St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN)

Community Pulse: July 2025 Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

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.


To Our Community: Thank You

It has been over two months since tornadoes tore through our region, disrupting lives, homes, and health. While the physical damage was significant, so too was the outpouring of care.

At the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, we’ve seen firsthand how our community truly shows up for one another. When Regina Marsh, Chief Executive Officer of St. Elizabeth’s Adult Day Care Center, reached out to IHN’s CEO, Andwele Jolly, seeking ways to support those affected by the tornado, he connected her with Dr. L.J. Punch, Founder of Power4STL, who was deeply involved in recovery efforts for the Fountain Park community. Recognizing an urgent need for meals, IHN coordinated with four local food trucks—Crooked Boot, Pure Catering, Duchess Rose, and Bougie Bites—while St. Elizabeth’s Adult Day Care Center generously funded the effort. Each food truck received $1,250 to prepare and serve over 80 meals per day, resulting in more than 400 hot, delicious meals provided to residents in just a few days.

This story is a powerful example of how, by coming together and pooling resources, our community can quickly respond to urgent needs and support each other in meaningful ways.

From partners distributing supplies and care packages to neighbors checking in on one another, your efforts have made a real difference. Whether you donated diapers or period products, assembled wellness kits, or simply shared resources with someone in need—you’ve shown what mutual aid, collaboration, and community care truly look like in action.

The recovery journey continues, but because of you, we move forward with strength and compassion. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for reminding us that we are never alone.

💙 The IHN Teamily

INTRODUCING IHN’S TORNADO RESPONSE HEALTH NEEDS DASHBOARD

In the wake of the devastating tornado that struck St. Louis in May, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) joined the community-wide relief efforts led by Action St. Louis. As part of the coordinated response, IHN received nearly 1,300 health-related referrals for individuals and families impacted by the storm. With an average household size of nearly five, this outreach has touched the lives of more than 7,000 people across the region.

Most of the health needs shared—about two-thirds—were described as urgent. In response, IHN reached out directly to each household to provide immediate support, connect residents with necessary resources, and refer them to trusted partner organizations. The majority of these referrals came from neighborhoods in the northwest part of the City, particularly zip codes 63115, 63113, and 63107.

IHN continues to support individuals who have been referred and remains committed to ensuring that health-related needs in the aftermath of the storm do not go unmet. To view the latest data on this ongoing work, visit the Tornado Relief Dashboard.

UPDATES FROM THE HOME REPAIR NETWORK

The Home Repair Network (HRN), fiscally sponsored by IHN, works to ensure safe, stable housing. ED Kevin Poe shares the latest updates.

Kevin Poe, Executive Director, Home Repair Network (HRN), Dr. L.J. Punch, Founder, Power4STL, Regina Marsh, Chief Executive Officer, St. Elizabeth’s Adult Day Care Center

The Home Repair Network (HRN) was established to coordinate the efforts of our member organizations who are either overseeing home repair programming for their respective footprints, or looking to link clientele to such services, with goals of building a robust platform for centralized and more efficient assistance and contractor information, intake process, and data, making navigation of the home repair ecosystem as a whole more accessible and fluid. 

The HRN’s membership is comprised mostly of nonprofit Community Development Corporations (CDC), as well as representation from St. Louis City government and other nonprofit organizations. 

Each has historically been funded for their home repair services as most organizations are, with programs granted to zip codes and census tracts, creating an inequity of funding distribution, as well as a competition for the same pool(s) of money. 

In addition to building out an efficient platform, the HRN is dedicated to advocating for additional funding sources – to include legislative and creative lending products – and a more equitable distribution of said funding. 

The HRN also aims to address the shortage of contractors needed to perform the work by not only educating area contractors as to the existence of grant funded programming, but – more importantly – creating a pipeline for “unqualified” contractors to become “legitimate” in the sense of securing the proper licensing and insurance. 

