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.
EXPANDING ACCESS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY:
FAMILY CARE HEALTH CENTERS OPENS IN DUTCHTOWN
By Sylvia Petty, Marketing & PR Manager for Family Care Health Centers
Family Care Health Centers (FCHC) recently expanded our network of health center locations with the addition of our Dutchtown health center site. While this new location represents growth and expansion for our organization, more importantly, it represents our commitment and ability to care for more individuals and families throughout the St. Louis region.
The Dutchtown health center increases access to primary care and behavioral health services—two essential components of a healthier community. By bringing these services closer to where people live, work, and raise their families, we are helping address some of the public health challenges facing St. Louis while creating greater opportunities for individuals to thrive in their health and well-being.
Just a few months after opening our doors, we are already seeing the tremendous potential this health center holds for the Dutchtown community for generations to come. Our impact will be measured not only by the number of patients we have the privilege of serving, but also by the broader economic and community opportunities created through this investment, including jobs and partnerships that strengthen the neighborhood.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many individuals, organizations and community partners. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has played a role in bringing the Dutchtown health center from an idea, to construction, to opening, and now to ongoing operations.
A special thank you goes to the partners who provided critical funding and support for this project, including the State of Missouri, Missouri Primary Care Association, City of St. Louis, and the St. Louis Integrated Health Network. Their investment in this project reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality, affordable healthcare and strengthening the communities we serve.
Without the support and partnership of these organizations, this vision would not have become a reality. FCHC is proud to be part of the Dutchtown community, and we look forward to the lasting impact we will make together.
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.
HEALING, OUTREACH, AND PEER ENGAGEMENT FOR MOTHERS
(HOPE) INITIATIVE
By Erin Murphy, Director of Grants and Contracts, St. Louis Integrated Health Network
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network has been awarded funding through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Substance Use Disorder Grant Program to launch a Maternal Peer-Based Recovery Support Program: The Healing, Outreach, and Peer Engagement for Mothers (HOPE) Initiative.
This new initiative will connect pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing substance use disorder, or co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, with peer support, care coordination, and wrap-around services designed to keep birthing individuals and babies healthier and safer.
The program will be staffed by two Certified Peer Specialist and a Program Coordinator who will help participants navigate treatment, connect to prenatal and postpartum care, access overdose prevention education and reversal resources, and get linked to services like housing, transportation, and childcare that often stand between families and recovery. IHN will partner closely with area hospitals, birthing centers, OB-GYN and pediatric providers, and community behavioral health organizations to build a coordinated referral network across the region.
This work responds to a sobering reality: according to Missouri’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review, the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the state are preventable with earlier behavioral health screening, treatment, and connection to resources. Peer-based recovery support, grounded in lived experience, has shown real promise in helping people stay engaged in care, reduce substance use, and sustain recovery.
MEET THE HOPE INITIATIVE TEAM!
The Healing, Outreach, and Peer Engagement for Mothers (HOPE) Initiative welcomed three new IHN team members this summer: Sara Mari Flores, Yasmine Kwaning, and Amanda Wilkinson. Each brings a unique combination of professional experience and perspective to their role on the HOPE Initiative team.
Sara Mari Flores serves as a Maternal Peer Support Specialist. Sara has been an active reproductive justice and maternal-fetal health advocate in St. Louis since 2015 and has been involved in social justice work since 2008. She brings years of community advocacy and a strong belief in the power of people to her work.
Yasmine Kwaning, BSN, RN, MPH, CPH, serves as Program Coordinator. Yasmine brings experience across nursing, public health, research, and community health. Before coming to IHN, she cared for mothers and preterm infants at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana and contributed to community health and research efforts with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Amanda Wilkinson, PMH-C, CLS, serves as a Maternal Peer Support Specialist. Amanda brings professional expertise and lived experience in perinatal and maternal mental health. She is the founder of Weeding the Garden, an evidence-based peer support and coaching practice, and speaks locally and nationally on perinatal trauma and maternal mental health.
We are excited about the experience, perspective, and compassion this team brings to the new initiative and its work to provide peer support and navigation for prenatal and postpartum birthing people experiencing or at risk for substance use disorder. Through the HOPE Initiative, the team will help connect clients with healthcare, social services, and other resources that support healthier outcomes for birthing people, infants, and families.
FOOD IS MEDICINE: POLICY AND PROGRAM INNOVATION
The “Food is Medicine” movement is gaining momentum across the country, with policymakers, healthcare systems, and community organizations increasingly recognizing the powerful connection between nutrition and health outcomes. But as this movement grows, it is important to acknowledge what many communities have always known: food as medicine is not a new concept. It is a traditional and cultural practice deeply embedded in the lives and experiences of communities around the world, particularly communities of the global majority.
