Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
Mississippi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System - In response to Notice of Funding Opportunity CDC-RFA-DP-24-0023, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): Impact on Population Health, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is applying to continue its participation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s BRFSS project. The Mississippi BRFSS Program will be housed in the MSDH Office of Vital Records and Public Health Statistics, which is directed by Judy Moulder, MHS. Ms. Moulder will also serve as the program’s Principal Investigator (PI). The purpose of the Mississippi BRFSS Program is to collect and analyze surveillance data using a sample of landline and cell telephone numbers, monitor the prevalence of health risk behaviors that are associated with chronic health problems, preventable injuries, and other emerging health threats, as well as to highlight disparities in underrepresented groups. For the funding period August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2029, the Mississippi BRFSS Program has identified four short-term outcomes, three intermediate-term outcomes, and two long-term outcomes. Short-term outcomes include the following: (1) MSDH will allow more timely access to BRFSS data for local areas; (2) MSDH will increase monitoring of health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services; (3) MSDH will increase knowledge and awareness of BRFSS data among underrepresented communities; and (4) MSDH will expand communication and marketing campaigns among underrepresented communities related to accessing the data. Intermediate outcomes include the following: (1) MSDH will improve use of BRFSS data to guide public health actions and policies that promote healthy lifestyles among all population groups; (2) MSDH will allow greater sharing and use of data among partners who promote health equity within underrepresented communities; and (3) MSDH will improve sharing and use of BRFSS data among traditional advocates. The long-term outcomes are to (1) enhance health-focused policies at local, state, and federal levels, with special attention towards underrepresented communities and (2) enhanced policies at local, state, and federal levels aim to boost health outcomes. The Mississippi BRFSS Program will meet annually with its current internal and external partners and will continue efforts to forge new partnerships with community-level organizations, especially those already partnered with underrepresented groups. The MS BRFSS team boasts several years of successful experience with surveillance studies, including effectively gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and using evidence-based strategies to inform public policy decisions.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).