Institute for Disability Studies to Host 2015 Youth Health Equity Fellow

The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) will host a 2015 Youth Health Equity Fellowship in conjunction with the Southeastern Health Equity Council. Lavonne D. Brown, a doctoral student in the School of Health Science at Jackson State University, has been selected as the participating fellow.

Brown will participate in research on the healthy food initiative from May through August. Her work includes the development of a regional food resource directory and preparation of communication strategies to increase the awareness of health equity issues. Brown will be housed in IDS' Jackson office.

“IDS is pleased to participate in this project and mentor a future health professional in an effort to reach health equity in our southeast region,” said Dr. Mina Li, coordinator for health services and research.

The Southeastern Health Equity Council (SHEC) is one of 10 regional health equity councils in the U.S. formed as part of the National Partnership for Action to End Heath Disparities. SHEC's Region IV is comprised of eight southeastern states including Mississippi.

A voluntary association, SHEC bring together leaders from healthcare providers, health-care focused organizations, academia, public health agencies, economic development, faith-based organizations, grassroots organizations, non-profit organizations and businesses to reinforce the need for multi-sector linkages as a key strategy for ending health disparities in America.

IDS, Mississippi's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD), has been located at Southern Miss for 40 years. For more information, call 601.266.5163 or visit: http://www.usm.edu/disability-studies