Team Profile Summary

The Mississippi counties of Sharkey and Issaquena are served by the South Delta Place Matters Team. The South Delta team is constituted by the Sharkey Issaquena Health Network (SIHN), an organization which brings together the healthcare and health related agencies of the South Delta. Almost 9% of 3-4 year olds enrolled in Head Start in the region are obese, and are at risk for developing diabetes and high blood pressure—health problems that are very prevalent in the counties. The South Delta Place Matters Team has identified several excellent programs developed by the National Institutes of Health, the USDA, the American Heart Association and others to help families and community groups help children form healthy habits to reverse this trend.

Problem Statement

The Mississippi Delta leads the nation in hypertension, diabetes and the deadly consequences of those chronic diseases. Obesity and its roots—consist of a lack of exercise and poor diet—which are major underlying causes of hypertension and diabetes. Mississippi leads the nation in obesity.

Team Objectives

The South Delta Team will address the social determinants of obesity and chronic disease in our community. Through community forums and programs that address lifestyles, we are increasing awareness of the problem and its potential solution. We are working on improving access to healthy foods and opportunities for exercise in our communities. As we develop partners in the community through these efforts, we are beginning to network with others in the state and the nation to empower our community to address the policies and social and economic conditions that must be changed to bring about health equity here.

Community Partners

• Sharkey Issaquena Health Network
• MS State Department of Health
• Southeast Regional Affiliate of the American Heart Association
• South Delta School District

For more information and to become involved, please contact:

• Barbara Jackson, Team Lead: bjdjackson@yahoo.com
• Jowilla Secoy, Team Coordinator: jowilla.secoy@yahoo.com