MS HB239

State Health Officer must establish a program to reduce health disparities in eight priority areas: infant mortality, breast and cervical cancer screening, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, adult and child immunizations, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, accidental injuries and violence, with a goal to decrease disparities by 2023.

State Health Officer shall conduct a statewide assessment using focus groups, needs assessment surveys, and key informant interviews to establish baseline data comparable to national standards for measuring future progress.

State Health Officer must subcontract with a Mississippi-based entity specializing in health disparities with at least four years of experience and provide $250,000 in funding to conduct needs assessments, develop measurable outcomes, and manage the planning process.

State Health Officer shall identify and select community-based organizations representing all gender and racial groups as planning partners and develop a comprehensive plan that includes morbidity and mortality data, assessment results, measurable outcomes, and a community grant program description.

State Health Officer must conduct biennial evaluations and submit biennial reports to the Legislature detailing grant-funded activities, evaluation data, and outcome measures, and coordinate efforts with other state and federal funded projects to avoid duplication.