St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN)

Community Pulse: December 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.

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EMPOWERED THRIVING COMMUNITIES COLLABORATIVE
MAKES FRONT PAGE NEWS!


We are proud to share that the Empowered Thriving Communities (ETC) Collaborative was recently featured in a front-page story in the St. Louis American, highlighting the collective work underway to address food insecurity in the St. Louis Promise Zone.

The ETC Collaborative is co-led by the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, Washington University in St. Louis, and Fit and Food Connection, and works directly with residents and local Black farmers, growers, kitchens, and food pantries to strengthen access to healthy food. Centered on community voice and lived experience, ETC focuses on expanding access to fresh produce, strengthening local food systems, and supporting solutions that are community-driven and culturally relevant.

By building partnerships across sectors and investing in local food economies, ETC is helping ensure families have more reliable and affordable options for healthy food—while also supporting growers and food providers rooted in the community. The St. Louis American feature underscores the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing food access as a key driver of health and wellbeing.

We are deeply grateful to our partners and the community members whose leadership and trust make this work possible.

Read the full story: https://www.stlamerican.com/…/local…/the-hunger-to-help/
Get involved or support the work: https://givebutter.com/IHNFood


SUPPORTING FAMILIES THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS WITH
WEEKLY COMMUNITY MEALS

This holiday season, IHN is proud to partner with United Way of Greater St. Louis, Soulcial Kitchen, Empowered Thriving Communities (ETC), and our region’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to launch a weekly community meal distribution series supporting families across St. Louis. Through the end of December, our food truck partners are serving hot, nutritious meals at health centers throughout the region, helping ensure families have access to healthy food during a time when needs often increase. These weekly distributions reflect our shared commitment to meeting people where they are and providing support that nourishes both body and community. We extend our sincere thanks to Soulcial Kitchen, Empowered Thriving Communities (ETC), Currency of Caring, Food is Love, and our FQHC partners for making these weekly meal distributions possible. Together, we are ensuring families have access to nourishment, care, and community throughout the holiday season.

Upcoming Meal Distribution Dates

Tuesdays, December 23 & December 30
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

December 23 Locations

  • Family Care Health Center — 4352 Manchester Ave.
  • People’s Health Center — 5701 Delmar Blvd.
  • St. Louis County Department of Public Health — 4000 Jennings Station Rd.
  • Affinia Healthcare — 2220 Lempe Ave.
  • CareSTL Health — 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.

December 30 Locations

  • CareSTL Health — 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
  • Family Care Health Center — 401 Holly Hills Ave.
  • People’s Health Center — 5701 Delmar Blvd.
  • St. Louis County Department of Public Health — 4000 Jennings Station Rd.
  • Affinia Healthcare — 3930 S. Broadway

EFFORT TO SUPPORT TORNADO IMPACTED RESIDENTS
THROUGH WINTER

Nearly seven months after the May tornado, many St. Louis residents continue the long journey toward recovery. We are grateful to KSDK News for spotlighting the ongoing needs of our neighbors and the collective efforts to ensure no one is left behind as headlines fade.

IHN is proud to work in close collaboration with City leaders and trusted community partners to support residents most impacted by the storm. Together, we are providing continued access to housing assistance, safety resources, wellness outreach, and connections to health, mental health, and basic needs services. Recovery is not a moment — it is a process — and lasting stability requires sustained presence, care, and partnership.

As rebuilding continues, our focus remains on showing up consistently for our community. Healing takes time, and through collaboration and compassion, we are committed to supporting residents every step of the way.

Read the full story: KSDK News Coverage

Need Support or Looking to Help?

For assistance:

  • Visit the STLRecovers Outreach Center at 4401 Natural Bridge Ave. or call 833-925-0977
  • For immediate shelter, contact United Way by dialing 211
  • For emotional support, call or text Show Me Hope at 1-800-985-5990
  • Attend the Community Meeting & Resource Fair on Thursday, December 18, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the Matthews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club

To support IHN’s ongoing community response:

Text STLIHN to 53-555

Visit https://givebutter.com/STLIHN


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

FEEDING THE BABIES: A COLLABORATIVE RESPONSE TO SNAP
AND WIC DISRUPTIONS IN ST. LOUIS

by Dr. Jesse Davis, Chief Medical Officer & Chief Strategy Officer

As part of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s Feed the Babies project, we recently launched an initiative to respond to the challenges families were facing with WIC access in St. Louis during the federal government shutdown. We procured 900 cans of infant formula and distributed them to local WIC offices to ensure that families in need could access essential nutrition. This initiative was a way of standing with our community during a time of uncertainty and providing tangible support where it was most needed.

We couldn’t have done this alone. A special thanks goes out to the Missouri Momnibus Coalition for their invaluable partnership. We also want to highlight the Delmar DivINe as a crucial logistics partner who played a key role in ensuring a central distribution location was possible. Alongside the St. Louis Area Foodbank and our partners, we made sure each WIC office received formula based on local needs, reinforcing our commitment to health equity and community collaboration.

