Monthly Newsletter February 26, 2025March 5, 2025

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.

Our Commitment Continues

At IHN, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance health equity and improve health outcomes, even in moments of uncertainty.

We are currently facing a flurry of executive orders impacting immigration, climate change, reproductive rights, foreign affairs, and federal funding, which challenge the ideals of our nation – democracy, freedom, liberty, equality, justice, and opportunity.

Despite efforts to undo and stop our country’s progress toward eliminating health disparities and improving wellbeing for all, our work does not stop. We are actively engaging with national and local partners to understand the implications and ensure continued support for the communities that we serve.

Guided by our core principles—Health Equity, Patient-Centered Care, Innovation, Outcome-Focused Decision Making, and Accountability—we will keep pushing forward.

Our commitment to progress, empathy, and collaboration remains stronger than ever. Together, we will work toward a future where health equity is not just a goal but a reality.

February Archive

PUBLIC HEALTH AT FOREFRONT: VISION & STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHIER ST. LOUIS

On Friday, January 24, 2025, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) convened healthcare leaders, public health professionals, and community advocates at the (NCIC) for a critical discussion on advancing health equity in the St. Louis region. The meeting featured Dr. Leslie McClure, Dean of the College for Public Health & Social Justice at St. Louis University, and Dr. Sandro Galea, Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health, Eugene S. and Constance Kahn Distinguished Professor in Public Health, with Kelly McGowan, MPH, Founder & Executive Director of Transform 314, moderating a dynamic conversation on the power of community partnerships, the need for innovative collaborations, and the urgency of dismantling silos in public health efforts.

To read the full recap click HERE.

The call to action was clear: those committed to advancing health equity must be willing to step outside their comfort zones, challenge traditional approaches, and work together in ways that may feel unfamiliar but are necessary for systemic change.

Meet the dedicated leaders driving IHN’s mission forward. Hear from some of our Executive Leadership Team—Andwele Jolly, Ryan Barker, Kelly McKay Gist, Saffiyah Poole, Tommy English, Jesse Davis, and Bill Winfrey—brings a wealth of experience and passion for advancing health equity. Together, they are committed to strengthening public health systems, fostering community-driven solutions, and ensuring that every individual has access to quality care. Their leadership, vision, and collaborative approach continue to shape IHN’s impact, building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

We asked our Executive Leadership: What Motivated You to Join the IHN?

Our Executive Leadership Team shares a deep commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening St. Louis’ safety net. Each of them brings unique experiences and passions that led them to the Integrated Health Network.

Ryan Barker, Chief Program and Policy Officer
“My driving passions in life have been health policy and systems change as mechanisms for achieving health equity. St. Louis is my hometown, and I love our region and want to see us do better for ALL the people who call St. Louis home. IHN works with the region’s health care leaders and organizations to raise the voices of community to improve health systems, especially communities that have been historically excluded and marginalized. I started at IHN as a contractor and quickly realized that IHN was the perfect fit for my passions, plus it’s an amazing group of people who are supportive, fun, and genuine.”

Bill Winfrey, Vice President of Policy & Strategic Initiatives
“I had long worked on issues relevant to IHN—weaving together the safety net, supporting individuals in navigating the complexity of healthcare and social services—but I wanted to get my hands dirty in what these programs looked like on the ground. IHN proved to be the perfect place to do that and learn how to blend policy and program development with the messy operational realities of actually meeting people’s needs.”

Kelly McKay Gist, Vice President of Health Equity, Culture, and Innovation
“I was motivated to join the IHN because I am deeply committed to achieving positive outcomes for families and have come to understand the importance of working for an organization that prioritizes those who experience systemic barriers to care.”

Andwele Jolly, President & Chief Executive Officer
“I was motivated to join the IHN because I wanted to be at the forefront of community-led initiatives and strategies that advance health equity and improve well-being, especially for those who’ve been historically marginalized. As a health intermediary, the IHN is not only at the center of the safety net institutions but also at the center of community, serving as the voice and catalyst for meaningful change.”

Jesse Davis, Chief Medical Officer & Chief Strategy Officer
“As a pediatrician, I’ve always had a strong desire to impact the community. In addition, my personal mission is to enhance the quality of life for and related to children around the world, and IHN presented the opportunity to make sustainable systemic change that will impact the most vulnerable populations.”

Tommy English, Assistant Vice President of Evaluation, Quality, and Learning
“I was looking for a place to work that valued community voice and centered health and racial equity. I also wanted to be somewhere that was doing innovative and effective work to improve public health in the St. Louis region, and I think I found the perfect place in the IHN.”