At IHN, we believe that truly effective Food is Medicine programming and policy must be intentional, especially in how we engage farmers, growers, and community members as trusted experts and stewards of community health and well-being. That commitment comes to life through IHN’s co-leadership of the Empowered Thriving Communities (E.T.C.) collaborative, a local initiative dedicated to supporting Black and Brown residents through community-led solutions that strengthen food access, create safe spaces for physical activity, and connect residents to vital care.
Brittany Jones, IHN’s Director of Community Driven Innovation, shares what makes this work so meaningful:
“The excitement around Food is Medicine is promising and needed, however, it is important to remember that the concept of using food as medicine is not new, it is a traditional and cultural practice within the lives and experiences of many (especially communities of the global majority). Additionally, in order to ensure successful Food is Medicine programming and policies; we must be intentional in engaging farmers and growers as trusted experts and stewards of community health and wellbeing. IHN co-leads a local collaborative called Empowered Thriving Communities (E.T.C.); who is committed to supporting Black and Brown residents through community- led solutions that strengthen food access, create safe spaces for physical activity, and connect residents to vital care. What I appreciate the most about the E.T.C. collaborative is we understand the power of food within our communities. We understand that food is truly medicinal; not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. We anchor ourselves in the principles of nourishing neighborhoods, cultivating joy, and transforming systems.”
HOW CASA DE SALUD SERVES ST. LOUIS’ IMMIGRANT
AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES
Casa de Salud has been a cornerstone of healthcare access for St. Louis’ immigrant and refugee communities since its founding in 2009. Originally established to serve the region’s Latino community, Casa has grown alongside St. Louis’ diverse immigrant population and today provides high-quality clinical and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured patients from more than 45 countries across 20 surrounding counties. Annually, Casa provides 7,600 services to over 1,500 individuals through three core programs: its primary clinic, Mental Health Collaborative, and GUIA (Guides for Understanding, Information & Access) Case Management, with more than 70% of patients requesting interpretation services, reflecting the depth of Casa’s commitment to culturally responsive care.
Last year, Casa’s clinic provided approximately 2,500 appointments to 1,100 patients, spanning primary care, chronic disease management, lab testing, cancer screenings, prescription assistance, women’s health care, physical therapy, health education, and more. For patients who need specialty or complex care outside of Casa, the GUIA case management team steps in to help scheduling appointments, securing financial assistance, coordinating interpretation for external visits, and finding affordable medications. To date, the team has processed more than 600 external referrals on behalf of Casa patients. Through the Mental Health Collaborative, Casa partners with community mental health agencies and therapists to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health care, providing more than 2,500 hours of therapy to 221 clients over the past year alone.
Partnerships are also central to how Casa extends its reach beyond the exam room, including Spanish-language lactation classes with La Leche League and MetroMarket, which helps connect the Casa community with fresh, affordable food. Looking ahead, Casa will host their annual flu vaccine event on October 24th– another opportunity to make preventive care more accessible to the community. IHN is proud to count Casa de Salud as a valued member and partner in our shared mission to advance health equity across the St. Louis region.
HONORING KEVIN POE
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Kevin Poe, Executive Director of the Home Repair Network (HRN), was honored with a Resolution from the City of St. Louis along with other committed volunteers at the 11th annual Black Wall Street 314 Festival for years of dedication and service to the event. HRN operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN).
Black Wall Street 314 is a festival featuring vendors, music, a parade, kids’ zone, resource fair, car and fashion shows, and more. It was started a little over a decade ago by Young Voices With Action (YVWA) founder Farrakhan Shegog, and takes place in the historic Wellston Loop area of MLK on the last Saturday each June.
Farrakhan, Young Voices, and Black Wall Street 314 aim to prove that Black commerce and success can once again thrive along this historic stretch of blocks. In truly backing the dream, they will break ground this Summer/Fall on a $10.3-million, 31k SF mixed-use development (below) – featuring first floor commercial space, and two levels of 18 residential apartment units, creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Project completion is anticipated in Spring 2027.
Kevin has proudly volunteered with YVWA and BWS314 for over six years, and currently serves as Vice Chair on the board.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
AWARENESS WEEK
This week, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) joins organizations across the country in celebrating National Community Health Worker Awareness Week (August 24–28) and recognizing the Community Health Workers (CHWs) who strengthen communities every day.
Led by the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW), the annual observance highlights the essential role CHWs play in promoting public health, advancing health equity, and connecting people with health and social services. It also elevates CHW leadership and advocates for policies and systems that respect, protect, and authentically partner with the CHW workforce.
CHWs are vital members of the IHN team, serving as the driving force behind several of our programs and initiatives, including the Re-Entry Community Linkages (RE-LINK) Initiative, CHW Workforce Initiative, Tornado Recovery Initiative, and the new Healing, Outreach, and Peer Engagement for Mothers (HOPE) Initiative. Through this work, CHWs help individuals and families navigate complex systems, access resources, and overcome barriers to health and wellbeing.
