The Mississippi Chronic Illness Coalition was formed in 1996 to improve the long-term health of all Mississippians and help reduce the impact of chronic health conditions affecting the state.
The MCIC has a statewide membership of over 200 individuals representing 120 organizations. The focus of the coalition's activities is expanding from diabetes to cardiovascular disease and other major health concerns. MCIC is raising awareness of these issues with the Know Your Numbers campaign.
Chronic Illnesses in Mississippi
Mississippi suffers disproportionately from chronic illnesses, and has some of the highest rates of chronic diseases in the nation. Among others, we are addressing:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Kidney Disease
Risk Factors for Chronic Disease
- Smoking: Smoking is the single most important modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High blood pressure also puts Mississippians at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
- High Blood Cholesterol: High cholesterol, especially when combined with hypertension, greatly increases the chances for a heart attack or stroke.
- Lack of Regular Physical Activity: Mississippi adults and youth fall well below recommended levels of daily physical activity, and Mississippi children are more sedentary and engage in more screen time than the national average.
- Overweight/Obesity: Mississippi ranked number one — the highest in the nation — in obesity in 2012.
- Preventive Health: Mississippi suffers from strong disparities in health care and preventive health services which could reduce the impact of chronic illnesses, improve lives, and reduce lifetime health-related costs.
MCIC Chronicles
MCIC Chronicles is the MCIC's newsletter, published periodically each year.
