Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fifth and Sixth Cohort of Scholars Focused on Advancing Cardiometabolic Health

The Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) is pleased to introduce the recipients of its pilot funding for the fifth and sixth cohorts – early-stage investigators dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions that address cardiometabolic health challenges and differences in health outcomes across the Deep South.

These scholars are translating research into action to improve access to care and health outcomes for communities with limited healthcare resources. Join us to become part of a vibrant community not only focused on providing funding but dedicated to making a real difference together.

Fifth Cohort Scholars

Seven outstanding early-stage investigators were selected for innovative projects targeting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and related conditions.

Keri Barron, Ph.D., MSN, BSN

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Project: Evaluating the Utilization of the Heart Truth Program® among Young Black Women in the Deep South

Focus: This project evaluates the reach and outcomes of a national educational campaign addressing cardiovascular health awareness and prevention for young Black women, tailoring efforts to meet the unique health needs of the region.

Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Pilot Testing of a Primary Care-Based Dyadic Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention: “Heart Care Pairs”

Focus: Pilots an innovative dyadic intervention that engages primary care patients and their care partners, “Heart Care Pairs”, in shared health behaviors to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve long-term outcomes.

Deborah Ejem, Ph.D., RN

Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Enhancing Patient-Centered Care for Older African American Patients with Cardiovascular Comorbidities: Piloting the Patient Priorities Care Model at Cooper Green Mercy Health Service Authorities (PPC-HEART)

Focus: Explores precision, patient-centered approaches to improve co-occurring condition management among older Black patients at a safety-net primary care clinic.

Abbey Gregg, Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Project: Challenges and Enabling Factors to Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring for Hypertensive Conditions of Pregnancy

Focus: This research examines how remote patient monitoring technology can support management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, particularly for Medicaid-insured populations, addressing logistical obstacles to improve maternal health outcomes.

Lucia Juarez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Development and Validation of a Diabetes Risk Score for Undiagnosed Hispanics Living in the United States

Focus: Develops and validates a diabetes risk score developed with community input to improve relevance and uptake to enhance early diabetes detection and prevention for Hispanic populations.

Seung-Yup “Joshua” Lee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: AI-Guided Risk Stratification for Medication Reconciliation for Patients with Diabetes

Focus: Uses artificial intelligence to strengthen medication reconciliation and reduce medication adherence-related risks for patients living with diabetes.

Chin-Yen Lin, Ph.D., RN

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Project: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Yoga Intervention in Heart Failure Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Focus: Evaluates the feasibility and benefits of a yoga intervention developed with community input to enhance cognitive and cardiovascular health in rural areas.

Sixth Cohort Scholars

Six early-stage investigators join with projects addressing hypertension, diabetes, food insecurity, and cardiovascular health through innovative approaches developed with input from community partners.

Osayande Agbonlahor, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Project: Using a Physician-Patient and Community Advisory Board to Address Health Care Discrimination and Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes for Black Adults

Focus: Examines how approaches developed with input from community partners and stakeholders can build trust and improve cardiovascular outcomes among Black adults.

Dashauna M. Ballard, Ph.D., MPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Empowering faith-based communities to provide personalized diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in the Magic City: A pilot study

Focus: Implements a faith-based diabetes self-management program combining community health workers and remote monitoring to improve diabetes-related health outcomes in Black and rural communities.

Courtney E. Gamston, ScM, PharmD, BCPS

Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Project: Assessing the Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Hispanic Community Health Worker Program in a Safety-net Clinic

Focus: Evaluates a community health worker program to improve diabetes care and education among Hispanic populations at a safety-net clinic in Alabama.

Catheryn Orihuela, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Impact of a Health Coaching Program to Improve the Health of Food Insecure Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

Focus: Tests a health coaching program designed to enhance nutrition access and improve cardiovascular health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease.

Chloe Taub, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: Pharmacist-Led Remote Patient Monitoring for Diabetes and Hypertension Management in Persistent Poverty Areas

Focus: Tests the feasibility of an AI-supported, pharmacist- and community health worker–led program to improve diabetes and hypertension management in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Gabriel S. Tajeu, DrPH

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Project: A Clinical Decision Support Questionnaire to Identify Obstacles to Blood Pressure Control

Focus: Develops and tests a clinical decision support questionnaire to identify factors and logistical obstacles influencing blood pressure control and improve hypertension management among patients in a safety-net clinic in Alabama.

