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.
IHN WELCOMES CASA DE SALUD AS
NEWEST COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBER
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is proud to welcome Casa de Salud as its newest Community at Large member, expanding IHN’s network of organizations committed to strengthening the regional safety net.
Founded in 2010, Casa de Salud has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality medical and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured patients in the St. Louis area. With a particular focus on new immigrants and refugees facing barriers to care, Casa de Salud has become a trusted resource for communities that are too often underserved by the broader healthcare system. Their culturally responsive, community-centered approach to care reflects a deep commitment to meeting patients where they are. IHN Board Chair Angela Clabon, CEO of CareSTL Health, echoed that sentiment: “Casa de Salud and Diego bring trusted leadership and deep community expertise that strengthen IHN’s safety-net work. As Board Chair, I’m pleased to welcome this partnership and the perspective it adds as we advance equitable, high-quality care across the region.”
IHN President and CEO Andwele Jolly welcomed the partnership: “As a nation of immigrants, our communities are enriched by the cultures, knowledge, and lived experiences that each brings. While IHN has much to offer, we have even more to learn from Casa de Salud’s deep, trusted work in the community. We welcome Diego as a partner in our shared commitment to strengthening the safety net and expanding access to high-quality healthcare, especially for those who are too often marginalized or excluded.”
Alongside this membership, IHN is also pleased to welcome Diego Abente, President and CEO of Casa de Salud, to IHN’s Board of Directors as an Member-at-Large Director. His leadership and deep ties to the community will bring valuable perspective to IHN’s board as the network continues its work to advance equitable, high-quality care across the region.
To learn more about Casa de Salud and the services they provide, visit www.casadesaludstl.org.
DR. MATI HLATSHWAYO DAVIS JOINS
MISSOURI FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH
We are so proud to celebrate our friend, former IHN Board Member, and long-time ally, Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, on her appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH).
Dr. Mati brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, executive leadership, and deep community commitment to this role. As the former Director of Health for the City of St. Louis, she modernized public health infrastructure, launched innovative behavioral health initiatives, and led mobile health programs reaching more than 13,000 residents annually in underserved neighborhoods. Her work has earned regional and national recognition, including features by the BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera.
In her new role, Dr. Mati will focus on aligning MFH’s programs, partnerships, and policy efforts to remove barriers to health and opportunity for all Missourians — a mission that resonates deeply with IHN’s own values.
We couldn’t be more excited to see what’s ahead. Congratulations, Dr. Mati — we are cheering you on!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: JOCELINE PIERRE
This month, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network is proud to recognize Joceline Pierre for her outstanding contributions and continued growth within our organization.
Since joining IHN as a Community Referral Coordinator, Joceline has consistently exceeded expectations through her professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic. She approaches her work with initiative and care, thoughtfully resolving challenges while maintaining a steady, positive presence—even in high-pressure moments. Her ability to navigate complex situations with clarity and compassion has made a meaningful impact on colleagues and community partners alike.
As shared by her manager, Doretha Dillon, Assistant Director of Care Transition:
“Joceline is a bright light on our team. Colleagues respect and appreciate her collaborative spirit, reliability, and willingness to support others.”
We are also excited to share that Joceline has stepped into a new role at IHN as our Health Insurance Navigator. In this position, she will continue supporting community members by helping them understand their coverage options and access the care they need. Her experience, attention to detail, and commitment to service make her exceptionally well-suited for this important work.
Joceline’s dedication to teamwork and community-centered service reflects the heart of IHN’s mission. We are grateful for her leadership, growth, and the positive energy she brings to our work every day.
Thank you, Joceline, for all that you do—and congratulations on your new role!
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.
HEALTH INSURANCE NAVIGATOR
By Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer
Having health insurance is essential to both individual and community well-being. Coverage helps protect against high, unexpected medical costs, provides access to preventive and routine care, and supports better long-term health outcomes. It also serves as a critical financial safety net, reducing the risk of medical debt or bankruptcy due to accidents, illness, or chronic condition management.
At St. Louis Integrated Health Network, ensuring equitable access to care is central to our mission—and health insurance is a key part of that work. IHN’s Health Insurance Navigator is available to support individuals and families with their insurance needs. Our team can assist with Medicaid and Marketplace applications, help prepare for redetermination, and provide guidance through the appeals process.
As implementation of last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) continues and new policy changes take effect over the coming year, navigating coverage options may feel increasingly complex. Beginning January 1, 2027, new Medicaid work requirements will impact many recipients. IHN’s Health Insurance Navigator will be here to help community members understand these changes, stay informed, and maintain coverage for themselves and their loved ones.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with health insurance, IHN is ready to help—every step of the way. For more information, email jpierre@stlouisihn.org.
Pictured: (at Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building) Leslie Gill – featured speaker, partnership with SandTech at Rung for Women, Donn Rubin, Tishaura Jones, Fred Swaniker – CEO and founder of SandTech and Evolve conference, and Andwele Jolly.
This season has been a busy and celebratory one for Andwele Jolly, President and CEO of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), whose leadership continues to be recognized locally and nationally for its impact, vision, and commitment to health equity.
