Dr. Sandra Carr Melvin is a distinguished epidemiologist, public-health leader, and community advocate committed to advancing health equity in Mississippi and beyond. After more than two decades of work in public health, Dr. Melvin founded the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health (IAMH) in 2019, creating a dedicated organization focused on designing and implementing community-driven, evidence-based interventions that uplift underserved populations. 

Under her leadership, IAMH has leveraged millions in federal, state, and foundation funding to support health education, outreach, clinical services, and prevention programs across the state. Her work emphasizes placing the community voice at the center of decision-making and ensuring that equity is embedded in every phase of public-health strategy. 

Dr. Melvin’s leadership has earned her respect across Mississippi’s health, academic, and civil society sectors. Her vision continues to drive forward a future where every Mississippian has access to dignified, equitable health care and where structural barriers to wellness are systematically addressed.