Clinics
November 10 – 16, 2024, SEMRHI celebrates the exceptional service our nurse practitioners provide to our patients. NPs, you are at the heart of SEMRHI healthcare. Thank you for your dedication to healthcare excellence!
For over 40 years, our network of community health centers has proudly provided preventive and primary healthcare to over 36,000 patients, regardless of their insurance status.
Financially, we are strong, staying well within our fiscal budget and operating with expenses that meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
We deeply value you, our community, and your dedication to our mission and the trust you place in us. Your role is essential to the exceptional care we provide, supporting our board-certified providers and compassionate care teams. By working together, we are creating better health and quality of life for Mississippians, with a long-term commitment to serve our community.
November 4, 2024, was the official ground breaking for our new SEMRHI Pharmacy Assistance Center in Hattiesburg. Our new Pharmacy building, scheduled to open next summer, will help us provide better and more efficient care for our community! Special thanks to MitchCo Construction, Inc and the Area Development Partnership.
SEMRHI invites you to join our team for the 2024 Pine Belt Heart Walk on November 16, 2024, at 10:00 am. Please consider supporting us and the American Heart Association by donating and/or purchasing a t-shirt. If you would like to donate and/or join TEAM SEMRHI and walk on November 16, 2024, please use the link below.
Donate to or join TEAM SEMRHI:
Purchase a t-shirt:
https://stores.inksoft.com/semrhi_heartwalk_2024/shop/home
For more information, please email houston.ernst@semrhi.com
From Monday, August 5, to Friday, August 9, SEMRHI will offer free health screenings at our clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall in observation of National Health Center Week. No appointment is necessary!
For more information, call (601) 658-0058.
#NHCW2024 #ValueCHCs #PoweringCommunitiesThroughCaringConnections
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (May 6, 2024) Members of the community are invited to attend a Community Health & Resource Fair presented by Forrest General Hospital and SEMRHI. The free event will take place on Saturday, June 1, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Chain Park in Hattiesburg.
The event will include family activities and FREE health screenings, such as blood pressure, glucose (sugar), body mass index, and rapid 60-second HIV testing. Attendees can also enjoy a live DJ, free food (first 200), snow cones, door prizes, and giveaways.
“We are excited to partner with SEMRHI to help serve the health needs of those in our community,” said Millie Swan, Forrest Health’s vice president. “This health and resource fair will help get useful health information into the hands of our residents.”
“SEMRHI is delighted to collaborate with Forrest General Hospital for the upcoming Community Health & Resource Fair,” said Janice Robinson, SEMRHI CEO. “As a healthcare provider, we are committed to serving the community. I am confident that this event will not only provide valuable resources but also foster a sense of unity among community members.”
Chain Park is located at 5619 Hwy. 42, Hattiesburg. It can also be accessed via East 8th Street. Handicapped parking is available.
For more information, call 601-658-0058.
ABOUT FORREST HEALTH
Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality healthcare in South Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area. For more information, visit forresthealth.org.
ABOUT SEMRHI
SEMRHI is a network of community health centers committed to providing access to affordable, quality, primary, and preventive healthcare to the communities we serve – regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Locations include health centers in Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Pearl River, and Perry County. For more information, visit semrhi.com.
SEMRHI will host its annual Free Women’s Check-Up Day in observance of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) on Wednesday, May 15, at the Women’s Health Center located at 62 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free health screenings will also be provided at SEMRHI clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall ALL WEEK, May 13-17.
NWHW is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health to encourage all women to be as healthy as possible. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, more than 700,000 Mississippi adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and thousands more may be at risk. High blood pressure increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. It can also lead to kidney disease, blindness, and mental impairment.
As a community of health centers and clinics, SEMRHI is deeply rooted in grassroots efforts to reduce health disparities. Though preventive healthcare is often overlooked, it is the key to preventing the onset of many chronic conditions that plague Mississippians, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. For this reason, SEMRHI has reached out to numerous local and community partners to promote the event in hopes of attracting the medically underserved.
