1998: Pioneering Jackson Heart Study features cast of thousands

Published on Monday, September 30, 2024

By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu

During its 69-year history, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has made contributions to the state, and the world, in medicine, science and education. Each month, we’ll recognize at least one of these major accomplishments.

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Combining the resources of UMMC, Jackson State University and Tougaloo College, the landmark Jackson Heart Study was launched as the largest single-site, community-based investigation ever undertaken of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Black population. The ongoing study involves more than 5,000 Black men and women in the Jackson area and receives research support from the Mayo Clinic. With more than $54.3 million in funding from the National Institute of Health’s Office of Research on Minority Health and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the JHS also educates the community about healthy lifestyles, conducts research training programs and provides high school science and math enrichment programs meant to foster an interest in biomedical careers among minority students.