MSDH Names New State Health Planning and Research Director

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has appointed Dr. Kina White Director of the Office of State Health Planning and Research (OSHR). Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH Executive Director and State Health Officer, created OSHR to fulfill his vision of reimagining the state’s Comprehensive Health Plan to build a roadmap for Mississippi’s health. Housed in the Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies, OSHR will use population health metrics to inform Mississippians of where we are and where we need to go.

"The plan will include a true healthcare needs assessment to better inform our state of how we need to distribute healthcare personnel and assets," said Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Director of the Center. "In accomplishing this bold goal, the Office required someone with vision and passion for the work. We are pleased Dr. White will lead this innovative effort to shape the strategic direction of state health planning, policy development and research initiatives for the Center."

White, who began her career as a post-graduate health administration fellow at Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, has served more than 20 years in healthcare leadership and research practices. With a passion to improve community and population health outcomes across the lifespan for underrepresented populations, she enjoys being a part of the team that moves Mississippi from the bottom of healthcare rankings.

"I am honored to take on this role and contribute to a healthier future for Mississippi," said White. "By leveraging population health metrics and conducting a comprehensive healthcare needs assessment, we can gain deeper insights into our state's challenges and opportunities. This data-driven approach will allow us to target resources effectively, drive meaningful improvements and ensure that every community gets the support it needs to thrive."

White holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Doctor of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Jackson State University. She also completed a two-year NIH-R25 Clinical and Community-Based HIV/AIDS Research Training fellowship at Brown University, is an alumnus of the Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi program and is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business at Belhaven University.