The Answers are in the Community

Creating Change from the Ground Up: Darryl Jefferson’s Mission for Health Equity in Jackson, Mississippi

There’s a special kind of connection when you work to improve the health and well-being of the very community you call home. Darryl Jefferson embodies this deep-rooted commitment to change as he pours his passion into transforming the health landscape of Jackson, Mississippi. With his roles as the Director of the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program for the Mississippi State Department of Health, founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation, and leader of his own business, Darryl brings unmatched knowledge, dedication, and a fierce commitment to health equity to everything he does.

In this inspiring conversation, Darryl opens up about his unwavering belief in the power of community-driven solutions. He shares how, rather than imposing top-down strategies, it’s essential to learn from communities and respect the wisdom of the people who live there. By centering the voices of those who are most affected, Darryl is helping to create sustainable, impactful change that truly meets the needs of his community.

Listen as Darryl discusses how bringing people together—listening to their insights and valuing their lived experiences—is key to building effective solutions for health disparities and fostering long-term equity in care.

This work is a part of National Patient Advocate Foundation's Shared Decision-Making at Critical Points in a Long Illness Journey, a project made possible in part by support from the Danaher Foundation.