1979 Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. was formally organized in May 1979 for the purpose of improving the health status of the residents of a predominantly rural area of southeast Mississippi.

1980 The organization began delivering primary care services in 1980 at its first clinic in the Town of Sumrall, serving the residents of Lamar and Covington Counties. Later that year, a second clinic was opened in the Town of New Augusta, serving the residents of Perry County, followed by a third clinic the next year in the Town of Seminary in Covington County.

1994 In October 1994, SeMRHI received approval for a major expansion of services to the City of Hattiesburg through Section 330, Community Health Center funds. A 6,700 sq. ft. building to house the Hattiesburg Family Health Center operation and the administrative staff of the organization was completed in May 1997.

1999 State funds were awarded in 1999 through the Mississippi Qualified Health Center Program and SeMRHI utilized the funds to subsidize the establishment of a dental clinic and a Social Services Department.

2000 The enhanced commitment to womens health services began in 1997 with the assumption of full prenatal and perinatal services. These programs quickly outgrew their wing of the Hattiesburg Family Health Center, and the Womens Health Center opened in October 2000, adjacent to the Hattiesburg Family Health Center.

2000 The Hattiesburg Community Dental Center opened for business in a modular facility configured specifically to house dental services in February 2000 and was located adjacent to the Hattiesburg Family Health Center at Old Airport Road. During the next seven years, many patients received quality dental services and plans were always in the making for a modern, state-of-the-art facility to house the dental clinic. The permanent facility became a reality in May 2007 when SeMRHI announced the opening of a cutting edge facility that boasts 6 operators, digital x-ray, and new furnishings throughout.

2001 Hattiesburg Family Health Center/Downtown was opened during the summer of 2001. This Center services the PACE Head Start Program and the general public and offers all the services provided by the existing Community Health Centers under the umbrella of Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. The Center is located adjacent to the PACE Offices at 100 West Front Street.

2003 In 2003, SeMRHI began negotiations with the Hattiesburg Public Schools to implement a healthcare program geared toward well-student assessments. Screening students regularly and treating health or dental problems at the onset would greatly improve the overall health of students and provide for less absenteeism in the school system. In August 2004, the Hattiesburg Public School and Community Clinic was opened and has been very successful. Located on the campus of the Lillie Burney Elementary School, the clinic serves the entire school district as well as the community.

2004 In late 2004, SeMRHI was able to implement the same programs with the Forrest County School System and the Perry County School District by having a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse go to South Forrest Attendance Center, Earl Travillion Attendance Center, Beaumont Elementary, and New Augusta Elementary and assess the students at the schools.

2004 The Pharmacy Assistance Center, in a joint partnership with Forrest General Hospital, opened an in-house 340b pharmacy in September 2004. The PAC offers medication to patients of SeMRHI at reduced prices.

2005 The Hattiesburg High School Campus Clinic opened in November 2005 in a classroom. A modular building was placed on the campus at 605 Stadium Drive the latter part of 2006 and services are now offered from that facility for the community.

2014 In September 2014, SeMRHI was awarded expanded services funds to provide vision services provided by an optometrist and her assistant and a nurse practitioner and nurse to conduct well child exams in the schools. The funds also will assist patients in purchasing glasses, and referrals to an Ophthalmologist.

2015 N.R. Burger opened in February 2015 without additional funds but in a partnership with the Hattiesburg Public School District. This clinic is to serve the approximately 650 students and facility of N R Burger Middle school and provide healthcare for the local community.

2016 With all the achievements of the clinics as noted in this narrative, SeMRHI now boasts a total of 17 community health centers that serve the Pine belt area and the surrounding communities, providing access to much needed health care. An additional 22 school clinics are also listed in SeMRHIs scope of services.

2018 March 2018, SeMRHI constructed a new support services center in Hattiesburg housing our Vision, Nutrition, and Behavioral Health services and including a new and improved Pharmacy with a drive-thru. Also, a new location was approved for the Minor Care Clinic.

World Social Work Day is celebrated each 3rd Tuesday in March to highlight social workers hard work and diligence. Thank you, social workers, for the quality care you provide to our patients in Southeast Mississippi!

