December 18, 2023
Progress Achieved
The Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative had a milestone year in 2023! Thanks to our incredible team, fabulous communities, amazing partners, and supportive funders, ENI reached approximately 65,000 people in our 20 communities, across Alabama, and beyond.
We work every day to equip communities to address the COVID-19 pandemic-related issues of today while building capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow. Meeting our mission looks different in each ENI community. ENI Community Liaisons utilize the unique assets and address the specific health challenges of their communities.
For example, ENI health fairs focus on the key health issues community members face. Health clinics and workshops tailor programming to what’s important to each community. And ENI team members create opportunities for healthy living that build community. Like weekly walking groups or sharing health education materials at community celebrations and events.
The ENI team accomplished a lot in 2023. Here are some highlights.
- 20 communities participated.
- 20 Community Liaisons leading ENI in their communities.
- 7 community kickoff events hosted.
- 20 Advisory Groups active.
- 20 Youth Community Councils recruited.
- 400 unique partners engaged.
- 14 Mental Health First Aid trainings hosted.
- 18 Health Equity Plans drafted.
- 20 draft Healing Zone Master Plans completed.
- 28 blogs published.
- 16 Educational videos produced.
- 3 retreats hosted.
- 42 team members equipped.
- 3 blood drives hosted.
- 4 quarterly newsletters sent.
- 23 virtual meetings/trainings provided for ENI team.
- 20 draft Health Resource Directories written.
- 2 community-based walking groups active.
- Approximately 320 adults trained (mental health, contact tracing, grant writing, etc.).
- 20 Health equity clinics & workshops sponsored.
- 12 health fairs hosted.
- 40+ community meetings convened.
- 1,176 health questionnaires completed.
- Approximately 65,000 individuals reached (online + in-person)!!!
People Impacted
People are a community’s greatest asset and engaging Alabamians of every age is at the heart of ENI. Residents of partner communities shape ENI through Advisory Groups and Youth Community Councils. Twenty Advisory Groups and 20 Youth Community Councils assisted with in-person health fairs, received Mental Health First Aid training, and worked together to develop health equity action plans for their communities. In-person events and trainings reached thousands of folks in ENI’s 20 partner communities.
Thousands of Alabamians also interacted with ENI online. Through quarterly newsletters, regular blogs, and frequent social media posts, ENI provided timely health information. A new health education video series was also launched in 2023. The videos share inspirational personal health journeys and helpful tips from experts for improving health and mental wellbeing.
These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the ENI team. We’re so proud of our incredibly brilliant, diverse, creative, & amazing ENI team. Learn more about our wonderful team here.
Looking Forward to 2024
So, what’s next for ENI? We’re looking forward to equipping more Alabamians in 2024. We’ll be engaging young leaders at regional youth summits and convening a statewide summit on health equity. We’ll also be training a cohort of mental health first aid educators,
Additionally, we’re looking forward to hosting more health fairs and clinics in 2024. The new year will also see our 20 partner communities begin implementing their health equity action plans. And all 20 ENI communities will break ground on their healing zones – natural outdoor spaces for improving mental and physical health.
Stay tuned for this and so much more in 2024! Follow along with our journey through our newsletter and social media!