Supporting Scholarly Success

The Forge AHEAD Center is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that equips these scholars with the resources they need to succeed. Recipients will receive mentorship, strategic guidance, and funding to translate their innovative ideas into measurable health outcomes.

By addressing significant health needs related to cardiometabolic conditions, these projects aim to enhance health outcomes and care for communities experiencing healthcare challenges.

Advancing Health through Innovation

The Forge AHEAD Center remains committed to driving transformative research that improves cardiometabolic health outcomes for all populations across the Deep South. Together, our scholars and partners are forging a healthier future for all.

Stay Connected!

For more details about the scholars and their projects, visit the Forge AHEAD Center’s website. Early-stage investigators interested in applying for upcoming pilot funding cycles are encouraged to review application guidelines and deadlines online.

Community Micro-Grant Spotlight: Pinktopps – Building a Healthier Future after Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer (WHO, 2025). For Alabama’s Pinktopps, this month is also about honoring people who have faced breast cancer and to spotlight programs that help survivors thrive. The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to support Pinktopps Inc. through our Community Micro-Grant Program for their project, “Pinktopps Building a Healthier Future after Breast Cancer”. This community-based wellness initiative focuses on the real work of returning to life as normal as possible, one step at a time.

Pinktopps’ project is exactly the kind of community-first innovation the Forge AHEAD Center aims to lift up. The Center’s efforts place values on programs that are rooted in local culture, led by people with lived experience, and designed to be sustainable beyond the grant period.

Who the program serves and why it matters

Pinktopps targets young survivors and women with limited healthcare access who often face challenges to follow-up care and wellness resources. The program also provides education and support for families and caregivers, so recovery is supported at home. By focusing on younger survivors ages 19 to 45, Pinktopps supports a population that is building families, careers, and community roles while coping with survivorship.

This work matters because the transition from clinic to “life after treatment” is a time requiring increased support. Programs like Pinktopps help survivors move from short-term recovery into long-term wellness through peer-led support, practical skills, and connections to local resources.

A program built from lived experience

Pinktopps was created with the understanding that surviving cancer is not only a clinical journey. It is a life change that touches the body, emotions, relationships, spirit, and daily routines. The program centers lived experience at every level. Facilitators and peer leaders are trained to lead with their own histories in mind. That shared experience creates trust and makes it easier for participants to try new strategies, ask hard questions, and stay engaged. Peer leaders, survivor participants, and family members shape every session and every resource. Their leadership creates programs that are respectful, useful, and ready to be shared across communities.

The program sits on three core principles. First, health promotion that gives survivors practical tools for daily life. Second, community engagement that brings trusted local networks into the work. Third, peer empowerment that values survivor leadership and pushes decision making down to the people the program serves. Together these principles shape a holistic and sustainable model of survivorship care.

The Wellness Wheel: a whole-person curriculum

Pinktopps uses a Wellness Wheel Model that integrates six domains of health. Each domain is taught in ways that are practical, developed with input from community partners to reflect local context, and trauma informed.

Physical Wellness
Strengthening the body through movement adapted from physical therapy principles, good sleep habits, and gentle exercise that meets survivors where they are.

Nutritional Wellness
Practical education on meal planning, cooking on a budget, and ways to use anti-inflammatory foods to support recovery and long-term health.

Emotional Wellness
Group counseling, peer support circles, and journaling workshops that help people process what they have been through and build emotional tools for the future.

Spiritual Wellness
Mindfulness, guided meditation, nature therapy, and gratitude practices that support inner restoration and resilience.

Social Wellness
Safe spaces for social reengagement, relationship building, and reconnecting with family, friends, and community after treatment.

Environmental Wellness
Hands-on activities like growing food, nature-based sessions, and guidance on choosing eco-conscious health products that support a healthier home and neighborhood.

This Breast Cancer Survivor Month, help us spread the word. Share this post with your networks, invite a survivor to a Pinktopps session, or connect a community partner who can help grow the program. When communities and researchers work together, survivors gain both the practical tools and the social support they need to thrive.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

InspireHER Women’s Health Walk: Walking to Wellness

The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to collaborate with community partners to support the InspireHER Women’s Health Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, AL. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., with the program and walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The InspireHER Walk is more than just a morning in the park. It is a celebration of women’s health and wellness, a chance to connect with others, and an opportunity to take steps toward healthier futures. With the theme “Walking to Wellness,” the event invites women, families, and the broader community to come together for a morning of movement, learning, and encouragement.

