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Community Health Department

The Community Health staff communicates the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Community Health Department also focuses on educating children to establish good health habits before adulthood. By working together with area residents, industries and schools, NMMC is helping improve the health of the communities we serve so that citizens can live longer, happier, more productive lives.

NMMC Community Health Department provides:


Health Fairs & Screenings


Health fairs provide participants with low-cost, convenient access to health screenings and information. The department also provides learning opportunities regarding the importance of detecting problems early and how to alter one's lifestyle for improved health and wellness.

In addition to health fairs, other screenings- including those for blood glucose, cholesterol and prostate specific antigen (PSA)-are available periodically for a small fee, as are low-cost immunizations.

Free screenings include:

  • Blood Pressure
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Bone Density
  • Glaucoma
  • Hearing
  • Stroke
  • Fingerstick Blood Sugar
  • Breast Health Information

 

Health Education Seminars & Programs


Education about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and lifestyle changes helps promote early detection and improves survival rates. Participants learn how to reduce their risk by reviewing lifestyle and environmental factors. Early detection techniques and signals are reviewed, as is information about how to manage certain diseases. Ongoing health education programs include:


Church Health Ministry

The Church Health Ministry, provided free of charge to area churches, is a program designed to identify registered nurses employed by NMMC to act as a health resource person for their church. Nurses survey church members to find areas of interest or need and then serve as the contact person for members of their congregation who need health information. The Community Health Department provides assistance with materials, speakers, etc.

Parent/Adolescent Workshops

Parent/adolescent workshops are available annually for girls ages 9-11. Speakers address the biological changes occurring during puberty. Children are encouraged to develop strong character, enabling them to deal with sexual pressure.

School Health Center Program

School Health Centers in both elementary and middle schools offer on-site care, health education, referrals and follow-up. Staffed by a registered nurse, each School Health Center focuses on education and prevention, rather than treatment.

School Health Centers in both elementary and middle schools offer on-site care, health education, referrals and follow-up. Staffed by a registered nurse, each School Health Center focuses on education and prevention, rather than treatment. When problems or diseases are detected, the nurse refers the student to an appropriate resource. School health nurses work closely with school faculty, incorporating the teaching phase of this program into the classroom setting. Nurses also work with children on an individual basis as needed. Goals of the school health center program are to:

  • Increase immunization rates
  • Reduce poor hygiene related illnesses
  • Reduce the number of accidents at school and at home
  • Reduce absenteeism and tardiness
  • Reduce childhood obesity

Certified Health Educator Program

The Certified Health Educator Program supports a curriculum addressing topics ranging from self-esteem building to the development of good decision-making skills. Students learn about good health habits and practices through a series of activities that are educational and entertaining.
Educators meet weekly with students in grades one through five and monthly with kindergarten students.

Goals of the Certified Health Educator Program include:

  • Changing the health outcomes of children through education
  • Improving decision-making skills
  • Improving eating and exercise habits

Safe Sitter

North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and West Point offer Safe Sitter®, a medically-accurate babysitting training program designed for adolescents 11 years and older.


During the course, instructors give students hands-on practice in life-saving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. Instructors also provide tips to make sitters more confident caregivers. They teach safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door, when and how to call for help, give information on child development and suggest age-appropriate activities.

Developed by Dr. Patricia A. Keener, the Safe Sitter® program has been recognized nationally by the American Academy of Pediatrics for educational excellence. Dr. Keener continues to play an active role in the organization and works with staff to update the curriculum regularly.

For class dates and fee information, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Smoking Cessation Classes

Individuals who want to quit using tobacco products are invited to find out how with a free program presented by the ACT (A Comprehensive Tobacco) Center and taught by North Mississippi Medical Center.
The seven-week program and nicotine patches are free for registered participants. For more information on class dates and times, call Beth Davis at (662) 377-5787 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Speakers Bureau

Through its Speakers Bureau, the NMMC Community Health Department provides valuable information to area residents on making positive lifestyle choices that will help them maintain and/or improve their health. Speakers include physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, and programs can be tailored to meet the needs of any organization or group. Members of the NMMC Speakers Bureau are knowledgeable in a wide range of health- related topics including:

  • Cancer prevention
  • Heart education
  • Life issues
  • Infection control
  • Lung disease
  • Diabetes education
  • Children and wellness
  • Elderly and wellness
  • Managed care
  • Health care careers