Pictured: Pictured: Rose Anderson-Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Generate Health, Lora Gulley, Chief Operating Officer of Generate Health, and members of the Missouri MOMNIBUS Coalition.

IHN WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON INTEGRATED CARE

Pictured from left: Anthony Breitbach, Director of Interprofessional Education at Saint Louis University, Elsie Blay, Chief Operating Officer of Ruah Community Services, Ryan Barker, IHN Chief Program and Policy Officer, Saffiyah Poole, IHN Assistant Vice President of Planning & Operations, and Andwele Jolly, IHN President & CEO

The St. Louis Integrated Health Network recently welcomed Elsie Blay, Chief Operating Officer of Ruah Community Services in Western Australia, for a thoughtful conversation on integrated care and health system coordination. Her visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and reflect on how communities across the globe are working to improve care delivery.

Joining the discussion were Andwele Jolly, IHN President & CEO; IHN colleagues Saffiyah Poole, Ryan Barker, and Bill Winfrey; and Anthony Breitbach, Director of Interprofessional Education at Saint Louis University. Together, the group explored similarities and key differences between healthcare systems in St. Louis and Perth, highlighting shared challenges and innovative approaches to care coordination.

Elsie Blay offered insights into integrated care models in Western Australia, bringing a global lens to conversations about patient experience, workforce support, and system alignment. The dialogue reinforced that while healthcare systems vary by region, the goals remain consistent: improving access, strengthening coordination, and ensuring care works better for both patients and those who provide it.

IHN extends its appreciation to the Saint Louis University Interprofessional Education (IPE) team for helping make this exchange possible. Opportunities like this strengthen partnerships, spark new ideas, and advance our collective efforts to build more connected, patient-centered systems of care.

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: WELCOME LORIE BIGGS


This month, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is excited to welcome Lorie Biggs to our team as the new Assistant Director of Community Driven Research & Innovation.

In this role, Lorie will support IHN’s commitment to advancing community-led solutions by strengthening partnerships, uplifting community voices, and ensuring research and innovation efforts are grounded in lived experience and equity. Her leadership will play a key role in aligning community-driven priorities with data, learning, and systems change across the network.

Lorie brings a strong passion for collaborative work and a deep appreciation for the power of community-informed approaches. Her background and dedication to equity-centered innovation will help further IHN’s mission to improve health outcomes through trust, partnership, and shared learning.

As one of Lorie’s team members, Kelly McKay-Gist, Vice President of Health Equity, Culture, and Innovation shared:

“Welcome, Loire! I am so grateful that Loire chose the IHN. Although she has only been with the IHN for three months, she has already demonstrated her ability to work hard, adapt and try new things, bring a calming presence to the work, and offer unwavering support that makes a lasting impact every day. We’re especially grateful for the way she continues to push the IHN to become more inclusive, ensuring our organization grows in the right direction.”

We are thrilled to have Lorie join the IHN team and look forward to the impact she will make alongside our partners and communities. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

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.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INNOVATION

The St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s work is guided by four Strategic Pillars that shape how we strengthen the regional safety net and advance healthier communities. These pillars—Community-Clinical Integration, Safety Net Workforce, Community-Driven Innovation, and Organizational Capacity Building—help ensure our efforts are collaborative, responsive, and grounded in community priorities.

Community-Driven Innovation centers the knowledge, leadership, and lived experience of community members in developing solutions to complex health challenges. This pillar focuses on building authentic partnerships that move beyond traditional models and ensure communities are active decision-makers in shaping programs, research, and systems change.

Key focus areas of this work include engaging in policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels to support community-driven approaches and inclusive decision-making; creating opportunities for collaboration between community organizations and academic institutions through IHN’s Network Community-Academic Partnerships; and partnering with research institutions to co-develop culturally responsive clinical trials that embed lived experience and local context from the start.

Through Community-Driven Innovation, IHN continues to support approaches that elevate community voice, strengthen partnerships, and foster solutions designed with—and not just for—the people most impacted.

Learn more about Community-Driven Innovation: https://stlouisihn.org/our-work/community-driven-innovation/

2025 IHN ANNUAL RECEPTION

A Recap of IHN’s Annual Reception 2025

Last month, we gathered with our staff, board, and community partners for the St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s 2025 Annual Reception—a meaningful evening to celebrate our work, reflect on the year, and connect as a community. During a brief program, President & CEO Andwele Jolly shared reflections on key milestones, including the progress of IHN’s five-year strategic plan and the co-creation of our Racial Equity Statement. Board Chair Angela Clabon followed by underscoring IHN’s essential role in strengthening the regional safety net, highlighting the IHN’s rapid response to community needs such as tornado recovery efforts and disruptions to SNAP and WIC benefits.

Honoring Our 2025 Health Equity Champions

Each year, IHN recognizes individuals whose leadership advances racial and health equity and strengthens the systems that support historically excluded communities. Our 2025 Health Equity Champions exemplify this mission.

· Dr. Kimberly R. Enard – Saint Louis University Recognized for her scholarship advancing health and racial equity and for her partnership in evaluating and amplifying IHN’s Care Transitions Initiative.