For Virginia Moore, a CHW with IHN’s RE-LINK Initiative, advocacy is at the heart of the work:
“Being a CHW often means being a voice for those who feel voiceless while providing them with the resources, support, and tools they need to advocate for themselves and speak on their own behalf.”
Virginia’s words reflect the relationships, trust, lived experience, and deep understanding of community that CHWs bring to their work.
During National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, IHN is proud to celebrate Virginia, our entire CHW team, and CHWs throughout the St. Louis region and across the country for their dedication to building healthier, more equitable communities.
Learn more about National Community Health Worker Awareness Week and NACHW at nachw.org/nchwaw.
ANDWELE JOLLY’S VISIT TO THE ST. LOUIS FED
IHN President and CEO Andwele Jolly recently had the pleasure of visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for an engaging and forward-looking conversation about the intersection of monetary policy, workforce challenges, and regional economic development. Joined by Sam Murphy, Jorge Riopedre, and Vanessa Cooksey, the visit also included a special welcome to fellow Eisenhower Fellow Jack Bienko to St. Louis.
Many thanks to Sam and his colleagues BreAnne Best, Ken Fields, Frank Boyer, Liz Senzee, and Nishesh Chalise for hosting and facilitating such a meaningful dialogue around how the Fed can help foster public-private partnerships that drive economic opportunity across the region. Conversations like these are a reminder of the power of bringing diverse sectors together around shared goals, and the critical role that workforce development plays in building a stronger, more equitable St. Louis.
For those interested in continuing the conversation, the St. Louis Fed is hosting an upcoming event focused on workforce development and apprenticeships:
Advancing Apprenticeships: Fostering a Strong-Talent Economy
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. CT
Register here
IHN CELEBRATES FQHC PARTNERS DURING
NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK
In recognition of National Health Center Week (August 2–8) and Partner Appreciation Day (August 7), the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) celebrated its Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) partners with a sweet show of appreciation.
On Friday, August 7, IHN partnered with local ice cream and frozen novelty businesses Scoops of Joy and Yafa Enterprises to visit staff at Affinia Healthcare, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, Family Care Health Centers, and the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. Health center employees were treated to ice cream and frozen treats in recognition of the important work they do every day.
National Health Center Week highlights the critical role health centers play in expanding access to care and strengthening communities. Partner Appreciation Day offers an opportunity to recognize the organizations and individuals whose collaboration helps make that work possible.
IHN was founded by four of the region’s FQHCs, Affinia Healthcare, CareSTL Health, Family Care Health Centers, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, on the belief that collaboration strengthens the healthcare safety net. More than two decades later, that spirit of partnership remains central to IHN’s work.
We were proud to celebrate our FQHC partners and the dedicated staff who continue to provide accessible, community-centered healthcare throughout the St. Louis region.
By M. Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer and Bill Winfrey, Vice President of Policy & Strategic Initiatives
Missouri Voters Reject Amendments 4 and 5; More Constitutional Questions Ahead in November
Missouri voters delivered decisive results on two high-profile constitutional amendments during the August 4, 2026, primary election, rejecting both Amendment 4 and Amendment 5 by wide margins. Amendment 4 was defeated approximately 80.3% to 19.7%, while Amendment 5 was rejected approximately 83.3% to 16.7%.
Amendment 4: Changes to the Initiative Petition Process
Amendment 4 would have changed Missouri’s constitutional initiative process by requiring a proposed citizen-initiated constitutional amendment to receive a majority of votes in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts, rather than simply winning a statewide majority. It also would have required the full text of initiative petitions to be made available to voters with their ballots.
Voters rejected the proposal by roughly a four-to-one margin. The result preserves the existing statewide-majority standard for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. The vote also represents a significant decision about the role of direct democracy in Missouri and the ability of voters to use the initiative petition process to amend the state Constitution. This is the process by which Missouri residents have expanded Medicaid and legalized recreational marijuana, among other things, in recent years.
Amendment 5: Elimination of the State Individual Income Tax
Amendment 5 would have required the Missouri General Assembly to phase out and eventually eliminate the state’s individual income tax as state revenues grew. In exchange, it would have authorized broader sales and use taxes and changed constitutional limitations on taxing goods and services.
The measure was rejected even more decisively, with approximately 83% of voters voting no. The result is a major setback for efforts to eliminate Missouri’s individual income tax and shift a greater share of state revenue collection toward sales taxes. Supporters characterized the proposal as an opportunity for tax relief, while
opponents raised concerns about the potential for higher sales taxes and the distributional impact on lower- and middle-income households.
