Jazmin Adjei Advances Maternal Health Equity Across Mississippi Through Community-Based Public Health Practice

As a Fall 2023 Pathways to Practice Scholar, Jazmin Adjei brought both professional focus and lived commitment to her internship with the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI), supporting the work of the Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MSPQC). A DrPH candidate at Jackson State University, Jazmin applied her growing expertise in maternal and child health to address one of Mississippi’s most urgent public health issues—improving care for mothers and infants in a state with some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the nation.

Her internship focused on supporting MPQC’s Patient and Family Engagement Program, analyzing perinatal data, and strengthening collaboration with local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). She also helped facilitate community-focused webinars, designed culturally relevant outreach materials, and contributed to strategic planning across MPQC initiatives.

“This opportunity has not only equipped me with valuable practical skills but has also deepened my understanding of the complexities and racial disparities in perinatal health,” Jazmin shared. “Issues like limited prenatal access and socioeconomic barriers were no longer theoretical—they were real, lived challenges I was working to help address.”

Jazmin’s data-driven recommendations focused on three priorities: expanding access to prenatal care in underserved areas, fostering culturally responsive education programs, and empowering policymakers with localized, actionable data. Her work demonstrated how research can move beyond the academic and into policy and practice.

Monica Stinson, MS, CHES, Program Manager with the MSPHI, praised Jazmin’s performance and future impact:

“Jazmin’s presence and dedication were truly remarkable. She added significant value to our teamwork… and I strongly believe she will make a significant impact in the public health world and workforce.”

Reflecting on the experience, Jazmin noted how deeply it shaped her career vision:

“This field placement has reinforced my commitment to maternal and child health. I now feel more prepared—and more determined—to pursue public health solutions that directly serve the communities most in need.”

Jazmin completed her internship not only with a stronger public health skill set but also with a clearer sense of purpose: to continue working at the intersection of equity, data, and lived experience to improve health outcomes for women, infants, and families in Mississippi and beyond.