Greenwood

Researchers are evaluating ways to improve the health and nutrition of adults in Mississippi who face different health challenges. This project, called Fostering Community Solutions FOCUS by the Mississippi Community Engagement Alliance MS CEAL, aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and support nutrition security through community strategies. The study will also look at how nutrition education impacts peoples dietary habits and health measures like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. The study enrolls 400 adults across four locations for a 12-month period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive bi-weekly food boxes plus nutrition education classes led by a Registered Dietician, while the other group will receive only the bi-weekly food boxes without classes. The intervention lasts 6 months, followed by in-person follow-ups at 9 and 12 months. Those in the food box only group can join the nutrition education after the main intervention. Participants will be involved in receiving food boxes and attending nutrition classes if assigned. Researchers will monitor fruit and vegetable intake, knowledge and perceptions about diet, and clinical health outcomes from baseline through 6 months after intervention completion. They will also track recruitment, retention, training of community nutrition liaisons, and outreach efforts. The total study participation spans one year with scheduled follow-ups to support lasting nutrition improvements.

Researchers are evaluating VasQ, an external support implant designed for arteriovenous fistulas created for dialysis access in patients with end stage renal disease. This postmarket surveillance trial is prospective, multi-center, randomized, and controlled, enrolling 300 patients to compare the performance of VasQ-supported fistulas with standard care fistulas. The main question is how VasQ affects the time to achieve a clinically functional fistula compared to standard care. Participants are assigned to one of two groups those receiving an end to side fistula supported by VasQ, and those receiving a standard end to side fistula without VasQ. The primary outcome is measured at 6 months after the fistula creation procedure, with further follow-up extending to 12 months post procedure. This design allows researchers to monitor the durability and function of the fistulas over time. During the study, participants will attend follow-up visits over a 12-month period to assess fistula function and overall outcomes. Evaluations include clinical assessments of the fistulas performance to determine its functional success. The study collects data to understand the benefits and any limitations of using VasQ in arteriovenous fistula creation, supporting safety and efficacy monitoring in a real-world setting.

Researchers are evaluating whether the Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening QUILS2 System state-based initiative SBI can improve the capacity for lung cancer screening implementation and sustainability in Mississippi and Nevada. This initiative aims to reduce lung cancer-related deaths in underserved communities by replicating successful intervention strategies previously used in Kentucky, which increased screening rates and reduced late-stage lung cancer diagnoses. Participants will carry out the QUILS2 SBI intervention over a period of four years. The intervention includes hiring and establishing connections with relevant groups, working with the Mississippi Lung Cancer Roundtable MSLCRT and Nevada Lung Cancer Coalition NLCC, attending annual and feedback meetings, prioritizing objectives, receiving coaching and technical assistance, and engaging in sustainability planning. Throughout the study, participants will be involved in various implementation activities and assessments related to lung cancer screening. Researchers will measure changes in statewide capacity for lung cancer screening implementation and sustainability over up to three years. The study spans from March 2026 to July 2029, with ongoing support and evaluation throughout the intervention period.