· Dr. Diana Parra Perez – Washington University in St. Louis Honored for her co-leadership in both the CDC REACH grant and the Empowered Thriving Communities Collaborative, where she works alongside IHN to advance community-driven strategies that address structural determinants of health.

· Legail Chandler – Washington University in St. Louis (Retired) Celebrated for her steady guidance and expert counsel to IHN’s leadership team on human resources, organizational culture, and policy best practices, helping to shape strong, equity-centered organizational practices.

· Emily LaCour – Assistant Director, Community Referral Coordinator, IHN Recognized for stepping into expanded leadership with grace and impact, serving on IHN’s Racial Equity Committee, strengthening IHN’s Community Referral Coordinator program and enhancing connections between health and social service systems.

· Joel Crespo – Director of Marketing & Communications, IHN Honored for stepping confidently into a new leadership role; launching IHN’s first organizational newsletter; serving on IHN’s Racial Equity Committee; and representing IHN on the steering committee of the inaugural AANHPI Health Summit—all while elevating IHN’s voice and mission across the region.

Closing Reflection

The reception was more than a ceremony—it was a moment for our community of partners, colleagues, and supporters to reconnect, celebrate shared accomplishments, and look ahead with optimism. We are deeply grateful for every person who contributes to IHN’s mission. Together, we move forward committed to building a St. Louis where every community has the opportunity to thrive.

TOGETHER, WASHU MEDICINE MD, OT, PT STUDENTS TREAT PATIENTS AT PRO BONO HEALTH CLINIC

Lapada Pavanacharoensuk (left), a WashU Medicine physical therapy student volunteer, and Mackenzie Halton (right), a WashU Medicine occupational therapy student leader, work together with a patient on balance, motor skills and memory at the Pro Bono Health Clinic. Medical, occupational therapy and physical therapy students provide services to uninsured and underinsured community members every Friday afternoon.


Students from Washington University School of Medicine — including MD, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy trainees — recently provided essential care to patients at a pro bono health clinic, reinforcing the importance of accessible, community-centered health services. Working under the supervision of faculty and clinicians, these students offered comprehensive assessments and treatment to individuals who might otherwise go without care.

The initiative not only delivered much-needed clinical services, but also provided students with real-world experience in addressing health disparities and serving diverse patient populations. By combining practical training with community service, the program strengthens the future health workforce while expanding care to underserved communities.

WashU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and interprofessional education was evident in the students’ efforts — demonstrating how academic institutions and clinical partners can work together to improve health outcomes for all. Read the full article here.

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Elimination of Missouri Individual Income Tax

While we wait for the state to begin implementation of changes in response to H.R. 1 and anticipate the upcoming start of the Missouri legislative session, we are continuing to monitor other policy movements. One particular issue that has been an area of focus has been Missouri’s consideration of eliminating the individual income tax. According to the Missouri Budget Project, removing this tax would eliminate approximately 2/3 of the state general revenue budget. Discussions have mentioned expanding sales taxes to fill this gap, but the current sales tax collections would need to quadruple to cover the budget shortfall and expansion of these taxes would disproportionately impact low- and middle-incomes individuals. While the specifics of the financial implications of this change are unknown, we are concerned about funding impacts to state and local programs and will continue to monitor developments.

A SEASON OF REFLECTION AND COLLECTIVE STRENGTH

“As we conclude the year, we are grateful for the continued partnership and trust of our staff, board, and collaborators. The past year has tested the resilience of public health and safety-net systems, particularly amid ongoing disinvestment that disproportionately impacts historically marginalized communities. Yet, through collective action, IHN has continued to deliver measurable impact while strengthening the systems that support long-term equity and wellbeing.

Despite challenging conditions, IHN connected more than 15,000 individuals to health and social services, engaged over 1,300 households impacted by the May 16 tornado, and facilitated Medicaid enrollment for approximately 9,000 individuals. We advanced equitable maternal health outcomes by securing enhanced reimbursement for group prenatal care, expanded the Home Repair Network to support housing stability, and co-launched Empowered Thriving Communities—a food system cooperative designed to build sustainable, community-led solutions to food insecurity.

In addition, IHN partnered with community, academic, and healthcare stakeholders to convene the region’s first Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Health Equity Summit and the Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference—creating platforms that center lived experience, inform policy, and drive systems-level change. While we approach our work with humility and not in pursuit of recognition, we are also honored to have been selected to participate in the National Academy of Medicine’s Trust & Engagement Action Collaborative, contributing to national learning and policy advancement focused on health equity.

Looking ahead, IHN is poised to build on this momentum. In the coming year, we will launch the region’s first Community Care Hub, centralizing administrative and financial infrastructure to enable trusted networks of community-based organizations to efficiently deliver place-based services that improve whole-person health. We will also continue collaborating with health systems and community health centers to optimize care transitions, expand access to primary care, and strengthen public health infrastructure to prevent disease, illness, and injury.

Our work is grounded in the belief that sustainable transformation occurs when community voice and systems change move together. With your continued partnership, IHN remains committed to anchoring systems change and advancing healthier, more equitable communities. Thank you for walking alongside us in this work.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.”

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