Looking Ahead to November
Missouri voters will return to the polls on November 3, 2026, with three additional constitutional amendments currently certified for the general-election ballot. Amendment 3 would repeal the reproductive-health protections approved by voters in 2024 and establish new restrictions on abortion, including exceptions for rape, incest, medical emergencies and certain fetal anomalies, while also prohibiting gender-transition procedures for minors. Amendment 7 would establish the proposed Show-Me Prosperity Fund, a permanent public endowment intended ultimately to replace state-imposed taxes with investment earnings. Amendment 8 would place existing requirements concerning the election, duties and removal of county sheriffs into the Missouri Constitution.
For organizations working in health care, public health and social services, Amendment 3 will be particularly important to monitor, given its potential implications for reproductive health care and Missouri’s health-care delivery system. The November ballot will provide another significant opportunity for Missouri voters to shape state policy directly through the constitutional amendment process.
Two court cases have also been filed related to two additional citizen-led ballot initiatives that Missouri Secretary of State Hoskins refused to certify even though both met the signature criteria. The People Not Politicians referendum would overturn the state legislature’s newly enacted congressional map for Missouri which divided Kansas City into three different congressional districts to provide Republicans a better chance of securing 7 of the 8 U.S. House seats in Missouri. The other amendment rejected by Secretary Hoskins is the Respect Missouri Voters initiative which would declare initiative and referendum powers a fundamental right, preserve existing signature and statewide majority requirements, and prevent lawmakers from weakening the initiative process. It would also prohibit lawmakers from changing or repealing laws enacted through the initiative process, or passing laws similar to those rejected by referendum, without approval from at least 80% of both the Missouri House and Senate, or a public vote.
The court must decide on the cases by Sept. 8 if either of these are going to appear on the November ballot.
IHN RELEASES 2025 IMPACT REPORT
We are excited to share IHN’s 2025 Impact Report, highlighting how our strategy translated into action across the region.
This edition reflects IHN’s work to strengthen the regional safety net through collaboration, community-clinical integration, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships linking health with housing, justice, and community well-being. It also highlights our role in supporting initiatives like Empowered Thriving Communities and the Home Repair Network.
The report captures IHN’s continued growth, including expanded funding, strengthened partnerships, and programs that connect individuals and families to care and support.
Read the Impact Report:
https://bit.ly/48Ig970
Download the full report:
https://bit.ly/49gvD28
- Free Health Screenings | Every Tuesday, 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. | BJK People’s Health Centers
- 314 Oasis Healthcare Resources | Wednesdays, 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. See Full Schedule | Centennial Church, 4950 Fountain Park | See Grocery Giveaway Schedule
- Healthcare Resources | Mondays, 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108, No appointment necessary
- Health Insurance Resources | Wednesdays, 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118, No appointment necessary
- Healthcare Resources | Fridays, 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Branch, 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, No appointment necessary
- Family Fridays | Every Friday, 3:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. | St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave.
- Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival | Friday, September 18th, 10:00a.m. – 10:00p.m.; Saturday, September 19th, 10:00a.m. – 10:00p.m.; Sunday, September 20th, 11:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. | Soulard Park, S. 8th St. & Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104 | Free three-day celebration featuring live Latin music, food, folkloric dance, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and community resource booths connecting attendees with local organizations and services. | More info: https://explorestlouis.com/event/greater-st-louis-hispanic-festival/
- Free Health Screenings | Saturday, September 19th, 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. | Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112 | Free health screenings for underserved and uninsured community members, including blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, dental, EKG/heart disease, hearing, glaucoma, vision, BMI, and more. Appointment required. Call Jacqueline at 314-305-1439. | More info: https://hpes-stl.org/screenings/
- 2026 Health Resource Fair | Saturday, September 19th, 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. | Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5544 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112 | Health Resource Fair presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, focused on healthy living and providing resources to address health disparities. The annual event brings together dozens of community vendors and health resources. | More info: https://www.missouriship.org/event/2026-health-resource-fair/
- IHN Community Care Hub Webinar | September 24th, 11:00a.m. | Register Here: https://bit.ly/4cEURsk
- Community Day 2026 | Saturday, September 26th, 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. | The Hub, 3000 E. Prairie Ave., St. Louis, MO 63107 | Free community event featuring kids’ dental screenings, legal case evaluations, more than 15 local business and nonprofit resource booths, free food, family activities, entertainment, and giveaways. No RSVP required. | More info: https://explorestlouis.com/event/community-day-2026/
- Breast Fest 2026 | Tuesday, September 29th, 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. | Gateway to Hope, 3114 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, MO 63143 | Free community health event featuring the Siteman Cancer Center Mammography Van and local health and service organizations offering resources related to breast health, insurance enrollment, and community wellness. Gateway to Hope Patient Navigators will also provide assistance with accessing affordable breast healthcare, financial assistance, transportation, and more. | More info: https://gthmo.org/event/breastfest26/
- Fresh Start Community Resource Fair! | November 18th, 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. | Beyond Housing Headquarters, 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis, MO 63121