The Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center (CEC)
The Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center (CEC) serves as the bridge between research and community, working to improve cardiovascular health outcomes across Mississippi through trusted partnerships, outreach, and education. Guided by a mission to advance optimal health and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, the CEC collaborates with community organizations, faith-based institutions, barbershops, educational institutions, and municipal leaders to deliver culturally relevant health education and screenings.
The CEC Mission, Values, and Vision
Our mission at the Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center (CEC) is to employ communities in promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing cardiovascular disease risk burden. CEC values accountability, collaboration, equity, inclusiveness, and transparency through grass roots action. The mission and values are demonstrated through implementing a strategy focused on innovative approaches for program planning, coordination, and evaluation with outcomes that increase communication, partnerships, behavior change, and sustainability. The Jackson Heart Study CEC vision is to optimize the success of the JHS in promoting cardiovascular health in the Jackson community and beyond and translate the practice of community engagement into research.
Our Programs
Engages barbershops to provide blood pressure screenings, health education, and referrals, using trusted community spaces to reduce cardiovascular risk and promote healthy behaviors among Black men.
Expands access to cardiovascular screenings, education, and referrals by delivering services directly to communities, increasing reach and supporting early detection and prevention efforts.
Request mobile unit services (TBD)
Ensures community voices remain central to CEC's work. Meets quarterly and includes JHS cohort participants, CEC program representatives, CHAN members, and community stakeholders.
Empowers community members to serve as trusted health advocates who share information, promote heart health, and connect people to screenings and resources.
Equips community members with research knowledge and skills to increase participation in public health initiatives.
Partners with faith-based organizations to establish health ministries, deliver cardiovascular screenings and education, and promote healthy lifestyle policies.
Works with housing communities to reduce cardiovascular risk by providing screenings, health education, and referrals for low-income and vulnerable populations.
In partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., engages members to serve as health ambassadors, promoting cardiovascular health awareness and connecting individuals to screenings and resources.
Engages municipal leaders to create healthier communities through policy, systems, and environmental changes that increase access to physical activity, healthy foods, and tobacco-free spaces.
Our Community Partners
- Gilmer Grooming Services LLC – Jackson, MS
- Presidential Studios LLC – Jackson, MS
- The Executive Barber College – Jackson, MS
- Superior Barber and Beauty Shop LLC – Ridgeland, MS
- Goat Edition Barbershop – Pickens, MS
- Pearl Street Community Development Corporation, Inc. – Jackson, MS
- New Kingdom MB Church – Jackson, MS
- Greater Antioch Church – Jackson, MS
- Cathedral AME Zion Church – Jackson, MS
- Sweet Rest Church – Pearl, MS
- Town of Edwards | Mayor LeKentric Caston
- City of Byram | Mayor Richard White
- City of Gluckstadt | Mayor Walter C. Morrison, IV
- Town of Pickens | Mayor William Edwards
- City of Canton | Tim Scott Taylor
- City of Canton Housing Authority
- Central Mississippi Housing & Development Corporation (CMHDC)
- Bolton/Edwards – 2nd Monday, Edwards Community Center / Asbury United Methodist Church
- Canton – 3rd Monday, Canton Public Library
- Jackson – 3rd Monday, Virtual
- Pearl – 4th Monday, Camp Pioneer
- Clinton – 4th Monday, Private residence (105 Los Pueblos Dr.)
- Raymond – 1st Wednesday, Raymond Public Library
- Terry – 2nd Thursday, Ella Bess Austin Library
- Utica – TBA, Evelyn Taylor Majure Library
Meet the Staff
Dr. James L. Coleman, Jr.
Principal Investigator, Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center
Victor D. Sutton, PhD
Principal Investigator, Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center
Upcoming Events
Coming soon!
Community-Centered Care for a Healthier Mississippi
The Jackson Heart Study Community Engagement Center serves as a vital link between community members and the science that advances cardiovascular health. We provide trusted education, research findings, and health resources designed to improve heart health outcomes across our communities. Through this work, we invite residents, partners, and stakeholders to participate in research that shapes a healthier future.
Contact the Community Engagement Center
Phone: TBD
Email: TBD
Learn more about the Jackson Heart Study.
