Welcome to our digital newsletter! Your source for updates on health equity initiatives, community partnerships, and IHN programs, it’s your go-to source for collaboration, innovation, and impact in the St. Louis region & beyond. Let’s build healthier communities together.
Welcome Home: St. Louis Home Repair Network Joins the St. Louis Integrated Health Network
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is proud to welcome the St. Louis Home Repair Network (HRN) into our portfolio. Funded by the James S. McDonnell Foundation and the Missouri Foundation for Health, HRN’s launch under IHN’s fiscal sponsorship marks an important step toward addressing the critical connection between housing and health in St. Louis. This collaboration will strengthen efforts to provide essential home repair services to those most in need.
Connecting Home Repair and Health
Where we live has a significant impact on our health. Unsafe housing conditions—such as mold, lead exposure, and structural hazards—can contribute to poor health outcomes, particularly for older adults and families with young children. HRN was established as a network to bring together home repair organizations, educate the community on the importance of safe housing, and ensure residents have access to essential home repair resources.
Through this partnership, IHN will support HRN’s work by providing administrative and operational infrastructure, allowing HRN to focus on its mission of improving housing conditions across the region. This collaboration underscores the growing recognition that stable, safe housing is a critical factor in overall health and well-being.
Introducing Kevin Poe: HRN’s Inaugural Executive Director
HRN is excited to welcome Kevin Poe as its inaugural Executive Director. Kevin brings extensive experience in community development and nonprofit leadership, making him well-positioned to lead HRN. Under his leadership, HRN will work to strengthen partnerships, streamline services, and increase access to home repair resources for St. Louis residents.
To learn more, visit: https://staging.hrnstl.org/
BUILDING BRIDGES: HOW COLLABORATION IS TRANSFORMING NORTH ST. LOUIS
“Guided by faith, Pastor Ken and Beverly Jenkins’ conception of the North County Innovation Center serves as a model for neighborhood redevelopment and true collective impact. At the IHN, we are grateful to partner with them, African Leadership Group, Sand Technologies, and others from around the region, country, and Africa to equip our St. Louis communities for jobs of the future and to advance health equity.” – Andwele Jolly, CEO, IHN
Back in late February, IHN was honored to host leaders from ALX / Sand Technologies, Nexus Group, Washington University in St. Louis, the Refuge and Restoration Marketplace / North County Innovation Center, and SteadyMD to explore opportunities to bolster the safety net workforce in St. Louis. We are excited for the potential to leverage national and international workforce solutions and new technologies to advance health equity and to accelerate socioeconomic upward mobility for residents of North City and County in St. Louis.
IHN STAFF SPOTLIGHT: BRITTANY JONES
“Brittany and I both started out as CRCs at the IHN, I have been privileged to work with her for multiple years now and watched her grow and advance at our organization. Over the years, I have learned so much from her, and I know she is always someone I can rely on, go to for advice or even just to chat. Her support of people in the community is unwavering and her commitment to advancing health and racial equity is something I truly admire. She is such an asset to the IHN and lives the mission of our organization every day. I appreciate the hard work she does and the amazing human that she is; we are lucky to have her on our team.” – Erin Murphy, Associate Director of Clinical and Community Integration, Care Transition Initiatives
This month, we are proud to spotlight Brittany Jones, MSW, MPH, CPH, Assistant Director of Clinical and Community Integration, Racial Equity Initiatives, for her dedication to advancing health equity. Since joining IHN in August 2019 as a Community Referral Coordinator (CRC), Brittany has continuously expanded her impact—first by managing the Community-Based side of the CRC program and now in her leadership role fostering collaboration between clinical providers and community organizations. Her commitment to addressing racial health disparities and advocating for culturally responsive care makes her an invaluable part of our network. We celebrate Brittany’s journey, passion, and the positive change she continues to drive in our communities!
HONORING THE WOMEN OF IHN: A REFLECTION ON WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we pause to celebrate the remarkable women of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network. Their leadership, resilience, and dedication to health equity are the driving forces behind meaningful change in our communities. Throughout March, we’ve recognized the women who advocate, innovate, and uplift those around them—breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive future. Their contributions extend far beyond this month, leaving a lasting impact every day.
