A Collaborative Center for Community Health Research
The Forge AHEAD Center is a regional research center focused on improving the prevention and management of cardiometabolic conditions—including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—that impact many individuals across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Through collaborative research and strong community partnerships, we work to support healthier outcomes and expand access to evidence-based health solutions.
Funded by a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Forge AHEAD Center is a part of the Health Equity Action Network.

Institutional Partners Advancing Community Health Research
Forge AHEAD Center is a partnership between institutions working together to develop the best approaches to research, education, and community engagement.
Our Vision for a Healthier Future
The vision of the Forge AHEAD Center is to improve health outcomes related to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension across the South through collaborative research, training, outreach, and education. We pursue this vision by building strong partnerships with academic institutions, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to expand access to effective, evidence-informed health strategies.
Guiding Principles for Improving Health Outcomes
Teamwork
Belonging, Access, and Collaboration
EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Transparency
Innovation
Advancing Better Health for All Through Data, Partnership, and Local Solutions
The Forge AHEAD Center is committed to addressing urgent health challenges affecting communities across our region. Cardiometabolic conditions—including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—continue to impact individuals at high rates, particularly in the Deep South. This region experiences some of the highest prevalence of these conditions in the United States, along with lower average life expectancy.
These health challenges are especially pronounced among individuals living in under-resourced areas and among Black Americans in the region. Through research, partnerships, and community engagement, our goal is to support meaningful improvements in health outcomes and expand access to effective prevention and care strategies. This will require a precision public health approach, best viewed as “providing the right intervention to the right population at the right time.” This approach acknowledges the importance of context, culture, individual beliefs, and preferences, and emphasizes the needs for intervention on multiple levels addressing several areas of health and wellness.
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People & Partners
Work With Us to Improve Health Outcomes
Contact us today to learn more about the Forge AHEAD Center, our research, and how to partner with us.
Cite Forge AHEAD's Grant
Forge AHEAD Center is a regional comprehensive research center funded by a P50 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). Click below for citation information.