RESEARCH

Project #35:    HIV Testing and Prevention Services in Substance Abuse Treatment

Project Type: Research
Lead Agency:  Mississippi State University, Mississippi Health Policy Research Center
Principle Investigator:  Dr. Angela Robertson

  • Address the HIV prevention education needs of clients of publicly-funded alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services in the Delta
  • Address the lack of on-site testing for HIV
  • Increase HIV risk awareness


This project will address the HIV prevention education needs of clients of publicly-funded alcohol and drug treatment services in the Delta by providing on-site testing of high-risk individuals for HIV.  By working with three regional community mental health centers substance abuse treatment programs, this effort will link HIV+ individuals to appropriate healthcare services and decrease HIV risk behavior through education programs.  The community impact would be that HIV positive persons receive necessary medical treatment and there is a reduction in risky behaviors that could negatively affect the community.

 

Project #37:    Getting On Track with Community Health Advisors (GOTCHA)

Project Type:   Research
Lead Agency:  University of Southern Mississippi
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Susan Mayfield-Johnson

  • Implementation of community-based participatory research projects focused on stroke prevention and education
  • Support efforts of parents/caregivers and teachers of children with special food and nutrition needs
  • Inform students about good nutrition

 

GOTCHA will emphasize prevention and early detection of stroke in 10 counties in the Mississippi Delta.  This program will identify active members of the communities to be served, and then provide in-depth training to these lay health advisors on stroke prevention and care. These community health advisors will then work one-on-one with families at risk for or effected by strokes to ensure adequate access to healthcare services and prevention for family members at risk. The community impact will be developing a closer bond between local providers, increasing trust levels among rural patients, increasing screening among at-risk residents and reducing behaviors that contribute to the devastating incidences of stroke in the Delta.

The BLUES Project

Project Type:   Research
Lead Agency:  Delta Health Alliance
Principal Investigator: Karen Fox, PhD
Funding Source: Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality

The Better Living Utilizing Electronic Systems (BLUES) Project is designed to study the healthcare and service outcomes between two diabetes clinics with EHRs and two without (2 urban / 2 rural) and examine cost effectiveness as well as the impact on clinical outcomes, medication management, and timeliness of care.

DRA RCAP

Project Type:   Research / Infrastructure
Lead Agency:  Delta Health Alliance
Principal Investigator: Karen Fox, PhD
Funding Source: Delta Regional Authority, Rural Community Assistance Partnership

The purpose of this project is to generate funding to support operating expenses and capital purchases for the regional electronic health record network.

Distance and Telemedicine Grant

Project Type:   Research / Infrastructure
Lead Agency:  Delta Health Alliance
Principal Investigator:  Karen Fox, PhD
Funding Source:  Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture

The purpose of this project is to provide funding to support electronic medical records and distance education equipment in clinics of Belzoni and Tutwiler, MS, and networking equipment in Stoneville and Jackson, Mississippi.