Group from 2024 InspireHER Walk

Participants will engage with healthcare providers, access health awareness information, and explore practical ways to take charge of their health. October is recognized as Health Literacy Month, which makes this walk even more timely. Attendees will be able to gather resources, ask questions, and strengthen their ability to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

This year, the walk also highlights October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with an emphasis on lifting up survivors and their stories of strength. As Dr. Angela B. Haynes, CEO of InspireHER Global, shares, “October is a month of both awareness and action. By walking together, we honor the journeys of survivors while standing firm in our commitment to build healthier, safer communities for all women.”

As a planning partner, the Forge AHEAD Center is committed to advancing the message of cardiometabolic health. The walk reflects our shared mission: to promote healthier lifestyles, expand access to health screenings, and support policies that give our community the resources they need to thrive.

Walking improves more than just physical health. It strengthens the heart, reduces stress, boosts mental well-being, and reminds us that a community moving forward together is stronger than any individual walking alone.

We invite you to join us at Black Creek Park on October 18. Together, let’s keep Walking to Wellness and building healthier communities, step by step.

To learn more about InspireHER Global, the walk, and to register, please visit inspireherglobal.com.

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

Health Literacy Month: Taking Charge of Your Heart and Health

Vicky, or Ms. V. as many in the neighborhood call her, lives in a small town in Alabama, loves her Sunday gumbo, and keeps the family photo albums on the porch for visitors to see. Last winter she started feeling more tired than usual and sometimes felt lightheaded when she stood up too fast. At first, she blamed it on a busy schedule and caring for her grandchildren. Then her niece, who is a nurse, noticed Vivian’s hands were shaky when she opened a pill bottle and encouraged her to get a checkup.

At her checkup, Ms. V. learned that her blood pressure was higher than it should be. She felt scared and overwhelmed by the numbers and the medical terms. Her niece sat with her during the visit, wrote down what the nurse said, and helped Ms. V. set a reminder to take her medications on her phone. Ms. V. also talked with her pastor, who connected her with the church wellness team. Between her niece, her church friends, and a kind nurse at the clinic, Ms. V. started to feel supported instead of alone.

Over a few months Ms. V. began making small changes. She used a simple pill box, set an alarm for medicine time, and started walking with a neighbor three times a week. At the Sunday potlucks she started asking the cook for a smaller portion and often added a side of greens to her plate. She keeps a little notebook with her blood pressure readings and brings it to appointments. These changes did not happen all at once; they happened step by step with people who cared for her.

Health Literacy Month

The Forge AHEAD Center works with community partners, researchers, and healthcare providers in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to reduce cardiometabolic risk and support healthy living. We are sharing these tips for Health Literacy Month because clear information and small, doable steps help people protect their hearts and reduce risk for chronic diseases. This month we want to spotlight simple tools you can use right away that make it easier to take those next steps.

October is Health Literacy Month, a time when communities nationwide focus on making health information easier to find and easier to use. Health literacy is not about being a doctor. It is about understanding health information and using it to make choices that keep you and your family well. For people in the Deep South, where heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes affect many families, stronger health literacy can help turn fear into action.

Download our one-week Health Literacy Month checklist to help you keep track of blood pressure, medicines, and simple steps you can try this week. [Download the checklist]

What health literacy looks like in real life

Health literacy means you can read a prescription label and know when to take it. It means you can understand what your blood sugar and blood pressure numbers mean. It means you feel comfortable asking your doctor or nurse to explain something again in plain language. It also means knowing how to find trustworthy local resources when you need help.

Good health literacy helps prevent cardiometabolic diseases. The good news is that many of the changes that lower risk are within reach and can be easy shifts to make.

Health Literacy Month Checklist

One week. Small steps. Better health.

Use this checklist during Health Literacy Month to build small habits that help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Pick one or two items to start. Check the box when you do each task. Bring this page to your next clinic visit.

Download the checklist

You do not have to be perfect

Prevention is about progress, not perfection. Remembering to take your medicine twice instead of zero times or walking 10 minutes more each day are all wins. Share what you learn with a neighbor or a community group. That ripple can help families across your town stay healthier.

