JHCHC launches foundation to improve delivery of healthcare
By Alisha Reese, CMT
JA Health Editor
For more than 55 years, the Central Mississippi Civic Improvement Association (CMCIA), doing business as Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center (JHCHC) and Alexander Waites, has served as a cornerstone of healthcare throughout Central Mississippi. Now, the organization is taking another step toward strengthening that legacy with the launch of the Mississippi Civic Improvement Foundation (MCIF), its official nonprofit fundraising arm.
Leading the foundation is Kimberly Lott, director of the MCIF, who announced the launch of the 100 Champions for Community Health campaign – an initiative inviting 100 individuals to give $100 to help build a stronger, healthier future. Lott encourages community members and local businesses to partner with the foundation to sustain healthcare services for generations to come. “Our goal is to continue providing the quality care we’ve delivered for more than 55 years,” Lott said. “We’re inviting our community to become champions for community health.”
Each year, JHCHC serves more than 50,000 residents across Copiah, Hinds, Rankin, and Warren counties, continuing a mission established more than five decades ago: ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
During a recent interview, Dr. Jasmin Chapman, CEO of JHCHC, explained that healthcare needs continue to grow across Mississippi. Providers are seeing younger patients diagnosed with serious illnesses, increasing rates of chronic disease, and more individuals in need of preventive care and rehabilitation services. At the same time, many patients struggle with limited insurance coverage or no insurance at all. Dr. Chapman also highlighted the organization’s commitment to school-based healthcare. The organization assumed responsibility for school-based health centers throughout their service areas.
“We have a greater need,” Dr. Chapman said, noting that many patients rely on Medicaid or are uninsured, creating additional challenges in meeting the growing demand for care.
The MCIF was established to help meet those needs by giving donors an opportunity to support specific patient-centered programs. Rather than funding general operations, contributions may be directed toward initiatives that have an immediate impact on community health.
Among the foundation’s priorities are:
Establishing a new clinic for the Ethel James Ivory Homeless Clinic
Expanding access to life-saving mammography services
Enhancing mobile medical and dental care for underserved communities
Supporting pharmacy services and medication assistance
Sustaining essential patient support services that remove barriers to care.
Dr. Chapman also emphasized the organization’s growing focus on prevention through nutrition education, weight management, and diabetes prevention. She pointed out that “food is medicine,” offering programs designed to help patients improve their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease before more intensive medical intervention becomes necessary.
The foundation also supports the 50-unit HUD-subsidized Alexander Waites elderly housing community, helping provide safe, stable housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
As healthcare needs continue to rise, leaders hope the foundation will create new opportunities for philanthropy while ensuring more Mississippians receive the care they need. “Your investment is more than a donation,” the foundation states. “It is a commitment to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more equitable future.”
Partnership opportunities: If your business, organization, or family foundation would like to learn more about becoming a partner or to schedule a meeting with an executive leadership team member to discuss making a lasting impact, please contact (601) 364-5142 or email jchapman@jhchc.org. Contributions may be made payable to the Mississippi Civic Improvement Foundation or mailed to PO Box 3437, Jackson, MS 39207-3437.
