Progressive women's group builds capacity to increase awareness and advocate for improved healthcare in Mississippi for all

Mississippi received a grade "F' in health. Per 2012 vital teen statistics, Mississippi ranks second to highest in teenage births (average rate 51) and pregnancy (27) and has the highest infant mortality rate (8.8). We ranked (Mississippi State Department of Health, 2012) 49th for obesity prevalence, cardiovascular disease mortality, and diabetes prevalence rates. Cancers account for the majority of potential life lost before the age of 75 years above heart disease. The 2011 AIDS rate (13.4) was higher than the national (10.3). The federal government poured $145,563,672 into the Mississippi State Department of Health (2013). Maternal and child health received $137,449,839; disease prevention $58,920,619; and chronic illness $6,345,113. Our total population was 2,984,926 (2012) with the highest poverty rate at 20% and near highest unemployment rate. Mississippi has the highest percentage of resident African Americans (37%) in the United States with the Delta at 85%. It had been estimated (2011) that 511,758 uninsured would be eligible for Affordable Care insurance and 370,297 expanded Medicaid eligible based on the Census and Federal Poverty Level income brackets. Mediacaid expansion was predicted to generate at least $14,000,000,000 in 'new economic activity,' create nearly 20,000 new jobs, and increase net local and state tax revenues by $848,000,000. Yet, our state has chosen not to expand Medicaid and has attempted to discourage eligible residents from applying for the Affordable Care insurance. The Women for Progress organization is utilizing a multi-prong approach to increasing awareness and advocating for improved health care through increase to access.