Ms. V. did not change everything at once. She asked simple questions, leaned on her niece and her church friends, and kept a small notebook of her blood pressure readings. Over time those steps became habits that protect her heart and health.

Download our one-week Health Literacy Month checklist to help you keep track of blood pressure, medicines, and simple steps you can try this week. [Download the checklist]

Written by: Carol Agomo, Ph.D.

Forge AHEAD Center announces 2025 Community Microgrant awardees improving health in the Deep South

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept. 25, 2025) – The Forge AHEAD Center awarded six community-based organizations through its 2025 Community Microgrant Program. The program, administered in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), provides up to $10,000 in funding to support innovative, community-driven projects that address pressing health challenges in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The Community Microgrant Program recognizes that local organizations are often best positioned to identify needs, build trust and lead change. By investing directly in community partners, Forge AHEAD affirms its commitment to supporting organizations that bring deep knowledge, cultural understanding and long-standing relationships to their work.

“We are proud to partner with CCTS to invest in local organizations whose work reflects the needs and priorities of their communities,” said Andrea Cherrington, M.D., MPH, UAB director of the Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science, and Forge AHEAD multiple principal investigator. “These projects are powerful examples of how grassroots leadership can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

2025 Awardees

El Pueblo (Mississippi): Bilingual hypertension self-management program tailored for limited English proficient adults, with education, goal-setting and weekly support.
Edward Street Fellowship Center (Mississippi): Food Is Medicine initiative integrating monthly produce vouchers and clinical monitoring for patients with diabetes and hypertension.
BirthWell Partners (Alabama): Expansion of postpartum care with free doula and lactation services for low-income families, training a new workforce of doulas and educators.
Pinktopps (Alabama): Survivorship program for young breast cancer survivors, offering wellness education and mental health support.
Metromorphosis (Louisiana): Resident-led community garden project to increase access to healthy food, reduce neighborhood blight, and build local leadership.
Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (Louisiana): Development of a maternal health risk assessment tool co-designed with immigrant and refugee women to improve maternal health outcomes.

Throughout the year, the Forge AHEAD Center will provide technical assistance, evaluation tools, and opportunities for peer learning. This ongoing collaboration reflects the center’s belief that lasting solutions emerge when universities and communities work together, with communities leading the way.

“These organizations are at the forefront of improving health in their communities,” said Caroline E. Compretta, Ph.D., University of Mississippi Medical Center assistant vice chancellor for research and Forge AHEAD Community Engagement Core lead. “We look to them as leaders and assets whose vision, creativity and dedication will have a measurable impact on the individuals and families they serve.”

The Community Microgrant Program is part of the Forge AHEAD Center’s broader mission to strengthen partnerships, build community capacity and support innovative approaches to improving health in the Deep South.

For more information about the Forge AHEAD Center and its programs, visit https://www.forgeaheadcenter.com/.

Closing the gap: managing high blood pressure after an ER visit

Leaving the emergency room with dangerously high blood pressure can feel overwhelming. For many patients, the support ends the moment they walk out the door. A new pilot program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is changing that by helping patients take charge of their health from home.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood flows through your arteries with too much force, putting stress on your heart and blood vessels. Without timely care, patients discharged from the hospital with high blood pressure can face serious health risks, including strokes or repeated hospital visits.

World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, highlighted the need for better blood pressure management worldwide. That urgency is at the heart of the “Post-Emergency Department Telehealth Follow-Up Program”, led by Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at UAB. The project offers personalized, tech-enabled support to help patients safely recover and stay out of the hospital.

Who Is participating?

The study successfully enrolled 40 adults aged 30–75 discharged from UAB’s emergency department (ED) with very high blood pressure (systolic readings of 160 mm Hg or higher). All participants live within 30 miles of the hospital, speak English or Spanish, and use a home blood-pressure monitor, with support available from caregivers as needed.

What does the program involve?

Participants receive home blood-pressure monitors along with comprehensive training. Nurses teach participants and caregivers how to measure and record their blood pressure accurately.

Lama Ghazi, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about Ghazi.

Did You Know?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring can help control it.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Each week, participants connect virtually with a nurse-pharmacist team through phone or video calls. During these telehealth sessions, the team reviews blood-pressure readings, adjusts medications according to set guidelines, and addresses participants’ health questions.