Due to the threat of severe inclement weather, all SEMRHI clinics and offices will be closed on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
SEMRHI had a great day participating in the 5K walk at the Hattiesburg Half Marathon. A group of more than 115 walkers came out to support SEMRHI and its MAGnet-HCCN Health and Wellness Program. SEMRHI is proud of its dedicated staff, and employees from the Lamar County Schools District and Petal School District, who walked to promote health and wellness in Mississippi. Thanks to our partners, Champion’s Way Training; L.A.W Fitness ; and The Family Y Hattiesburg – SEMRHI could not implement its MAGnet-HCCN Health and Wellness Program without your support! #SEMRHI #MAGnet #runhburg #ChampionsWayTraining #lawfitness#familyymca
March 30th is National Doctors’ Day! Thank you, doctors, for your unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate care and high-quality health services to our patients.
We will be CLOSED on Friday, March 29, 2024, in observance of Good Friday. Our Minor Care Clinic will be CLOSED on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of the Easter holiday.
Thank you, dentists, for your outstanding commitment and dedication to providing quality dental care for our patients. We appreciate everything you do!
Thank you, dental assistants, for your continued dedication and professionalism to providing quality dental care. We appreciate all you do!
SEMRHI celebrates National Social Work Month! Thank you, social workers, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients. We appreciate all that you do! #SocialWorkMonth #impactinglivespositively #semrhi
MPHA is honoring public health heroes during Black History Month. Each week we will spotlight a different public health leader chosen by MPHA’s Health and Racial Equity Committee. This week we honor Ms. Shanell Williamson.
Shanell Williamson is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong commitment to serving her community. Originally from Bassfield, MS, she has remained rooted in her hometown throughout her career. With an impressive 25-year career in healthcare, Shanell’s journey began at Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, INC. (SEMRHI), where she started as a Medical Receptionist and steadily advanced to the role of Community Engagement Manager.
Throughout her time at SEMRHI, Shanell has consistently shown her commitment to community outreach, taking on various administrative responsibilities while prioritizing direct engagement with local residents. Her work has been instrumental in addressing health disparities and promoting wellness initiatives within underserved communities.
Shanell’s educational background includes earning an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Pearl River Community College in Hattiesburg, MS. She is currently enrolled at Jackson State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Her extensive experience in healthcare equips her with a unique skill set for addressing both administrative and community health needs effectively.
In her role as a Community Engagement Manager/Community Health Worker at Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, INC. (SEMRHI), Shanell continues to make a significant impact through the organization’s partnership with The Mississippi SHINE Project. Through SHINE, Shanell provides valuable information to communities regarding health disparities, utilizing various platforms such as meetings, seminars, health fairs and public advertisements.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shanell is also a devoted Christian, a family woman, and the loving mother of one son, Austin Oatis. Shanell Williamson’s unwavering dedication to improving community health and her commitment to serving underserved communities characterize her as a valuable asset to SEMRHI, MS SHINE Project, and the communities she serves.
Source: Mississippi Public Health Association
SEMRHI proudly announces that Tonya Green and Aspen Hardges, Social Services Department, were selected to participate in the HRSA PEPFAR Skills Sharing Program (SSP) in Jamaica from January 24-February 3, 2024, with a second visit planned for early summer 2024. PEPFAR stands for U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and its aim is to save lives, prevent HIV infections, and accelerate progress toward achieving HIV/AIDS pandemic control in more than 50 countries around the world.
Tonya and Aspen, along with other U.S. HIV providers, participated in a bilateral peer-to-peer exchange between PEPFAR-supported sites in Jamaica that experience challenges in clinical care, psychosocial services, and quality improvement (QI). Their targeted population consisted of adolescents and young women, and they provided technical assistance (TA) to the staff on managing mental health and achieving viral suppression.
All SEMRHI locations will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Closing Alert: Due to the threat of inclement weather, all SEMRHI clinics and offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Please continue to monitor our social media, company website, and local news outlets for updates.
In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, SEMRHI’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program will host a Cervical Cancer Awareness Event on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. The event will be held from 10 am – 1 pm at the Hattiesburg Family Health Center, 66 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Free giveaways (while supplies last) and cervical cancer health education will be provided.
For more information, please call (601) 544-4550. #CervicalCancerAwarenessMonth #EarlyDetectionSaves
Due to the threat of inclement weather, all SEMRHI clinics and offices will close today, January 8, 2024, at 4:00 pm. All locations are scheduled to resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Please continue to monitor our social media, company website, and local news outlets for updates.
