In December 2022, Dr. Shauntice Allen updated the radio advertisement used to promote the Study in Wilcox and Dallas Counties to thank participants and let people know that the study is still ongoing in Mississippi.
MEU Open House in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi (December 2022)
In December 2022, the Mississippi Core of the RURAL Study, OCH Regional Medical Center, the Mississippi Core Community Advisory Board (CAB), and Mississippi Core Resource Volunteers partnered together to carry out a kickoff program for the RURAL Study in Oktibbeha County. The kickoff program included an open house and tour of the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU) for the local Oktibbeha County community residents. During the event, the Mayor of Starkville and the CEO of OCH Regional Medical Center spoke in support of the RURAL Study. Dr. Ervin Fox was also interviewed by WCBI about the study’s objectives and requirements for participation. Click below to watch the interview.
The MEU Has Moved to Oktibbeha County, Mississippi!
The MEU has officially moved to Oktibbeha County, Mississippi! The MEU is located in Starkville, Mississippi, with MEU exams now underway.
We thank the people of Dallas and Wilcox Counties, Alabama, for welcoming us into their communities and participating in the project. Our team from UAB will continue to engage with the Dallas and Wilcox Counties at various events, so be on the lookout.
Mississippi Core Interview on WCBI
On October 20th, Drs. Ervin Fox and Celeste Reese, a member of the community engagement team for the Mississippi Core, were recently interviewed on the Mid-Morning Show with Scott Martin on WCBI. During the interview, Dr. Fox discussed the eligibility criteria, the arrival of the MEU to Oktibbeha County.
Fannie Lou Hamer Event (October 2022)
In October 2022, the Mississippi Core attended the NAACP’s Fannie Lou Hamer Event at JL King Park. Several Oktibbeha County residents attended and heard about the RURAL Study. Dr. Ervin Fox, Ms. Jackie Ellis, and Mississippi State University (MSU) student representatives, Ms. Labreia Robbins and Mr. Clayton Buchanan, were there to inform residents about the study. The residents were taught how to navigate the RURAL Study website to let investigators know they were interested in participating.
The RURAL Study is heading to Camden, Alabama!
We are now recruiting Wilcox County residents ages 25-64 to participate in our research. You can receive up to $200 for participating, which only requires about 3 hours of time in person! Click here to tell us you’re interested in participating.
Mississippi Health Organizations Partnered for a Community Health Fair
On June 11, 2022, the Oktibbeha County Health Fair was hosted by the Mississippi Core of the RURAL Study in partnership with the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA). The health fair was held at the Mill Conference Center in Starkville, Mississippi. Everyone was invited to get a health screening, eye…
NIH News in Health: Health in Rural America
About 20% of Americans live in rural parts of the country. Rural areas have more space, fewer people, and scenic landscapes. Residents often have a common sense of community. But living in a rural area can also bring challenges for staying healthy.
Heart & Lung Study Underway in Dallas Co.
A research study underway in Dallas County aims to prevent heart and lung disease in rural areas. Rural areas like Dallas County tend to be some of the most under-served in the country when it comes to healthcare. “Most people that live in rural areas don’t have access to medical…
RURAL Study Hopes to Improve Health Outcomes in Mississippi
One in six Americans live in rural areas, including residents of Oktibbeha County. While living in these rural areas rather than big cities was advantageous to the overall welfare of Americans a few decades ago, University of Mississippi Medical Center cardiologist Dr. Ervin Fox said members of rural communities have…