Automated text reminders twice a week prompt participants to take their blood pressure and submit readings via text or phone calls. Pharmacists also help participants address medication-related challenges, such as affordability, by connecting them to discount programs and local healthcare services.

Early signs of progress

While full evaluation is ongoing, early trends from the pilot phase suggest the program is having a positive impact.

Blood Pressure Improvement (90-day follow-up):

Participants experienced an average systolic drop of 16 points (from 162 to 146 mm Hg).
Diastolic readings fell by an average of 9 points (from 94 to 85 mm Hg).

Reduced Return Visits:

Participants had 22% fewer ED visits within 30 days compared to similar patients who received standard care.

Strong Participation:

Nearly all scheduled telehealth check-ins were completed, with 95% of visits attended.

Positive Experience:

Most participants shared high levels of satisfaction with the support they received.
Many found the reminder texts easy to use and helpful in staying on track.

These preliminary results will help inform the next phase of the program, which continues to assess longer-term outcomes.

Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, the program introduced a 15-minute “tech check” call at the beginning to boost early engagement. Additionally, new Spanish-language tech guides introduced in March 2025 expanded access and helped ensure more participants could comfortably utilize and understand the materials.

What’s next?

The team will complete 180-day blood-pressure and quality-of-life assessments by mid-June 2025. A cost-effectiveness analysis is scheduled to begin in July, and expansion into two UAB community clinics is planned for late 2025. These next steps aim to evaluate long-term impacts on health outcomes and overall cost efficiency.

By combining user-friendly home monitoring, consistent virtual check-ins, and accessible medication support, Ghazi’s pilot demonstrates a practical approach to managing high blood pressure, potentially preventing severe health complications such as stroke.

Learn more about Ghazi’s Forge AHEAD pilot project.

Key Terms to Know

Hypertension: Persistently high blood pressure.
Telehealth: Remote healthcare provided through phone or video calls.
Systolic and Diastolic: Systolic (top number) measures pressure when your heart beats; diastolic (bottom number) measures pressure between beats.

Smarter follow-up and safer care: how AI could support men with diabetes

June is Men’s Health Month, an opportunity to focus on health challenges that often go unnoticed, especially among men living with chronic conditions like diabetes. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Forge AHEAD investigator Seung-Yup Lee, Ph.D., is leading a pilot study that combines artificial intelligence with clinical data to prevent medication mix-ups and help patients get the follow-up they need.

Why men with diabetes need a smarter safety net

Men are more likely to delay routine visits and less likely to follow up after hospital care. both of which can lead to missed medications, dangerous side effects and avoidable complications. For those living with diabetes, these risks are even higher. Managing medications correctly is critical to controlling blood sugar, avoiding hospital readmissions and staying healthy.

But for busy clinics, it’s not always clear who needs the most help. That’s where Lee’s project steps in.

Using AI to spot who needs help first

Lee’s team is developing an AI-powered risk score to help doctors and pharmacists spot patients who are most likely to have medication problems. The system analyzes a wide range of health data, including medical records, prescription refill patterns, and social factors like insurance status or housing instability, to assign a “reconciliation risk score” to each patient with diabetes.

Seung-Yup Lee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Learn more about Lee.

Did You Know?

Men are more likely than women to skip routine checkups, and more likely to face serious medication-related problems as a result.

Source: Healthline

The goal? Use this score to flag high-risk patients so care teams can follow up directly, either by phone or in person, to double-check medications, fix errors and offer support.

What the tool actually does, and how AI fits in

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems that are trained to notice patterns in large sets of information, kind of like how a person might learn from experience, but much faster. For example, just like a nurse might notice that certain symptoms usually come before a problem, AI can spot those same signs by studying thousands of patient records at once. In this project, AI is used to scan medical records, pharmacy data and provider notes to predict which patients might be most at risk for medication problems.

It’s important to know that AI doesn’t replace doctors, nurses or pharmacists. It doesn’t make decisions on its own or replace face-to-face care. Instead, it helps teams work smarter by pointing out which patients might need extra attention. That gives healthcare providers more time to focus on what people need most, support, questions answered and care that feels personal.

Data-driven prediction: The model looks at over 5,000 patient records and uses natural-language processing (a type of AI that reads doctors’ notes) to detect warning signs.
Real-time alerts: Risk scores are displayed inside a clinician dashboard so that care teams know who needs outreach before the next visit.
Focused follow-up: Patients with high scores receive extra attention, including calls from pharmacists to reconcile prescriptions and catch any problems early.

