Christy Hilly, left, has her blood sugar checked by Melanie Jones-Anderson and receives counseling from Linda Hodges. Jones-Anderson and Hodges are members of the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses Association, District V, which has joined Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi in a statewide effort to decrease health disparities among African Americans in the state.

    An affiliate membership of a Mississippi nurses’ association is joining a statewide effort to make a measurable impact in decreasing health disparities among African Americans in Mississippi.

    The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM), District V – which includes Lauderdale, Wayne and Newton counties – will assist in facilitating a statewide initiative through Prevention Early detection, Advocacy, Referral and Living healthy (PEARL).

    “In February, the membership of our statewide organization was surveyed to identify the top four serious health issues that affect African Americans,” said Betty Young-Cryer, a Meridian registered nurse who serves as president of EPRNM’s District V.

    The survey identified four areas of priorities:

    • Obesity

    • Diabetes

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Stroke

    On. Nov. 6, EPRNM will kick off its PEARL Initiative by offering health promotion programs, educating at the primary care level, facilitating physical exams and providing health screenings. District V will sponsor a health fair at the East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) auditorium that will include free health screenings for cholesterol and diabetes, as well as mini-educational sessions and counseling on diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

    “Interdisciplinary professionals – physicians, nurse practitioners, social works and registered dietitians – will be on site to discuss these health issues,” Young-Cryer said.

    Studies have revealed that African Americans often do not go to the doctor until faced with a serious health problem.

    “Some of them are intimidated by certain doctor offices and feel they are being put through the system like a number,” she said. “A lot of minorities don’t seek medical attention until they experience severe symptomatology – such as blackouts or chest pains – and by then the disease has reached its advanced stage.”

     Through the statewide health disparities initiative, Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi’s primary aim is early detection and advocacy for healthy lifestyle behaviors.

    “In addition to the screenings and education, we will provide referral to primary care providers and local community health centers,” Young-Cryer said.

    Partnering with District V in their efforts are the Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition of Lauderdale and Newton County, Avery Dennison Inc., New Beginnings, Missionary Baptist Church, Lauderdale County Health Department and District 16th Mississippi Nursing Association.

    Refreshments and door prizes will be available.

Want to go?

What: PEARL Project Health Fair

When: Nov. 6, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) auditorium, 2128 Highway 39 North

Cost: Free

Information: (601) 681-8469 or (601) 482-3729