU Emergency Preparedness Consortium, and Maya Tech, JSU is committed to working directly with affected communities in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The primary focus is on comprehending and translating public health data to empower communities, building trust that public health departments can play an essential role in enhancing their well-being.
The project will employ community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods and community engagement principles to uncover social determinants of health data (SDOH) and information on climate-specific and environmental factors. Combining these insights aims to enhance public health data systems, providing valuable input for health agendas, planning activities, policy decisions, programs, services, and resource allocation.
According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Mississippi claims the third-lowest position in the latest well-being rankings, scoring 8.9. The state ranks poorly in life expectancy at 73.9 and lags in median household income, averaging only $48,900 annually, contrasting with the national average of $68,890, placing Mississippi 30% below the country’s income standard.
One of the glaring issues contributing to this disparity is the significant lack of exercise opportunities. Forty-three percent of the state’s population lacks access to parks or recreation facilities, highlighting a substantial gap in Mississippi’s efforts to promote mental and physical well-being among its residents.
Mclin further said, “Through the collection and analysis of health data, we gain the power to hold stakeholders accountable for addressing inequities and working toward achieving equitable health outcomes. Data-driven accountability promotes transparency, instigates action, and nurtures a culture of ongoing improvement in healthcare delivery. Once we identify, quantify, and qualify, we can take the necessary steps to mitigate and eliminate disparities.”
The project’s focus will center on addressing health equity challenges, mainly related to asthma and respiratory illnesses faced by African American and Vietnamese communities, which are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. The initiative will include holding focus groups to identify gaps in existing data sources and engaging community stakeholders in discussions about the current and historical aspects of SDOH along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Don Spann, M.S., assistant professor of Journalism and Media Studies, delved into his experiences and observations regarding health disparities, emphasizing the crucial role that media plays and can play in addressing these issues.
“When we have an opportunity to have a conversation with those individuals, to listen to their story, now you’re getting a more explicit message precisely about what is going on,” Spann expressed.
He emphasized that media outlets should strive to contribute to improving the situation by maintaining an open line of communication with individuals in vulnerable situations. This approach ensures that media coverage is accurate and serves as a catalyst for positive change.
The research team will actively work with Black and Vietnamese populations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to increase awareness about the effects of climate change on respiratory health, preparing Jackson State University’s students to be change agents and fostering partnerships for community improvement.