Measuring what matters: fewer errors, better follow-up

The pilot study includes around 200 patients and is testing whether the tool helps reduce medication discrepancies within 30 days. It’s also tracking whether fewer patients return to the hospital with drug-related issues, and how satisfied doctors and nurses are with using the system.

This type of focused support may be especially helpful for men, who often manage more complicated medication routines and may delay reaching out for help when issues arise.

Key Terms to Know

Medication reconciliation: The process of double-checking all a patient’s medications to make sure they match what was prescribed.
Risk stratification: Grouping patients by risk level to focus care where it’s needed most.
Health-related social factors: Things like income, housing or transportation that can affect someone’s ability to stay healthy.

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can learn from large sets of data and help identify patterns.

In health care, AI is used to support, not replace, human decision-making by helping teams spot risks earlier and prioritize follow-up care.

Source: National Institutes of Health

What’s next for the project

If successful, Lee’s team plans to expand the tool across partner sites in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. They’re also exploring ways to pull in data from state prescription-monitoring systems and bring the program into more community health clinics, including those that serve men with limited access to care.

How this could help you or someone you know

This project reflects a growing effort to use data to guide follow-up care and reduce preventable health problems. For men with diabetes, it could mean fewer hospital visits, safer medication use and better outcomes over time.

Learn more about Lee’s Forge AHEAD pilot project.

Empowering stroke survivors in Alabama’s rural communities

While May marked Stroke Awareness Month, the need to support stroke survivors continues year-round—especially in rural communities where resources can be limited. In Alabama, a promising pilot program is showing how small steps, local partnerships, and virtual support can make a meaningful difference in recovery. Led by Mudasir Andrabi, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, this initiative helps stroke survivors build confidence in managing their health and reengaging with life after a stroke.

Why healthy habits are hard to start

Many stroke survivors face challenges long after they leave the hospital. In rural Alabama, these challenges often include high blood pressure, mobility limitations, and limited access to follow-up care. Dr. Andrabi was motivated to create this program after noticing gaps in support for stroke survivors. Her background in population health and her work with communities around the world highlighted the need for approaches that are both accessible and rooted in local support.

How the program works

The Mobile Community Stroke Self-Management Program provides a 12-week structure of weekly group calls, personalized exercise planning, and weekly check-in calls to encourage self-monitoring. A nurse educator leads the calls, covering topics like blood pressure control, medication adherence, and safe physical activity.

Participants also set personal health goals and receive check-in calls every week to discuss any barriers they encounter. One participant shared, “I’ve become more intentional about my routines, getting up, exercising, planning meals, and even how I handle stress.”

Mudasir Andrabi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Learn more about Andrabi.

“You don’t have to do everything perfectly—just taking the first step can lead to numerous positive changes.”

-Study participant

The program begins with a tech orientation to help participants become comfortable using their devices. “At first it was frustrating,” one participant said. “But the tech orientation walked me through the basics patiently. Now I feel more comfortable and even proud of being able to connect with the group on my own.”

Building a support network

Churches and community centers serve as trusted gathering spaces and outreach partners. “Their involvement helps foster trust and strengthen community engagement,” said Andrabi. Participants agree. “Knowing I’m not alone in this journey, hearing others share their stories—it builds a sense of community. We motivate each other, and that emotional support makes a big difference.”

In the participant’s words, the goal-setting and group accountability are what keep the program grounded. “Each week gives me small wins to celebrate.”

Real change starts with what’s doable

The program is still underway, but early experiences show promise. Participants are reporting more confidence, healthier routines, and improvements in areas like diet, physical activity, and blood pressure management. One participant’s goals included walking 20 minutes daily, reducing sodium, and fat intake. “I’ve been consistent,” they said. “I’ve tracked my progress and seen small improvements in stamina and blood pressure.”

More than anything, the program aims to build self-efficacy. “Empowering individuals is just as important as clinical progress,” Andrabi said.

Key Terms to Know

Stroke: A medical emergency caused by blocked or burst blood vessels in the brain.

Hypertension: Another word for high blood pressure. It increases stroke risk.

Telehealth: Healthcare support through phone, video or text instead of in-person visits.