All SEMRHI locations will be closed on Friday, December 8, 2023. Our Minor Care Clinic will resume normal business hours on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
All SEMRHI locations will be closed on November 23rd and November 24th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our Minor Care Clinic will resume normal business hours on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
November 12 – 18, 2023, SEMRHI celebrates the exceptional healthcare services our nurse practitioners provide to the patients we serve. NPs, you are at the heartbeat of SEMRHI healthcare. Thank you, and we appreciate all you do! #NPWeek
SEMRHI patients, are you unable to travel to Hattiesburg to get your medication(s)? We offer the In-Clinic Medication Delivery Program for all our outlying clinic locations. For more details, call our Pharmacy today at (601) 544-4163.
Healthcare Open Enrollment is November 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024. Call (601) 450-1142 to connect with one of our Certified Application Counselors.
With warm wishes, we celebrate our Chief Executive Officer on her very special day. Thank you for your guidance, dedication, and support as our leader. Wishing you all the best and a great year of success!
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2023. Not sure what Medicare plan is right for you? Call us at (601) 544-4163 ext. 4 to schedule a FREE Medicare Plan consultation.
Did you know about 240,000 U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year? Early detection saves lives! During the week of October 16-20, SEMRHI will offer free clinical breast exams at clinics in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall. Take advantage of this free offer to get screened and receive a special gift. For more information, please call 601-658-0058.
Join us on September 23, 2023, for the 2nd Annual Hispanic Festival – Community Health And Resource Fair! The event will take place from 11 am – 3 pm at Friendship Park in Hattiesburg, MS. Vendors, door prizes, music, food, health screenings, and more. For more information, contact Shanell Williamson at 601-441-9333 or Edith Fuentes at 662-312-9186.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Thursday, June 22nd from 10 AM – 3 PM | Hattiesburg Family Health Center | Providing FREE: Rapid HIV Testing & Giveaways
SEMRHI is living proof that quality stands the test of time. We’re celebrating our commitment to care over the last four decades by giving our brand an updated and fresh look that will carry us into a bright future. Cheers to the next forty-four years.
SEMRHI will host its annual Free Check-up Day in observance of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) on Wednesday, May 17, at the Women’s Health Center located at 62 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Free health screenings will also be provided at SEMRHI clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall, ALL WEEK, May 15-19.
NWHW is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health to encourage all women to be as healthy as possible. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, more than 700,000 Mississippi adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and thousands more may be at risk. High blood pressure increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. It can also lead to kidney disease, blindness, and mental impairment.
As a community of health centers and clinics, SEMRHI is deeply rooted in grassroots efforts to reduce health disparities. Though preventive healthcare is often overlooked, it is the key to preventing the onset of many chronic conditions that plague Mississippians, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. For this reason, SEMRHI has reached out to numerous local and community partners to promote the event in hopes of attracting the medically underserved.
It’s official, SEMRHI is rebranding! New look, same mission: making quality healthcare accessible for everyone. Over the next few months, we will introduce the recent changes to the visual and story aspects of our SEMRHI brand to our communities. We hope you love the new brand as much as we do, and we appreciate your assistance in ensuring an exciting transition to the new brand.
In the meantime, enjoy two of our new thirty-second commercial spots that are currently running on TV and social media (links below).
Moments Like These – https://youtu.be/Hj0nG2RU_hQPatient Testimonial – https://youtu.be/2vDtLGeN9kE
SEMRHI rolls out the newest bus to join the mobile clinic fleet! Click here to view the feature from WDAM News 7!
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) Announces Mrs. Janice Robinson, MPH, CEPD, As Chief Executive Officer
HATTIESBURG, MS – January 24, 2023, Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc.’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Janice Robinson to serve as Chief Executive Officer. As an experienced healthcare leader, Janice assumed leadership responsibilities Monday, January 23, 2023.
Appointed Chief Operations Officer in 2021, Janice has worked to provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that SeMRHI has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. During her tenure at SeMRHI, she has also served in other roles, including Chief Human Resources Officer and Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
Board Chair Karen Speed says, “After a one-year journey, we are excited to officially announce the new CEO, Janice Robinson. The Board and I are so grateful to Kaye Ray and the role she served during this process, and we are confident that Janice will lead SeMRHI even higher in carrying out the company’s mission, vision, and values.”
Janice has nearly two decades of healthcare experience. She holds a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She began her career with SeMRHI in 2007 as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. As a dedicated member of several local/state boards and committees, Janice has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and continues to support the mission of SeMRHI in providing access to affordable, quality, primary and preventive health care to our communities in a patient-centered, safe, and compassionate environment.