With the work he was doing in the private sector to support minority business enterprises (MBE) being what propelled him to nonprofit work seven years ago, Executive Director Kevin Poe sees this as a real opportunity to prop up local MBE’s who have already been performing repair services in many areas that some of the more “established” contractors often quite frankly refused to consider. 

A (pre-tornado) UMSL study into the home repair needs of the region revealed that needs disproportionally existed in Black communities – and Kevin believes that the opportunity to profit while addressing these needs should be predominantly afforded to the same community as well. 

“Legitimizing” these small contractors will potentially increase their overall bid opportunities in the region, in turn increasing their capacity and therefore need to hire additional help. This then drives a connection to workforce development opportunities that could now present young men and women with not only an opportunity to make a good living, but do so with a homegrown company established and ran by someone who looks like them, and may even operate in the communities in which they were raised. 

What we’re beginning to talk about here is the true systemic change we all aim for in the work we do as nonprofit organizations.  

As more contractors and funding address the needs, more homes are brought to a healthy and safe state of repair, and – as IHN has recognized – positive physical AND mental health outcomes become evident. 

Beyond that, more “middle market” homes (not brand new, not decimated/“fixer-upper”) now become available, truly impacting the often predatory “affordable housing” and rental landscape. Additionally, the owners of these homes are finally beginning to establish generational wealth in an asset they can profit from through sale, or be passed on to family. 

This then decreases vacancy and blight, while increasing equity, and therefore access to home equity lending products that have long been established to help families maintain the necessary upkeep. 

While the tornado was tragic, a positive side effect was an immediate spotlight put on an already existing problem, and the opportunity to “prove our concept”. 

The HRN has secured an emergency response grant that will equitably distribute funding in the impacted area among trusted member organizations in the community for the purpose of helping homeowners navigate the often-overwhelming home repairs needed, with the insurance, FEMA, and SEMA payouts they receive. 

With the grant funds paying for this service, homeowners will have “owner’s representatives” they can trust with overseeing the project, from scope creation to completion, education along the way and helping to protect the resident from predatory situations. 

Funds have also been carved out for emergency repairs or those needed beyond insurance/FEMA/SEMA payouts, and to qualify contractors encountered along the way in the hopes of achieving the things mentioned above in that regard, through partnerships with, and access to, technical assistance programming. 

Additionally, bulk material procurement relationships and discounts are being sought to stretch the available homeowner dollars as much as possible, leveraging an economy of scale. 

This partnership between HRN member organizations, capacity building outlets, and procurement relationships begin to build – and hopefully fast track – the foundation of a replicable formula and proof of concept with which the HRN can be off and running. 

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT: DEFENDING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM MEDICAID CUTS

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the Republican budget reconciliation package H.R. 1, also referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act. The law enacts sweeping changes to health care, tax, immigration, energy, and education policy. Among its most controversial provisions are an estimated $1 trillion in reductions to the Medicaid program.

This law includes sweeping cuts to our country’s safety net programs as well as new policies that will detrimentally impact Missouri’s insurance Marketplace. These policy changes will directly impact the most vulnerable in our community—particularly individuals who rely on Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). As IHN works to advance health access and strengthen the safety net, we are deeply concerned about the provisions that would impose stricter work requirements for both programs, increasing bureaucratic hurdles to needed health care and food. These changes will result in the disenrollment of thousands of low-income St. Louisans, especially Black and Brown residents who already face systemic barriers to employment, transportation, and health care access.

For the St. Louis region, where nearly one in four City residents and one in six County residents rely on Medicaid and over 160,000 individuals benefit from SNAP, the passage of H.R. 1 will result in increased food insecurity, worsened health outcomes, and higher uncompensated care burdens on safety-net providers. These changes will undo years of progress in expanding access to care and addressing the social drivers of health. IHN stands with our partners to advocate for policies that preserve access to life-sustaining services and protect the health and dignity of our communities. A press release completed in collaboration with our partners after the signing of H.R. 1 can be found HERE.