Dental Assistants Week recognizes the important and personal role dental assistants play in the health and happiness of their patients and the entire dental team. Thank you, dental assistants, for the quality dental care you provide to our patients in Southeast Mississippi!

Hattiesburg, MS (January 17, 2022) Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) announces the passing of their illustrious leader, Dr. Geroldean Dyse. Dr. Dyse passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022.

Dr. Dyse began her 41-year career with SeMRHI as an LPN/Health Educator. She moved into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 1988 and was later appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2011. Serving on several local and state boards and committees, Dr. Dyse remained an active member of the Mississippi and American Nurses Associations. Her tenure as CEO led to the creation of a number of clinics, offices, and programs to aid in the accessibility of medical services in the areas SeMRHI serves.

CQII congratulates Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) for their outstanding work around improving their viral suppression rates. CQII is honored to present them with the 2021 Award for Measurable Improvements in HIV Care to Mitigate HIV Disparities.

SeMRHI is a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which provides integrated primary, HIV, and behavioral health care services for people with HIV in southern Mississippi. With 5 school-based health centers, they provide HIV education, prevention, and testing for youth. What Im most proud of are the patients, said Tonya Green, the Director of Social Services and Ryan White Program Coordinator at SeMRHIs Hattiesburg Family Health Center. Im really proud of their willingness to get into care and being proactive in their health care despite all of the stigma. We could not do what we do without these young patients being engaged, open-minded, and trustworthy of us in this journey theyre going through.

This intervention was successful in improving viral suppression rates for youth, defined as ages 13 through 24. Over a 12-month period from July 2018 to June 2019, viral suppression rates for youth increased from 58% to 78%. The viral suppression rates for youth continue to be sustained at rates at or above 75%. As of April 2021, the current viral suppression rate for youth ages 13-24 was 77%. As a result of this interventions success, it has now been implemented for patients of all ages, not exclusively for youth patients.

This is not to say that SeMRHI did not face any challenges along the way. COVID-19 brought about unprecedented barriers to the work they do. COVID-19 really mirrors HIV, reflected Tonya. The treatment and the guidelines were constantly changing, just like when HIV came out. The greatest challenge was having to wrap our head around what is COVID-19 and how we can educate our patients on ongoing safety measures. Through the pandemic, SeMRHI succeeded in introducing a virtual consumer advisory board and through this, they were able to provide patients with peer support and education about COVID-19.

Some words of wisdom Tonya gives for other providers is to find your niche. If you could do something for free for the rest of your life that makes you happy, that is your passion, emphasized Tonya. My passion is in HIV care, and I really love what I do.

Thought you couldnt afford health insurance? Now you can. Most people qualify for financial help. Discover the different plans available and enroll by Jan. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1! Call us today at 601.450.1142!

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI)has received the American Heart Associations Target: Type 2 Diabetes Participant Award for outpatient practices implementing quality improvement measures addressing the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Every 80 seconds, an adult with diabetes in the U.S. is hospitalized for heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack. To earn the Target: Type 2 Diabetes award, organizations must commit to improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors by adopting clinical change and using evidence-based strategies and tools.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) is dedicated to providing specialized care for patients with type 2 diabetes in managing their cardiovascular risk factors, said Dr. Geroldean Dyse. We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our execution of quality care through Target: Type 2 Diabetes. The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.

The Participant award recognizes practices that have completed data submission, including clinical measure entry, and committed to improving the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.

More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people living with type 2 diabetes, said Gregg C. Fonarow, MD, FAHA, volunteer expert from the American Heart Association and chief of the UCLA Division of Cardiology, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, and co-director of UCLAs Preventive Cardiology Program. Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve the patient outcomes. We are pleased to recognize Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) for their commitment to quality care.

Special thanks to BancorpSouth for your generous donation to Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI). We are truly appreciative. With your donation, we are able to expand our homeless voucher program by adding additional health services.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for their commitment to helping improve blood pressure (BP) control rates among the patient populations they serve, earning Silver Level Recognition as part of the 2021 Target: BP Recognition Program.