As CEO, Janice will continue to direct and oversee the day-to-day operations and functioning of SeMRHI while providing leadership for carrying out the policies and decisions of the Board of Directors. She will also supervise the corporation’s facilities, employees, programs, budget, and services. One of her goals is to strive for SeMRHI to be recognized as a leader in community healthcare among the patients served.
Janice is married to Mr. Johnathan Robinson, Sr. of Petal, MS, and they have four children, Candace, Kiesha, Johnathan Jr., and Jeremiah, and five grandchildren.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) And Area Development Partnership of Greater Hattiesburg Holds A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For New Mobile Health Unit!
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (October 4, 2022) – Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) and the Area Development Partnership of Greater Hattiesburg will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a new mobile health unit on Tuesday, October 25th at 10 am at Hattiesburg Family Health Center, 66 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
SeMRHI serves nearly 40,000 patients in its’ communities each year—a number that is increasing due to the nation’s primary care infrastructure of Americans who lack access to primary care services. This not only highlights the essence of Community Health Centers but also celebrates the efforts of national and community organizations working with partners and volunteers to improve awareness of key health issues often overlooked.
According to www.kff.org, 351,794 Mississippians were uninsured in 2018. For this reason, SeMRHI’s mission remains essential because primary health care remains an opposition in many parts of Mississippi. Although preventive healthcare is often overlooked, it plays a vital role in preventing the onset of many chronic conditions that infect Mississippians, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and now COVID.
Many Mississippians live in remote and underserved communities with a lack of healthcare access and transportation. This investment recently featured in an Arizona showcase, will provide a place for the community to receive dental care, health screenings, vaccinations, physicals, and other medical services in Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Pearl River, and Perry counties.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) and the Area Development Partnership – Greater Hattiesburg, MS, will present a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the mobile unit to follow.
Now’s the time to review and compare your Medicare plan options for 2023. Is your current plan still the best one for your healthcare needs? There may be another plan that works better for you! Call us at (601) 544-4163 ext. 4 for a FREE consultation.
Join us on September 24th for a Hispanic Festival – Community Health & Resource Fair from 11 am – 3 pm at Friendship Park, 1009 Rebecca Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Giveaways, screenings, music, dancing, food, and much more!
Vendors are welcome and must be registered by September 15th. Click Here for more details and how to register.
For more information, contact Shanell Williamson at (601) 441-9333.
Monday, August 8 – Friday, August 12, Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) will offer free health and dental screenings in observation of National Health Center Week at our clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall. No appointment is necessary! Dental screenings will be available from August 8 – August 10, 8 am – 12 pm, only at the Hattiesburg Community Dental Center.
SeMRHI will also host a Milk Bank Drive and Car Seat Check-up on August 11, 2022, from 12 pm – 3 pm at the Women’s Health Center. The Women’s Health Center is located at 62 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
For more information, call (601) 658-0058.
#NHCW2022 #ValueCHCs
Whether it is your brother, dad, friend, boyfriend, spouse, or boss, show them you care by raising awareness about the importance of male health and encouraging them to live longer and healthier lives.
In recognition of National Men’s Health Month, SeMRHI will host a FREE Men’s Check-Up Day on Saturday, June 25th from 10 am – 1 pm. Come to 66 Old Airport Road in Hattiesburg, MS for free health screenings, prostate exams, COVID vaccines, door prizes, and much more. Free Smith County watermelons to the first 30 participants! There will also be a blood drive sponsored by Vitalant. All blood donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $3,000 pre-paid gift card.
For more information call 601-658-0058. Se habla Espanol!
Special thanks to our sponsors AETNA Medicare Solutions, MS SHINE Project, Academy Sports+Outdoors, and Vitalant.
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National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a time to encourage women to learn more about ways to prioritize their health, including staying current on health screenings and visits. It is essential for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and women 65 years and older, to take care of their health TODAY!
Join SeMRHI as we celebrate National Women’s Health Week, May 9 – May 13, 2022! Free health screenings, health information, and gift bags – while supplies last! Free screenings will be provided at our clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall. For more information, call 601-658-0058.
National Doctors Day was established to recognize the incredible work of physicians and their contributions to the communities they live in. Thank you, doctors, for the quality healthcare you provide to the communities we serve in Southeast Mississippi!
We are excited! Lamar County School Board authorizes SeMRHI to provide clinics for student medical needs. Click the link below to read more.