IHN has produced a fact sheet of most of the law’s health-related provisions impacting programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the health insurance Marketplaces, private insurance, and Medicare. The final bill includes Medicaid work requirements, limits on provider taxes, and exclusions for legal immigrants such as refugees and asylees from both Medicaid and SNAP. The bill represents a major shift in federal spending policy and will put pressure on Missouri to either cut Medicaid and SNAP or allocate additional funds to replace the reductions in federal dollars. IHN will continue to work in collaboration with our partners to minimize or reverse the most harmful provisions in this law.  

BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: HONORING COMMUNITY, UPLIFTING WELLNESS

Each July, BIPOC Mental Health Month invites us to pause, reflect, and uplift the mental health and well-being of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) across our communities. For the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), it’s a vital reminder that health is not just physical — it includes our minds, hearts, and lived experiences.

Systemic inequities, racism, and chronic stress continue to shape the realities of BIPOC individuals and families. These challenges can make it more difficult to access the care and support we all deserve. That’s why IHN is committed to raising awareness, advocating for equitable access, and helping connect our communities with the resources needed to heal and thrive.

This month also includes Black Maternal Mental Health Week (July 19–25) — a powerful call to action to support the mental health of Black mothers and birthing people. Too often, their voices go unheard and their needs unmet in systems not built with them in mind. At IHN, we believe that Black birthing people deserve compassionate, culturally competent care — and to feel seen, supported, and safe.

We encourage our partners, supporters, and neighbors to stand in community with us this month and beyond. Healing is possible, and no one should have to struggle alone.

Need immediate support?


📞 Call or text 988 for the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline — 24/7, free, and confidential.

Explore local mental health resources:

• Affinia Healthcare https://affiniahealthcare.org/department/behavioral-health/
• Peoples Health Centers https://phcenters.org/services/
• Care STL Health https://carestlhealth.org/services/behavioral-health/
• Family Care Health Centers https://familycarehealthcenters.org/behavioral-health/
• St. Louis Mental Health Board (https://stlmhb.org/)
• Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis (https://bhnstl.org/)
• Behavioral Health Response (https://bhrstl.com/)
• NAMI St. Louis (https://www.namistl.org/)
• STL Department of Health – Behavioral Health Bureau (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/behavioral-health/index.cfm)

Together, let’s keep building a future where mental well-being is a right — not a privilege.

MEET THE IHN BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The St. Louis Integrated Health Network is honored to introduce you to the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors—three remarkable leaders committed to advancing health equity and collaboration across our region.

We’re proud to welcome Derrick Melton, CEO of the St. Louis County Federally Qualified Health Center, as our new Board Secretary. A trusted leader in public health, Derrick brings a deep understanding of community-centered care and systems improvement to the role.

We’re also thrilled to share that Angela Clabon, CEO of Care STL Health, will continue serving as Board Chair. Angela’s steady leadership and commitment to neighborhood-based care have been essential to IHN’s growth and impact.

Dr. Kendra Holmes, CEO of Affinia Healthcare, will also continue in her role as Board Treasurer. Kendra’s strategic insight and tireless advocacy for accessible, high-quality care remain a cornerstone of our collective work.

We are grateful for their leadership and excited for the year ahead as we continue building a more just and connected health system for everyone in the St. Louis region.


ST. LOUIS COUNTY DPH AND SSM HEALTH LAUNCH RECORD-SHARING SYSTEM TO IMPROVE CARE ACCESS

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health and SSM Health have taken a major step toward more coordinated, patient-centered care. The two organizations recently launched a new electronic medical records system that allows for secure sharing of patient information between providers.

This system will improve care continuity, reduce duplication, and help ensure that people across the region—especially those in underserved communities—can access the services they need more efficiently.