We also extend our deep appreciation to the incredible women who serve on our Board of Directors. Their vision, guidance, and commitment to advancing health equity help shape IHN’s mission and impact. The leadership they provide is instrumental in driving our work forward.
Though Women’s History Month may be ending, our commitment to amplifying and supporting the voices of women in healthcare and beyond remains unwavering. To the women of IHN, our board members, and all those championing equity—thank you for your invaluable work and inspiration!
UPLIFT CONFERENCE 2025: HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS
Pictured: Kaytlin Reedy Rogier, Kelly McKay Gist, Richelle Smith, and Cheron Phillips
Pictured: Richelle Smith
This past month, the EleVATE Collaborative had the opportunity to provide a Trauma Informed Care Training at the Uplift Connection 2025 Maternal & Infant Health Convening with the support of our Community Collaborators. The Uplift Connection Maternal Health Convening serves as a hub to connect stakeholders working in maternal and infant health spaces across Missouri. Uplift Connection allows those who prioritize maternal health improvement to share ideas and strategies on how to best serve the birthing people in Missouri.
As a key strategy to improve maternal health outcomes, the collaborative strives to train providers, maternal healthcare professionals, and staff on the importance of trauma informed care and the role it can play in supporting mothers and birthing people. One unique element of this training is that it is focused on both patient-provider relationships and staff relationships and capacity. Our community collaborators, or patients-turned-partners (Richelle Smith and Cheron Phillips) played an essential role in both developing and delivering this training! We were grateful to have over 70 attendees trained, and we want to thank everyone for the meaningful dialogue shared in the session.
Highlighting the real-life impact of the IHN. From the experiences of our dedicated staff to testimonies from the community we serve, these stories showcase the importance of access, collaboration, and compassionate care in our community.
“I was asked to see a patient in the emergency department in regards to setting him with a primary care provider. At bedside, patient seemed very anxious and was pacing around the room. I could tell he was uncertain about scheduling an appointment since he didn’t have insurance coverage. I did not want to pressure him, so I offered him resources and support instead. He was very grateful and expressed that he was feeling down because he felt like he had no one in his corner. Offering patient-centered care and meeting them where they are is so important. I wanted the patient to know his options, but not add to the stress he was already experiencing.” – Community Referral Coordinator
2ND ANNUAL CENTERING JOY CONFERENCE
📢 REGISTER TODAY!
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), in collaboration with Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MO PQC), invites you to the 2nd Annual “Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience” Conference!
This year’s theme, “Black Love,” highlights the importance of family in advancing Black maternal health.
🗓️ Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
📍 Location: Goldfarb School of Nursing (4483 Duncan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110)
Be part of an inspiring day focused on uplifting Black birthing experiences, sharing vital resources, and celebrating community.
🎟️ Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/43mMrSv
A heartfelt thank you to the Missouri Foundation for Health and all our generous sponsors for supporting this important event! Thank you to Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing for hosting.
CDC REACH INITIATIVE
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s (IHN) CDC REACH initiative is dedicated to improving health, preventing chronic diseases, and reducing health disparities among high-risk racial and ethnic populations. Through a community-driven approach, IHN focuses on implementing healthy food service guidelines, providing fruit and vegetable voucher incentives, promoting safe and accessible physical activity, and supporting family healthy weight programs. In collaboration with key partners from institutions like Washington University, ThriveLink, Trailnet, and the Fit and Food Connection, the initiative works to create lasting, equitable health improvements across St. Louis communities.
To learn more, visit the CDC Reach page HERE.
FEDERAL
- On March 15, 2025, the President signed a “continuing resolution” that will fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year (Sept. 30), avoiding a government shutdown. Among other items included, the Community Health Center Fund was funded at $2.1 billion for the remainder of the fiscal year, a slight reduction from funding in previous years.
