July 31, 2024
– By Gabrielle Lamplugh –
Last summer, the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative celebrated its second year with an expansion into five new partner communities. This summer, we are thrilled to see the continued progress of ENI’s partner sites, including some of our newest communities.
100 Alabama Miles
Prichard, which joined ENI in the summer of 2023, was one of many communities to kick off their summer with the 100 Alabama Miles challenge. The program challenges Alabamians to enjoy hiking, running, biking, or paddling 100 miles of Alabama each year – in particular, 100 miles of Alabama’s parks, preserves, and recreation areas. ENI communities across the state embraced the challenge, with many liaisons hosting kick-off events in their communities.
In Prichard, community liaison LaSheryl Dotch organized a kick-off event at the local Juneteenth celebration.
“It’s a highly attended event where a lot of people are out and about, and I was there to explain to people what the 100 Miles challenge is,” LaSheryl said. “People were saying they’ve been meaning to start working out or that they could do competitions against each other.”
LaSheryl sees the challenge as a creative way to help people get moving again and embrace physical activity.
“As a whole, COVID-19 had everybody inside, and it affected people, both physically and mentally,” LaSheryl said. “It’s great to be outside with fresh air while being able to move about freely and offering different ways for people to increase that physical activity.”
In addition to Prichard, five other ENI communities hosted 100 Alabama Miles events with many using the holidays to host kick-off events. Debbie Goble of Blountsville was one such liaison. She joined the town’s 4th of July celebration to share ways to get active through the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge. We are thrilled to see communities across the state embrace the 100 Alabama Miles challenge this summer through creative and engaging events!
Summer Celebrations
For many, summer is a busy season of holidays and events!
Beginning in May, ENI celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month in May through social media spotlights and educational videos. We also partnered with the National Council on Mental Wellbeing to equip 20 individuals from ENI communities as Mental Health First Aid Instructors. Stay tuned for more information about how to attend a training!
In June, ENI was recognized with its own Milestone Celebration. And, throughout the summer, community liaisons hosted health equity events locally.
In Midway, Kimberley Foster-Young represented ENI at the community’s 4th annual Mother’s Day Walk. Nancy Carnley, community liaison for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, promoted ENI at the National Congress of American Indians. And, in Coden, Stephanie Khat represented ENI at the regional Laotian New Year celebration.
“The Laotian New Year event is huge,” Stephanie shared. “This year they had over 60 vendors and different people from all over the world come and participate.”
“Because there are so many cultures involved, I believe it’s a great place that ENI can help promote health awareness and health and wellbeing together,” Stephanie continued.”
We are impressed by our ENI community liaisons, who have stayed busy throughout the summer promoting health equity resources and initiatives. It’s incredible what our team has accomplished in just a couple of months! Check back in August, when we will share ENI liaison’s creative ideas for preparing for a new school year.