As Derrick Melton, CEO of the St. Louis County FQHC, shared:


“We implemented a new electronic medical records system that will allow us to have patient communication from the patient’s doorstep all the way through our health centers.”

This kind of collaboration between health systems is essential to advancing health equity in the St. Louis region, and we’re proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside our partners.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/3IJSxnG


CELEBRATING LIVING LEGENDS IN ST. LOUIS

On Saturday, July 19, the Missouri History Museum was filled with joy, gratitude, and inspiration as community members gathered for the Living Legends event, hosted by the Missouri Historical Society. This special evening honored local leaders whose work continues to uplift, empower, and transform lives across the St. Louis region.

We were especially proud to celebrate two extraordinary women in health: Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, former CEO of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, and Dr. Kendra Holmes, CEO of Affinia Healthcare. Their dedication to advancing health equity has had a profound impact on our community, and their recognition as Living Legends is deeply deserved.

Events like this remind us of the power of leadership, collaboration, and shared vision in building a healthier, more just St. Louis.

Congratulations again to all the honorees!

Pictured above: Andwele Jolly, CEO/President, St. Louis Integrated Health Network, Riisa Rawlins: CEO, Community Health Commission of Missouri, Kendra Holmes, CEO/President, Affinia Healthcare, and Fredrick L. Echols, MD: CEO/Founder, Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: TOBEYA IBITAYO

We’re proud to spotlight Tobeya Ibitayo, IHN’s Program Director within IHN’s Community-Driven Innovation efforts! Tobeya brings a thoughtful, collaborative spirit to everything he does—consistently helping to shape and strengthen IHN’s community-driven work. He earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics and a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and African & African American studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Previously, he served as the Research Lead for Behavioral Health at NOVUS Health, managing a behavioral health integration project funded by the HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and has contributed to key public health initiatives in St. Louis addressing health disparities, including climate change impacts on community health, gun violence prevention, and support for community health workers.

His supervisor, Kelly McKay, shares: “Thank you, Tobeya, for your collaborative skills and for helping to move the work forward by listening and working on multidisciplinary teams to co-create solutions. You always step up when needed and consistently think about how to expand and deepen IHN’s community-driven work. I’m grateful for all that you do in your role at IHN and in your work with communities.”

Outside of work, Tobeya enjoys playing cello, tennis, and serves on the selection committee for the St. Louis Literary Award. We’re lucky to have him on the team!

Highlighting the power of partnership. From community-based organizations to healthcare institutions, IHN is proud to collaborate across sectors to advance health equity in the St. Louis region and beyond.

TRANSITIONS OF CARE TASK FORCE – JUNE 2025 QUARTERLY MEETING RECAP

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s Transitions of Care (TOC) Task Force held its second quarterly meeting of the year at Schlafly Library. The TOC Task Force brings together a cross-functional group of healthcare providers, administrators, and community partners committed to improving the quality, safety, and coordination of care transitions across our regional healthcare system.

This quarter’s meeting featured three outstanding guest speakers who shared their insights and expertise:

  • Katy Robertson, representing RxOutreach, spoke about the organization’s work as a nonprofit pharmacy, offering affordable medications and support to underserved populations.
  • Dr. Elizabeth Daniels gave a compelling presentation on infectious disease and prevention, highlighting best practices for protecting patients and improving communication during transitions of care related to infectious conditions.
  • Dr. Melissa An Song discussed transitions of care for non-English speakers, underscoring the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to ensure continuity of care and reduce disparities.

Following the presentations, attendees broke into their workgroups (Adult Health, Geriatric Health, Pediatric Health, Behavioral Health and Maternal Health) to discuss priorities for 2025 and steps that can be taken before our next meeting.

The TOC Task Force meets quarterly to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and align strategies across organizations. Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 25 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

Interested in joining the TOC Task Force?
Please contact Erin Murphy at emurphy@stlouisihn.org.

TOC Task Force Guest Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Daniels, Katy Robertson, and Dr. Melissa An Song

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