Jeffrey Barber, NMHS president and chief executive officer, joined MSU President Malcolm Portera in August to announce a partnership with the university's Social Science Research Center.

The center recently formed the Rural Health, Safety, and Security Institute to focus on quality of life and human risk factors associated with rural America. In partnership with NMHS, it will develop research projects that evaluate the ways in which behaviors, culture, and social factors affect health in Mississippi and other Southern states.

NMHS has been actively involved in clinical research for many years. The new collaboration with Mississippi State will seek funding from private and federal grants.

"Our center has a long and successful record of securing research funding to address issues in Mississippi ranging from driving-under-the-influence to substance abuse treatments available," said SSRC director Art Cosby.

Studies being considered under the new NMHS/MSU collaboration include:

• A regional health assessment of those residing in NMHS' 22-county service area to provide a comprehensive picture of the region's community health beliefs, behaviors, and practices.
• A two-year study of the cognitive effects of chemotherapy in women treated for breast cancer.
• A study to assess patients' drug knowledge and understanding based on information provided in television and magazine advertising.
• An evaluation of the region's end-of-life awareness. The project is tied to a four-part public television special by journalist Bill Moyers that aired in September and is assessing end-of-life awareness before and after the series.