Selma, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Live HealthSmart Alabama’s Community Coach program in Selma receives a three-year grant from the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation. The funding will facilitate hiring and training more Community Coaches to combat chronic health conditions and improve health outcomes in the region. These coaches will engage residents with personalized support, educational resources, and access to essential health services. As the program expands, it is expected to enhance local involvement in health initiatives and empower the community in making healthier lifestyle choices.
Selma Receives Support from Live HealthSmart Alabama’s Expanded Community Coach Program
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) initiative has secured a significant three-year grant from the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation to enhance the Community Coach program in Selma and the surrounding Dallas County area. This funding will be instrumental in hiring, training, and deploying additional Community Coaches, who play a vital role in addressing chronic health conditions among the region’s residents.
Currently, the LHSA initiative aims to tackle health disparities in Alabama, which ranks among the bottom ten states in national health outcomes. The presence of Community Coaches in Selma has already positively influenced local health metrics by increasing participation in wellness events, higher rates of preventive screenings, and improved follow-through on healthcare referrals. By providing individualized support, wellness education, and assistance in navigating healthcare, nutrition, physical activity, and educational resources, Community Coaches are effectively engaging with the community.
Valeta Neal, the Expansion Director for LHSA, emphasized that Community Coaches serve as trusted voices within their communities, translating LHSA’s health initiatives into tangible benefits for residents. These coaches facilitate connections to various LHSA programs available in Selma, such as the Pop-up Farmers Market and community and school gardens, helping to promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to nutritional resources.
Bridget Mills, a Community Coach in Selma, underscores the immediate impact of her role in assisting community members with navigating health systems and accessing essential resources like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare services. As the Community Coach program expands, it will further amplify these benefits across the region.
Interest in becoming a Community Coach is growing, with individuals encouraged to complete an interest form available online. This initiative aims to bolster community involvement and foster a grassroots approach to improving health and well-being across Alabama.
The grant from the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation is a crucial step towards making good health more accessible for all Alabamians. The LHSA’s continued commitment to empowering local residents serves as a model for health initiatives aimed at combating the pressing health challenges faced by communities throughout the state.
Background on Health Initiatives in Alabama
Live HealthSmart Alabama is a statewide initiative that seeks to improve health outcomes by creating community-based programs focusing on chronic disease prevention and management. The implementation of the Community Coach program aligns with Alabama’s broader health goals, addressing the high rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease prevalent in the state. The approach emphasizes local engagement, recognizing that effective health solutions often start with community involvement and education.
Key Benefits of the Community Coach Program
- Increased Participation: Greater community involvement in wellness events.
- Improved Health Metrics: Higher rates of preventive screenings and healthcare follow-through.
- Individualized Support: Personalized assistance for navigating health and resource systems.
- Resource Connection: Facilitation of access to vital programs like farmers markets and educational resources.
FAQ Section
What is the Live HealthSmart Alabama initiative?
The Live HealthSmart Alabama initiative is a statewide program that focuses on improving health outcomes and addressing chronic health conditions through community engagement and education.
What is the role of Community Coaches?
Community Coaches provide individualized support, wellness education, and help residents navigate healthcare, nutrition, physical activity, and available resources.
How will this grant impact Selma?
The grant will allow for the hiring and training of additional Community Coaches in Selma, expanding the reach and effectiveness of health programs designed to improve community health.
How can someone become a Community Coach?
Individuals interested in becoming a Community Coach can complete an interest form available online through the LHSA initiative’s official channels.
Key Features of the Community Coach Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Individualized Support | Community Coaches provide tailored assistance to help residents engage with health resources. |
| Wellness Education | Coaches educate the community on health, nutrition, and physical activity. |
| Resource Navigation | They help residents navigate local healthcare systems and access essential services. |
| Community Programs | Connection to local initiatives such as the Pop-up Farmers Market and community gardens. |
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Additional Resources
- Selma Times Journal: UAB Live HealthSmart Awarded Grant to Expand Community Coach Program in Selma
- Black Belt News Network: Live HealthSmart Program Wins Grant for More Community Coaches in Selma
- Selma Times Journal: SHA Sets Ribbon Cutting for Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals Initiative
- JoCo Report: New Bus Donation Expands Access for Johnston County Youth
- WSFA: Selma High School Holds May Maxey
- Wikipedia: Health in Alabama
- Google Search: Community Health Initiatives Alabama
- Google Scholar: Community Coach Program Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- Google News: Selma Health Initiatives
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