Join us this March 17th from 11 am – 2 pm at Seminary Family Health Center. We will be partnering with the MS SHINE Project to give away fresh fruit, cases of bottled water, at-home COVID test kits, and N95 masks. The COVID vaccine will also be available to those ages 5 and older. To learn more, call 601-722-3208.
World Social Work Day is celebrated each 3rd Tuesday in March to highlight social workers’ hard work and diligence. Thank you, social workers, for the quality care you provide to our patients in Southeast Mississippi!
Dental Assistants Week recognizes the important and personal role dental assistants play in the health and happiness of their patients and the entire dental team. Thank you, dental assistants, for the quality dental care you provide to our patients in Southeast Mississippi!
National Dentist’s Day is celebrated each year on March 6th. Thank you, dentists, for the quality dental/oral care you provide to the patients we serve in Southeast Mississippi!
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) announces the passing of CEO, Dr. Geroldean Dyse
Board of Directors name Kaye Ray, former SeMRHI CEO, as the interim CEO
Hattiesburg, MS (January 17, 2022) – Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) announces the passing of their illustrious leader, Dr. Geroldean Dyse. Dr. Dyse passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022.
Dr. Dyse began her 41-year career with SeMRHI as an LPN/Health Educator. She moved into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 1988 and was later appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2011. Serving on several local and state boards and committees, Dr. Dyse remained an active member of the Mississippi and American Nurses Associations. Her tenure as CEO led to the creation of a number of clinics, offices, and programs to aid in the accessibility of medical services in the areas SeMRHI serves.
Dr. Dyse touched many lives. Her vision and ability to mentor and help others made her an influential figure.
“Dr. Dyse was not only our CEO, but she was also our family and friend. To know her was to love her, and we will miss her more than words can express.” – Janice Robinson, Chief Operations Officer.
About SeMRHI
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) is a network of 17 community health centers providing preventive and primary healthcare to patients for more than 40 years, regardless of their insurance status or their ability to pay. The success of SeMRHI is largely attributed to its dedication to the community and meeting the needs of its patients. For more information about SeMRHI, visit www.semrhi.com
December 1, 2021, SeMRHI will provide free rapid HIV testing, door prizes, and giveaways in honor of World AIDS Day! The event will be held at Hattiesburg Family Health Center, 66 Old Airport Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, call (601) 582-2619.
CQII congratulates Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) for their outstanding work around improving their viral suppression rates. CQII is honored to present them with the 2021 Award for Measurable Improvements in HIV Care to Mitigate HIV Disparities.
SeMRHI is a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which provides integrated primary, HIV, and behavioral health care services for people with HIV in southern Mississippi. With 5 school-based health centers, they provide HIV education, prevention, and testing for youth. “What I’m most proud of are the patients,” said Tonya Green, the Director of Social Services and Ryan White Program Coordinator at SeMRHI’s Hattiesburg Family Health Center. “I’m really proud of their willingness to get into care and being proactive in their health care despite all of the stigma. We could not do what we do without these young patients being engaged, open-minded, and trustworthy of us in this journey they’re going through.”
SeMRHI participated in CQII’s past two collaboratives (end+disparities Collaborative and create+equity Collaborative) and used data-driven quality improvement techniques to identify youth who are not virally suppressed or have missed appointments. Medical case managers used a patient checklist to identify and address barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medical care adherence. ‘Health literacy illustration’ tools were used to visually help youth understand the effects of ART on viral suppression rates. SeMRHI’s goals of this intervention included to improve youth outreach, especially to those who were not virally suppressed; identify barriers to care and make appropriate referrals; increase health literacy; manage mental and substance use issues affecting youth; and ensure consistent follow-up on missed appointments.
This intervention was successful in improving viral suppression rates for youth, defined as ages 13 through 24. Over a 12-month period from July 2018 to June 2019, viral suppression rates for youth increased from 58% to 78%. The viral suppression rates for youth continue to be sustained at rates at or above 75%. As of April 2021, the current viral suppression rate for youth ages 13-24 was 77%. As a result of this intervention’s success, it has now been implemented for patients of all ages, not exclusively for youth patients.
This is not to say that SeMRHI did not face any challenges along the way. COVID-19 brought about unprecedented barriers to the work they do. “COVID-19 really mirrors HIV,” reflected Tonya. “The treatment and the guidelines were constantly changing, just like when HIV came out. The greatest challenge was having to wrap our head around what is COVID-19 and how we can educate our patients on ongoing safety measures.” Through the pandemic, SeMRHI succeeded in introducing a virtual consumer advisory board and through this, they were able to provide patients with peer support and education about COVID-19.
