Mississippi ranks extremely high in numerous chronic diseases, and a large proportion of its counties have very limited access to health care. The health and economic future of each state can be accurately determined by the status of the women within that state, and women are often the primary decision-makers for the family's health care. Equipped with adequate health information and resources, both women and their families benefit.

The Outreach Core strives to improve the health and lives of women in Mississippi by increasing the awareness on women's health issues to all Mississippians, especially those who have limited access to care or are otherwise disenfranchised from Mississippi's healthcare community. The priorities in outreach initiatives remain focused on the pressing needs of the state: 1) Cardiovascular Disease - Heart disease, Hypertension, and Strokes; 2) Diabetes; 3) Obesity; 4) Cancers; and 5) HIV/AIDS.

The Community Outreach Core's objective is to develop a multi-dimensional program to educate women in the community on diverse healthcare topics that promote physical and emotional well-being, with special consideration to cultural diversity and illiteracy. Women are often the primary decision-makers for the family's healthcare.

"Healthy Women for a Strong Mississippi"

Brown Bag Lecture Series
The intent of the Brown Bag Lecture series is to bring timely and accurate health information to the women in the community, to better empower them to make the right choices and take action towards improving their health. Each lecture draws 80-100 women. The lectures are held each month on the University of Mississippi Medical Center's campus. These lectures are free and open to the public. The schedule is:

• September 5 - Student Union, 2nd Floor  
• November 7  - Student Union, 2nd Floor

or more information, please call Lydia West at 601-815-7137 or e-mail mswoman@umsmed.edu

Preventive Health Screenings
The Center of Excellence partners with local civic and church organizations, to actively raise awareness in pressing health issues in women. Screenings for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and asthma, in addition to others are effective and successful in reaching women with health messages, and in detecting disease in asymptomatic individuals.

Lectures/Presentations/Special Events
The Center of Excellence strives to provide a positive impact on Mississippi's healthcare delivery system through educational opportunities that promote women's health awareness, by developing culturally competent health care and professional training/educational programs in women's health, including prevention.