JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of the Health’s (MSDH) Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity, which works to reduce health disparities related to COVID-19 in minority and rural populations, is seeking organizations statewide to host vaccination efforts in their community.

“The Office of Health Equity addresses disparities primarily in Hispanic, Black, Vietnamese and rural populations. We identify the disparities and gaps that exist and find ways to engage with the communities to get them what they need. We have been providing testing opportunities, giving out PPE and promoting health education in these communities. Vaccination is our next step in reducing the impact of COVID-19,” said Victor D. Sutton, Ph.D., MPPA, Director of the Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity.

“We are partnering with Federally Qualified Health Centers to increase vaccination efforts around the state, focusing on vulnerable and rural populations. What we need now are new local partners to help us bring vaccinations into communities that have not had the access that other Mississippians have had so far,” said Chigozie Udemgba, Dr.PH, CHES, Director of the Office of Health Equity.

All organizations, groups, businesses, municipalities and even cities are potential partners for MSDH. As a community partner, you will help identify those needing vaccinations, and the COVID-19 Health Equity Response Team will work to schedule the event.

Please call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 1-877-978-6453 if you would like to host a vaccination event in a minority or rural Mississippi community.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667 Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948)