Hypertension (high BP) is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable deathin the U.S. In addition, there are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with high BP and less than half of those people have their BP under control[1] making both diagnosing and effectively managing hypertension critical. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that heart disease and stroke continue to kill more people in the U.S. than other causes.

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly, said Dr. Geroldean Dyse. Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health and critical today since heart disease and strokes continue to be a leading cause of death for Americans.

Target: BP is a national collaboration between the AHA and the AMA aimed at reducing the number of Americans who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems, and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through the use of AMA MAP BP evidence-based protocols and recognizes Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. as being committed to improving blood pressure control.

The Target: BP Recognition Program celebrates physician practices and health systems, who treat patients with hypertension, for achieving BP control rates at or above 70 percent within the populations they serve. These achievements will ultimately lead to a reduction in the number of Americans who suffer heart attacks and strokes.

Join us on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 6 pm for a virtual presentation of our 41st Anniversary Gala. A celebration of Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative Inc. (SeMRHI), providing affordable, quality health care services each year to thousands of individuals for forty-one years!

The gala is an opportunity for you to help us continue our mission of ensuring that ALL people, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, have access to healthcare when they need it. Proceeds from the gala will be used to cover the cost of office visits, medications, lab work, and procedures at our facilities for our patients.

SeMRHI has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Program. Locations include Beaumont Family Health Center, Brooklyn Family Health Center, Hattiesburg Family Health Center, Hattiesburg High School & Community Clinic, Hattiesburg Public School & Community Clinic, Lumberton Family Health Center, New Augusta Family Health Center, Picayune Family Health Center, Seminary Family Health Center, Sumrall Family Health Center, and Womens Health Center.

March 7 -13, 2021 is nationally recognized as Dental Assistants Recognition Week, a week of recognition that gives people an opportunity to say thank you to those who work hard in providing dental healthcare.

The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association recognizes practices across the country for their commitment to promoting and achieving better blood pressure control to reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes.

Each year the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi (CHCAMS) recognizes employees for their outstanding work as an ambassador of community health centers in Mississippi. Their dedication helps fulfill the mission and purpose of providing quality comprehensive healthcare.

This year, CHCAMS announced our CEO, Dr. Geroldean Dyse, as being the recipient of the Executive Director of the Year Award. Dr. Dyse, we applaud you, celebrate you, and thank you for a job well done!

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) is dedicated to keeping our patients and communities safe. As a network of seventeen community health centers, located in Hattiesburg, Seminary, Sumrall, Lumberton, Beaumont, New Augusta, Brooklyn, Picayune, and Petal, we are uniquely positioned to respond to health crises such as the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are actively taking steps to protect our patients as we monitor the spread of the Coronavirus. For questions, please 601-658-0058 or email communityhealth@semrhi.com.

COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus that causes flu-like illness ranging from mild to severe, with symptoms of fever, coughing, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) are working to detect, contain, and limit the spread of cases in the U.S. and Mississippi. MSDH is actively preparing doctors and hospitals on how to respond safely and effectively to COVID-19 in Mississippi.

Like the flu, COVID-19 is thought to be spread person-to-person by close contact (within 6 feet) and by coughing or sneezing. Other possible routes of transmission, such as touching surfaces contaminated by the virus, are also being investigated.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SeMRHI) Is Now Providing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Screenings at 8 Clinic Locations: Hattiesburg, New Augusta, Beaumont, Seminary, Sumrall, Lumberton, Brooklyn, and Picayune.

Forrest, Perry, Covington, Lamar, and Pearl River Counties, Miss. (March 25, 2020) Effective immediately Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. has begun screening patients for COVID-19 at multiple clinic locations.

Minor Care Clinic is the only SeMRHI clinic providing COVID-19 screenings currently in Hattiesburg. There are several additional testing locations for patients who live in cities outside of Hattiesburg. Below is a comprehensive list of all SeMRHI testing locations with clinic names, hours of operation, phone numbers, and addresses.

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. is an equal opportunity service provider. This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n). 2022 Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. All rights reserved.