Welcome!


The Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research was established in 2001 with a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Housed in the School of Health Sciences, College of Public Service, at the Jackson Medical Mall--Thad Cochran Center, the Institute's goal is to understand and eliminate the pervasive inequalities affecting the health and health care of racial and ethnic minorities and other historically underserved populations. These disparities, range from acute and chronic diseases to injury and violence; they include both access to and the quality of health services, affect people of all ages, and cause unnecessary suffering, disability and premature death. Using innovative approaches and multidisciplinary research concepts and methods, the Institute is dedicated to improving the health and quality of care of minorities. During its first year of operation, the Institute created a state-of-the-art Surveillance Laboratory, sponsored faculty and student research projects through competitive awards, held a Summer Research Training Institute, submitted a number of team-based grant applications, and organized its First Annual Conference - "Eliminating Health Disparities in Mississippi: Causes and Prevention" (October 10-11, 2002) - co-sponsored by the U.S. Office of Civil Rights and the Mississippi State Department of Health, with over 250 people in attendance. Faculty and students throughout the campus are invited and encouraged to contact the Institute and participate in its research activities. Dr. Marinelle Payton, (601-368-2052; marinelle.payton@jsums.edu) is the Principal Investigator.