Easy Health Tips for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

Reach out to local food banks or churches to see if they offer wellness check-ins or walking groups.
If you or someone you know is recovering from a stroke, consider setting a small health goal this week, like reducing salt or moving a few extra minutes each day.
Look for local tech literacy classes or call a community center for help accessing virtual health programs.

What’s next for the program

The current phase of the pilot wraps up in June. After that, Andrabi’s team will evaluate results and refine the program. “The goal is to expand and adapt it to serve more communities facing similar challenges,” she said. “We are continually seeking more funding for the sustainability and scalability of our stroke self-management program in the Deep South.”

This work reflects the importance of local partnerships and patient-centered design in rural health care. By pairing simple tools with compassionate outreach, the program is helping stroke survivors feel more confident, connected, and in control.

Learn more about Andrabi’s project.

George Dixon recognized for outstanding community contributions

George Dixon, a member of the Forge AHEAD Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Director of the Mississippi SHINE Project, recently received notable awards at the Healthy Mississippi Conference and the Community Health Worker Conference. Dixon was honored with the Mississippi Community Health Worker Association Partner of the Year Award and the Mississippi State Department of Health Outstanding Community Service Award—both awards highlighting his exceptional commitment to community health and improving measurable health outcomes.

The Mississippi SHINE Project is a community-driven initiative focused on addressing health disparities and enhancing community well-being, particularly in addressing cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Dixon at the Healthy MS Conference receiving his awards

Dixon’s MSCHWA Partner of the Year Award

Through education, targeted interventions, and community engagement, the SHINE Project aligns with the mission of Forge AHEAD Center to reduce chronic disease burdens and improve health outcomes across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Upon receiving the awards, Dixon shared his appreciation:

“I am deeply honored by this recognition. My heartfelt thanks go to Mattie Clark for the nomination and the Mississippi Department of Health for their acknowledgment. Serving the community is profoundly rewarding, and this award belongs to everyone who has collaborated, supported, and believed in our collective efforts. Our joint actions have created positive impacts, and this recognition truly reflects that shared commitment.”

These awards emphasize the significance of collaborative community-driven initiatives and highlight the meaningful impact leaders like Dixon have in regions experiencing notable health challenges. Mississippi and surrounding areas in the Deep South have high rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, particularly among historically marginalized populations. Dixon’s work aligns with Forge AHEAD Center’s commitment to community-based participatory methods and precise public health strategies tailored to local community needs.

Dixon expressed continued motivation and dedication:

“Thank you once again for this incredible honor. I remain dedicated and inspired to continue working toward healthier, more resilient communities.”

Please join us in congratulating George Dixon on his remarkable achievements and continued dedication to community health and wellness.

Learn more about the Mississippi SHINE Project

Dixon’s MSDH Outstanding Community Service Award

Dixon receiving the MSDH Outstanding Community Service Award

Men’s health awareness month: a local boost for body and mind

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. With longer days and warm weather, this time of year offers an opportunity to reinforce the importance of prevention and encourage healthy habits. According to the CDC, Men experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. However, they are significantly less likely than women to participate in routine preventive care, including regular checkups and screenings. This month highlights the importance of early action, regular movement, and consistent support for well-being.

In Birmingham, Railroad Park is helping make healthy choices more accessible. Through a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the park hosts free weekly exercise classes from April through October. Options include Boxing Cardio, Hip-Hop Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Senior Fit, and Line Dancing. These outdoor classes promote cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and routine physical activity.

Decades of research confirm the benefits of regular movement in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, osteoporosis, depression, and hypertension. Programs like these, which offer inclusive, community‑based wellness options with classes suited for all ages and fitness levels, demonstrate how accessible local initiatives can support sustained, health‑promoting activity.

Railroad Park may also serve as a valuable setting for health-related education and community engagement. Whether you are exploring physical activity in your work or simply looking to unwind, the park is a reminder that consistency is key to long-term wellness.

Phillip – stock.adobe.com

Class Schedule

Evening classes (6 p.m. Monday through Friday): Boxing Cardio, Hip-Hop Cardio, Zumba, Yoga, Line Dancing

Morning Senior Fit: 8 a.m. Tuesday and Friday

Weekend: Senior Fit at 10 a.m., Pilates at 11 a.m. every Saturday

This June, consider how healthy habits such as regular movement, social connection, and community participation can support the well-being of the men in our lives and those working to advance public health.

Learn more: railroadpark.org/programs/exercise-classes