December 16, 2024
As we close out 2024, it’s time to reflect on everything that our Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) team and their communities have accomplished. This year, our work has spanned 20 diverse communities. From rural to urban communities, encompassing all racial and ethnic backgrounds, we have been busy equipping people across Alabama to promote health equity and better quality of life for their neighbors.
Key Highlights from 2024
This year, we celebrated some significant milestones in our work:
- 20 Advisory Groups collaborated on health programs and fairs, creating engaging and culturally appropriate opportunities for health education.
- Our 20 Youth Councils invited over 250 youth to regional summits where they were given the opportunity to take an active role in shaping their communities’ health futures.
- Community members and leaders began implementing actionable 3-5 year health equity plans.
Building and Equipping Teams
Our team—diverse in background, profession, and experience— continued to grow in relationship with each other and their communities. Our ENI community liaisons and regional directors joined us for three team retreats and collectively participated in 21 capacity-building workshops. Of note, many sought certification in mental health first aid training, gaining skills to better serve community members in crisis. And, of course, the ENI team contributed their expertise in the production of 14 new videos and 13 blogs that inform and educate Alabamians on health resources.
Creating Healing Zones
A cornerstone of ENI’s infrastructure development has been the creation of Healing Zones. These accessible outdoor spaces—featuring walking trails, exercise stations, and beautiful landscaping—promote physical and mental wellbeing. In 2024, we watched Healing Zones take shape in communities, tailored to the needs and ideas of each unique community.
By the end of 2024, ENI will have:
- 450+ partner organizations
- 10,000+ people attend workshops and events
- Hosted 27 health fairs and 22 capacity-building workshops
- Equipped 250 youth leaders at 5 youth summits
- Over 100,000 views of our website, social media, and online health resources
As we look toward 2025, we are excited about what will come next. From our statewide health equity summit, planned for April 2025, to the completion of our 20 Healing Zones, it is bound to be a busy year. Thank you for contributing to our success in 2024. We can’t wait for what comes next!