- Discussions are ongoing about the extension of the $4.5 trillion in expiring tax breaks established during the first Trump Administration. Recent Congressional focus has been on passing the “continuing resolution,” but now attention will turn to this effort. Large cuts to Medicaid, through a variety of mechanisms, are being considered. It is vital that community groups and individuals talk to their Congressional representatives about the importance of Medicaid in the coming weeks.
STATE
- Staff changes are underway in the state, with Kim Evans, director of the Family Support Division at the Missouri Department of Social Services, announcing her retirement on March 14. This agency had oversight of food assistance and Medicaid enrollment and had struggled to keep up with applications.
- In addition, Jess Bax has been confirmed as the head of the Department of Social Services, under which MO Health Net and the Family Support Division sit.
- A $2 billion supplemental appropriation bill has been passed by the House and Senate and is headed to Governor Kehoe that adds additional monies to the current year’s state budget which ends June 30. The supplemental budget bill includes money for services for the developmentally disabled, avian flu response, and summer food programs.
- The budget bills for the State Fiscal Year 2026 continue to work through the House Budget Committee. The budget process begins in the House each session before moving to the Senate (usually in mid to late March). The budget is due to the Governor on May 9, a week before the end of the 2025 Missouri Legislative session.
- Hot topics of this session include: tax cuts, workforce development, restrictions to health care for transgender minors, a measure to repeal or replace the constitutional amendment passed by Missouri voters in Nov. 2024 that legalized abortion, and potential changes to Proposition A also passed in Nov. 2024 that would increase Missouri’s minimum wage to $15/hour and provide employees with paid sick leave.
- The Missouri House passed legislation which repeals the mandated sick leave that Missouri votes had supported in November 2024 and eliminates minimum wage increases that were set to take effect in January 2027.
- Wills Way Inc. 2nd Annual Youth Health Fair | March 29th, 10:00am-3:00pm | 1623 Keilen Avenue
- AIM-CCI presents the Hear Her Campaign: Train the Trainer Workshop | March 29th, at 10:00am-12:00pm | Thomas Dunn Learning Center | Register here: bit.ly/4bmu8yT | To learn more about the Hear Her Campaign click HERE. To learn more about AIM-CCI click HERE.
- A Red Circle Foundation’s Community Resource Fair | March 29th | North County Recreation Complex, 2577 Redman Rd , St. Louis, 63136 | This is a FREE event but you must register: https://bit.ly/3Qzglvq
- SDAC Northside Church presents “Kid’s Bash” | March 29th, 12:00pm-2:00pm | Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 9001 Lucas &Hunt Road, St. Louis, MO 63136. Website: http://www.northsidesda.org
- Community Health Worker (CHW) Supervisor Training – Train the Trainer Model: Session 1 | March 31–April 4 | (In-person at UMSL) This is event is FREE but you must register before March 17: https://forms.office.com/r/fYAghSZKjp
- Parking Lot Friday | April 4th, 1:00pm-4:00pm | 3300 S Jefferson Ave/63118
- Brighter Futures Fundraising Event | April 5th, 6:30pm-8:30pm | HandleBar in the Grove 4127 Manchester | St. Louis, MO 63110 | Register: https://bit.ly/4kYzNzx
- Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference | April 11th, 9:00am – 3:00pm | Goldfarb: School of Nursing | Registration: https://bit.ly/43mMrSv
- The Family Birthplace 5K Run/Walk | April 12th at 8:00am | 12303 DePaul Drive, St. Louis, MO 63044 | Register: https://bit.ly/42dTb4e
- Community Baby Shower | April 12th, 10:00am-1:00pm | The May Community Education Center 12303 DePaul Drive, St. Louis, MO 63044 | Register: https://bit.ly/4kyNOns
- St. Louis AANHPI Health Summit: SAVE THE DATE: April 25th | More information to come!
- Meet the IHN Health Insurance Navigator | Tuesdays – Ongoing, 2:00pm-5:00pm | Divoll Branch of the St. Louis Public Library (4234 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63107
- Health and Wellness Fair | April 19th, at 10:00am-2:00pm | 5569 Page Blvd. 63112
- Reentry Resource Fair | April 24th, 12:30pm-2:00pm | St Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd, St. Louis MO 63121