Navy and Orange interlocking AU with "Auburn" underneath

RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 5: March 2025

Rural Health Spotlight

In February, communities across West Alabama came together to promote health and wellness through engaging local events. Greene County kicked off the month with a Walk-a-Thon, encouraging residents to get active while fostering community connections. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to exercise together, emphasizing the importance of movement in maintaining overall health. The event served as a reminder that small lifestyle changes, such as regular walking, can have a lasting impact on well-being.

Meanwhile, Hale County embraced both Valentine’s Day and Heart Month with its “Healthy Hearts, Happy Hearts” event on February 14th. Hosted at the Akron Public Library and the Hale County Community Health and Wellness Station, the event highlighted heart health by providing blood pressure checks, heart rate monitoring, and pulse readings. Attendees engaged in heart-healthy activities while celebrating the season of love, reinforcing the importance of self-care and cardiovascular health. A special thanks goes to the Town of Akron and Mrs. Demetria Wiggins-Rollins for their efforts in making this event a success.

Jovita Lewis, Hale County Extension Coordinator, among community members at the Valentine's Day Event in Hale County

Auburn University's Rural Health Initiative is partnering with communities across rural Alabama to increase access to high-quality and affordable health and wellness care.

Dimetra Rollins (Left) assisting Kennedi Rollins (Right) with her blood pressure reading in the OnMed CareStation

West Alabama's Health Pioneers: Local Champions Leading the Way

Stories of limited healthcare access, rising chronic illness, and everyday struggles of staying well in rural areas echo throughout the community. Rather than accepting these challenges, West Alabama community members have begun rolling up their sleeves to bring education, resources, and hope to their towns.

Kate Bouchillon holding the Healthy Temple Initiative Pamphlet at the Pastors Dinner in Chambers County

The Church as a Place of Healing: The Intersection of Faith and Health

In rural Alabama, churches have long been central to the lives of their congregants, not just as places of worship but as spaces of guidance, support, and community. What if the church, a place of healing for the soul, could also be a place of healing for the body?

Exciting Health Opportunities!

Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center Events.

April 14 & 28 Free Hearing Screenings 1-4 CST
April 15 Ambassador Meeting 3:30 CST
April 16 Primary Care Clinic 8-12 CST
May 20 Health Ambassador Meeting 3:30 CST
May 21 Primary Care Clinic 8-12 CST

Patient Voices

Marilyn Rollins - Hale County 2025

"It was wonderful. I was wondering how they were going to look at my nose and throat. Everything just came down from the ceiling. In a few days, I got calls to see how I was doing and follow up. It was wonderful, I couldn't believe it.

We need it, a lot of people can't get to town. I have a vehicle, but everyone doesn't have vehicles to get to town. Right now we just need to get it out there more and let people know that it's here because it's wonderful."

Resources and Engagement Opportunities

For Faculty	For Students	For Community
Propose a Program	Apply for Internship	Ambassador Program
Request for Research	Become a Volunteer	Become a Volunteer
Search for Funding

Student Experience

Braeden Heath

Junior

Biomedical Sciences, Pre-Med

Public Health Minor

"Serving as a student volunteer at the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at Auburn. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Rural Health Initiative and proud to contribute to the impactful work being done through it.

My most meaningful project at the center was the development of the Period Closet in collaboration with Period Auburn, and it works to supply menstrual products to young women and girls who don’t have access to them. This initiative has opened my eyes to the pressing health disparities in our communities, challenges that are too often overlooked. Stepping into this role has not only allowed me to pursue my passion for service but has also deepened my understanding of what it truly means to be an advocate for rural communities."

Connect with our Locations!

Chambers County Health and Wellness Center:

Chambers Community Health and Wellness Center, 404 9^th Ave SW, LaFayette, AL 36862

Email: [email protected]
Follow the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center on Facebook for more info!

Greene County Community Health and Wellness:

Boligee Community Center, 17404 County Road 20, Boligee, AL 35443

Email: [email protected]
Follow the Greene County Extension Office on Facebook for more info!

Hale County Community Health and Wellness:

Akron Public Library, 207 1^st Ave South, Akron, AL 35441

Email: [email protected]
Follow Hale County - Alabama Extension on Facebook for more info!

Sumter County Community Health and Wellness:

Gainesville Municipal Complex, 10900 State St, Gainesville, AL 35464

Email: [email protected]
Follow the Sumter County - Alabama Extension on Facebook for more info!

Wilcox County Community Health and Wellness:

Elijah Tracey Shaw III Community Center, 17349 AL-5, Catherine, AL 36728

Email: [email protected]
Follow the Wilcox County - Alabama Extension on Facebook for more info!

Check out our webpage and socials for more information!

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Auburn University Outreach and Alabama Cooperative Extension System are addressing significant health disparities across rural Alabama in partnership with the Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and with full engagement of the communities involved.