MS HB32

Requires the State Health Officer to establish a program to reduce health disparities among all gender and racial groups by 2027, targeting infant mortality, breast and cervical cancer screening, HIV/AIDS and STDs, immunizations, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and accidental injuries/violence

Mandates a statewide assessment using focus groups, surveys, and interviews to establish baseline data on risk behaviors associated with health disparity priority areas, with results comparable to national data

Allocates $250,000 to contract with a Mississippi-based entity specializing in health disparities (minimum 4 years experience) to conduct needs assessment, develop outcomes, and manage planning and evaluation

Requires the State Health Officer to partner with community-based organizations to develop criteria for a community grant program aimed at decreasing health disparities

Mandates biennial evaluations of the program and biennial reports to the Legislature on activities, evaluation data, and outcome measures