Spring 2018 HBCU Health


MURC Panelists Discuss Solutions for Mississippi’s Failing Health Care System


Healthy Recipe Sweet Potato Tater Tot Nachos


Sweet Potato Tater Tot Nachos (“Totchos”) 1 20-ounce bag frozen sweet potato tots 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro,


plus more for garnish ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon chili powder 1 cup rinsed, drained reduced-sodium


black beans 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend 1 medium avocado, chopped 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine


lettuce


Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread sweet potato tots in a single layer in a large cast-iron skillet. Bake, stirring once, until crisp, about 30 minutes.


Meanwhile, combine tomato, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and salt in a medium bowl. Combine sour cream, water and chili powder in a small bowl. Set both mixtures aside.


Push the tots to the center of the pan. Top with beans and cheese and return to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes more. Using a slotted spoon, spread the reserved tomato mixture over the top. Top with avocado and lettuce. Drizzle the reserved sour cream mixture over the top and garnish with cilantro, if desired.


The HBCU Advocate 15


A panel of experts gathered


recently at the Jackson State Downtown campus to discuss ways to help Mississippi move from last to first in the health care module.


Te overall data presented in a


research brief by JSU’s Mississippi Urban Research Center (MURC) on the state’s health care system show challenges ultimately decrease the life expectancy of its residents when compared to other states throughout the country.


Te study discloses the leading


causes of death in Mississippi include: Alzheimer’s disease (66%); diabetes (39%); stroke and heart attacks tied at (22%).


Dr. Mohammad Shahbazi,


interim dean of the School of Public Health, said the state’s main issues are financial, structural and a result of people working in silos.


“Mississippi has a major


problem with structure. No one is providing an environment for people to be healthy. We live in capitalistic society where only money is valued; therefore, we don’t provide health care. We only provide sick care.”


Te study reveals that


Mississippi faces bigger health barriers than other states.


Te challenges identified


from this research included: (1) Mississippi’s poor health outcomes; (2) limited access to many health care services; (3) Mississippi’s weak economy.


Dr. Mario Azevedo, dean of


the College of Liberal Arts, said “Te state offers little to no help and holds everyone accountable


for their own health care. Tey treat it like it’s just for the rich and not a right for all.”


Although some improvement


has been made, the state’s system is still miserably failing when it comes to health care access, the economy and personal behavioral patterns.


Dr. Mario Azevedo, dean of the


College of Liberal Arts shares his thoughts on Mississippi’s health care system.


“We need to have literacy


campaigns to make sure people are aware of health issues because it affects everyone”, Dr. Azevedo said.


MURC panelists also challenged


the political system, labeling it inadequate and unsupportive to changing health outcomes in Mississippi.


Janice Sherman, CEO for


Mississippi Primary Health Care Association said, “In order to see a shiſt in the health care model in Mississippi; we have to change who’s in office locally and congressionally. We have the power to vote, and that’s the only way the system will change.”


“Te federal government thinks


health is not a right, once you say it is a right, it then becomes their responsibility. Tey only advocate for the privileged” Dr. Azevedo said.


Panelists suggested that


adequate resources, integrated work ethics and better access could result in a healthier Mississippi.


“We have to get out and be


advocates for better healthcare in Mississippi” said Falasha Reed, head nurse at G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center.


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