March 26, 2022
Bayou La Batre and Coden welcomed the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) on March 26, 2022. These Mobile County communities consist of 2,543 (2019) residents in Bayou La Batre and an estimated 2,000-2,800 residents in Coden. They are two of fifteen across the state participating in ENI. The program will equip neighbors and community partners to address the pandemic-related issues of today while building capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow.
The Bayou Clinic in Bayou La Batre hosted the lively ENI kickoff celebration. Several local leaders, citizens, and ENI representatives gathered for the event. The kickoff featured welcome remarks, a motivational message, and refreshments.
Bayou La Batre community liaison Kim Tran said, “I am very excited about this project because it is bringing everyone in our community, young and old, all different cultures coming together as one voice to make our community a better, happier and healthier place to live.”
Coden community liaison Khiaw Srihanouvong agreed and said, “The ENI Project would let our neighbors and community know more about our Asian cultures. I think this project will help this community become stronger as a whole and I am looking forward to working with everyone.”
Bayou La Batre and Coden residents will join ENI’s Bayou La Batre and Coden Advisory Group and Youth Community Council. Together, the groups will work to improve health outcomes for their communities. Among other projects, they will draft a health equity plan. They will also create a “healing zone” in the community. “Healing zones” are natural and recreation spaces for improving physical and mental health.
ENI Project Leader, Dr. Arturo Menefee, expressed his excitement for Bayou La Batre and Coden to join the initiative. “Bayou La Batre has a rich history and core group of hardworking individuals. We look forward to working with both Bayou La Batre and Coden to accomplish their communities’ goals,” said Menefee.
Dr. Earl Suttle of Leadership Success International fired up Bayou La Batre and Coden residents in attendance. His motivational message encouraged Bayou La Batre and Coden residents to “master stress for better success.” His remarks aimed to empower residents to strengthen their physical and mental health.
Connect with us to learn more about what Bayou La Batre and Coden residents of all ages achieve through ENI. Follow along on the ENI blog and social media pages to learn more. We can’t wait to learn alongside this wonderful community!
If you’re interested in connecting with ENI, email Bayou La Batre and Coden’s regional director, Danny Patterson, at danny@bayouclinic.org.