Some words of wisdom Tonya gives for other providers is to find your niche. “If you could do something for free for the rest of your life that makes you happy, that is your passion,” emphasized Tonya. “My passion is in HIV care, and I really love what I do.”
Contact
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI)
Tonya Green, Director of Social Services
Email: tgreen@semrhi.com
Phone: 601-582-2619
Thought you couldn’t afford health insurance? Now you
can. Most people qualify for financial help. Discover the
different plans available and enroll by Jan. 15 for coverage
starting Jan. 1! Call us today at 601.450.1142!
Due to the American Rescue Plan (“the new law”), millions more people qualify for low-cost, quality plans.
With financial help, 4 out of 5 customers can get a plan for under $10 a month. With the Marketplace now
open we are encouraging consumers to enroll in 2022 coverage to see if they qualify for financial help and to sign up for coverage.
Are you having trouble choosing a Medicare plan? Call us today at 601-544-4163 ext. 4 for a FREE Medicare Plan Consultation. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2021.
Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the U.S.? Each year, about 245,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in U.S. women.
Ladies, get your free clinical breast exam, October 18 – October 22, at one of our clinics in Hattiesburg, Beaumont, Brooklyn, Lumberton, Picayune, Seminary, or Sumrall. Follow-up appointments and referrals will be available. No appointment is necessary! For more information, call (601) 658-0058.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. receives national recognition for efforts to improve care for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) has received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Participant Award for outpatient practices implementing quality improvement measures addressing the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Every 80 seconds, an adult with diabetes in the U.S. is hospitalized for heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack. To earn the Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ award, organizations must commit to improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors by adopting clinical change and using evidence-based strategies and tools.
“Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) is dedicated to providing specialized care for patients with type 2 diabetes in managing their cardiovascular risk factors,” said Dr. Geroldean Dyse. “We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our execution of quality care through Target: Type 2 Diabetes. The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”
The Participant award recognizes practices that have completed data submission, including clinical measure entry, and committed to improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
“More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people living with type 2 diabetes,” said Gregg C. Fonarow, MD, FAHA, volunteer expert from the American Heart Association and chief of the UCLA Division of Cardiology, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, and co-director of UCLA’s Preventive Cardiology Program. “Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve the patient outcomes. We are pleased to recognize Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) for their commitment to quality care.”
Special thanks to BancorpSouth for your generous donation to Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI). We are truly appreciative. With your donation, we are able to expand our homeless voucher program by adding additional health services.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. earns national recognition for efforts to reduce the number of patients with uncontrolled blood pressure!
The American Heart Association and American Medical Association celebrate Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. for their commitment to prioritizing blood pressure control.
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for their commitment to helping improve blood pressure (BP) control rates among the patient populations they serve, earning Silver Level Recognition as part of the 2021 Target: BP™ Recognition Program.
- The Silver Award recognizes practices that have demonstrated a commitment to improving blood pressure control through measurement accuracy.
Hypertension (high BP) is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable death in the U.S. In addition, there are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with high BP and less than half of those people have their BP under control[1] – making both diagnosing and effectively managing hypertension critical. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that heart disease and stroke continue to kill more people in the U.S. than other causes.
“High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly,” said Dr. Geroldean Dyse. “Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today since heart disease and strokes continue to be a leading cause of death for Americans.”
Target: BP is a national collaboration between the AHA and the AMA aimed at reducing the number of Americans who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems, and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through the use of AMA MAP BP™ evidence-based protocols and recognizes Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. as being committed to improving blood pressure control.
The Target: BP Recognition Program celebrates physician practices and health systems, who treat patients with hypertension, for achieving BP control rates at or above 70 percent within the populations they serve. These achievements will ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of Americans who suffer heart attacks and strokes.
Learn more at TargetBP.org.
This week at Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI), we are offering free health check-ups in observation of National Health Center Week at our clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall. No appointment is necessary. Click on the link below to check out the news coverage about our National Health Center Week event with WDAM 7.
https://www.wdam.com/2021/08/11/semrhi-offering-free-health-screenings/
Monday, August 9 – Friday, August 13, Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) is offering free health check-ups in observation of National Health Center Week at our clinic locations in Beaumont, Brooklyn, Hattiesburg, Lumberton, New Augusta, Picayune, Seminary, and Sumrall. No appointment is necessary! For more information, call (601) 658-0058.