Saffiyah Poole, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations
“I joined the St. Louis Integrated Health Network because I believe in its mission to strengthen the region’s safety net and advance health equity for those who need it most. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of IHN’s work and respect its steadfast commitment to integrated health care. To serve at IHN is a full-circle moment for me—an opportunity to align my passion with purpose and contribute to meaningful, systemic change. As Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations, I have the privilege of helping sustain and expand this impact through fiscal sponsorship, regional strategic planning, and organizational capacity-building efforts. But at its core, my decision to join IHN was about service—ensuring that we continue to build a stronger, more vibrant, and healthier future for our communities.”

Now, the center is expanding, and through this partnership, we’ll help identify people in underserved communities with mysterious illnesses who could benefit from its advanced diagnostic services and connect them to care. “Our whole purpose is to help expand health-care access for people in underserved communities,” said Brittany Jones, IHN’s Assistant Director of Clinical and Community Integration, Racial Equity Initiatives. She highlights the importance of community engagement in addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to care, adding, “Our role is to bridge that gap so everyone can get the care that they need and deserve.”

We look forward to the impact this collaboration will have on ensuring everyone with an undiagnosed condition receives the care they need, no matter their background.

To read the full article, click HERE.

CARE TRANSITIONS INITIATIVE: CRC PROGRAM

The Community Referral Coordinator (CRC) program is a patient-centered intervention where trained staff work with patients and community members to assist in understanding and navigating their healthcare. The goal is to enhance access to a primary care home and health resources for patients regardless of their ability to pay. While our focus is on serving underinsured and uninsured patients, we work with all patients in need of a medical home.

“Working with an organization that allows us to push the envelope to make change is a unique and rewarding experience. We are always keeping patients at the center of everything we do, the compassion we have for helping individuals is truly inspiring.” – Erin Murphy Associate Director of Clinical and Community Integration, Care Transition Initiatives St. Louis Integrated Health Network

To learn more about the CRC Program, click HERE.

FEDERAL

• In December 2024, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government until March 15, 2025. We are quickly approaching that date and progress on a bill to fund the government (or another CR) is moving slowly. There were also several “extenders” that were part of the December CR that now expire in March and are at risk, including telehealth waivers and Community Health Center funding.
• There is a desire amongst the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to extend the $4.5 trillion in expiring tax breaks that were passed during the first Trump administration. 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

• On Feb. 18, 2025, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-18 that directs all Missouri state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensure compliance with the constitutional principle of equal protection under the law. The order bars the use of state funds for DEI and prevents agencies from considering DEI in hiring decisions.
• Missouri state departments are continuing to present to the House Budget Committee on their requests for the SFY 2026 budget. 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 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.

• Reentry Resource Fair, February 27, 12:30pm-2:00pm | St. Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge, 63111 | FREE EVENT. No registration necessary. More info: https://www.slcl.org/events/reentry-resource-fair-3
• EleVATE presents Trauma-Informed Care Organization and Workforce Wellness | March 3, 9:00am– 4:30pm | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis-Chesterfield, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 | Check-In: 8:15am (breakfast & lunch provided). Register: https://bit.ly/3WvR0Wx
• Da Hood Connect presents “Da Link Up: The Link Between Housing and Health | March 6, 2025 at 4:30pm – 7:30pm Forest Park Visitor Center – Trolley Room | Register now: https://bit.ly/3EvsGOe
• Wellness Fair- Peabody Elementary | March 11th, 2025 at 3:30pm-5:00pm | 1224 S. 14th Street / 63104
• Legal Resource Fair | March 12th, 2025 at 10:00am-12:00pm | 2838 Market St 63103
• OVP March Kickback | March 15, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Sherman Park, Wohl Recreation Center (1515 Kingshighway Blvd. 63113)
• The Sophia Project presents: Girl Talk | March 12, 2025, 11:00am-2:00pm | Ranken Technical College, 4431 Finney Ave. 63113 | Register at info@thesophiaproject.org or 314-807-8333 | More info: https://www.thesophiaproject.org/
• Black Men in White Coats: St. Louis | March 29th, 8:30am – 1:30pm | Eric P. Neuman Education Center |
• Wills Way Inc. 2nd Annual Youth Health Fair | March 29th, 2025 10:00am-3:00pm | 1623 Keilen Avenue
• AIM-CCI presents the Hear Her Campaign: Train the Trainer Workshop | March 29th, 2025 at 10:00am-12:00pm | Thomas Dunn Learning Center | Register here: bit.ly/4bmu8yT
• A Red Circle Foundation’s Community Resource Fair – March 29, 2025 | 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
• Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference | April 11th, 9:00am – 3:00pm | Goldfarb: School of Nursing | More information to come!
• St. Louis AANHPI Health Summit: SAVE THE DATE: April 25, 2025 | More information to come!