Pictured: (dinner at Maple & Ash Miami ) Brandon Williams, Rodney Boyd, Fred Swaniker, Eric Rhone, Tishaura Jones, Andwele Jolly, Penny Wagner Zimmerman, and Chris Zimmerman.
Most recently, Jolly was selected to attend EVOLVE 2026 in Miami, joining national and international leaders, creators, and policymakers for forward-thinking conversations on the future of artificial intelligence and its real-world applications. Building on last year’s convening in New York City, EVOLVE 2026 challenged participants to move beyond theory and explore what happens when intelligence shifts from abstract concept to lived, physical reality. Discussions emphasized the importance of integrating digital tools, human judgment, and physical systems to ensure technology truly serves communities—an approach closely aligned with IHN’s equity-driven, community-centered work.
In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Jolly was also honored with the WashU Medicine Physical Therapy Alumni Achievement Award, presented at the 2026 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim, California. The award celebrates his outstanding leadership, clinical foundation, and dedication to advancing health equity and access to care for historically excluded communities. A graduate of WashU Medicine, Jolly’s clinical background continues to inform his systems-level approach to healthcare leadership and innovation.
Pictured from left: Drs. Gammon Earhart (Director of the Program in Physical Therapy), Andwele Jolly and Steven B. Ambler (DPT Director)
Adding to these honors, Jolly was named to the St. Louis Business 500 by St. Louis Magazine for the second consecutive year in the Nonprofits category. This recognition highlights the region’s most impactful and inspirational leaders and underscores IHN’s continued role in strengthening the regional safety net and fostering collaboration across healthcare and community partners. (To see the full list, visit: https://www.stlmag.com/business/st-louis-business-500-nonprofits/)
Finally, Jolly was named a 2026 Titan 100 honoree, recognizing top executives across the region who exemplify vision, influence, and lasting impact. This distinction reflects his continued leadership in advancing equitable access to high-quality care across the St. Louis region. IHN also proudly celebrates fellow honoree and Board Secretary Derrick Melton (CEO, FQHC at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health), whose leadership further reflects the shared commitment to community health and access. (View the full list of honorees here: https://www.titan100.biz/2026-stlouis-titan-100/)
Together, these milestones reflect a season of meaningful recognition and momentum—affirming Andwele Jolly’s leadership and the collective impact of IHN’s mission-driven work in St. Louis and beyond.
The IHN has been monitoring on-going funding negotiations at the federal level, specifically the following two aspects of this:
- Partial government shutdown- narrowly limited to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and due to continued pushback against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minneapolis and elsewhere, DHS was funded temporarily through February 13 while other agencies were funded through September 30, 2026. DHS oversees Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), along with DHS. All agencies under DHS are expected to shutdown or require workers to work without pay (for example, 95% of TSA employees are deemed essential and will continue to work without pay). However, ICE and CBP are expected to continue their work without interruption because President Trump’s tax and spending cut bill that Republicans passed in 2025 provided significant funding that those agencies can tap into to support ongoing operations.
- CDC funding cancellation- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced the cancellation of more than $600 million in public health grants to California, Illinois, Colorado, and Minnesota. These cuts would impact programs supporting early detection of disease outbreak, injury prevention, reduction of health disparities, strengthening the public health workforce, and modernizing data systems. While these cuts are not impacting Missouri, the limited explanation and sudden decision to cancel the previously-approved funds are putting the public health sector across the country on watch for any future changes to funding. The impacted states are suing the Administration to prevent the cancellation of funding, and we will continue to monitor for ripple effects of these losses in funding or similar sudden funding changes.
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
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve also included events taking place throughout the St. Louis metro area to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women in our community.
- Free Health Screenings | Every Tuesday, 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. | BJK Peoples 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
- WePower STL Early Childhood Power & Policy Action Group Monthly Meeting | 1st Wednesday of every month, Mar. 4th, 6:00p.m. – 7:30p.m. | Delmar Devine 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63112
- How Long ’Til Black Future Month? | Feb. 1st–28th, during library hours | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://www.slpl.org/events | Contact: 314-539-3300
- Roots of the Community: Mapping Black History | Feb. 1st–28th, during library hours | St. Louis Public Library – Walnut Park Library, 5760 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63120 | More info: https://www.slpl.org/events | Contact: 314-383-0100
- Black Joy Jubilee | Feb. 28th, 10:00a.m.–12:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Buder Library, 4401 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 | More info: https://www.slpl.org/events | Contact: 314-352-2900
- Roots and Blues @ Central Library | Feb. 28th, 2:00p.m.–3:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://www.slpl.org/events | Contact: 314-539-3300
- Augusta Savage Inspired Clay Sculptures | Feb. 28th, 2:00p.m.–3:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Library, 225 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 | More info: https://www.slpl.org/events | Contact: 314-367-4120
- Scavenger Hunts: Women’s History Month | Mar. 4–7th, during library hours | St. Louis County Library – Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Women Who Color Outside the Lines | Mar. 5th, 2:00p.m. | St. Louis County Library – Cliff Cave Branch, St. Louis, MO | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Female-Fronted: Karaoke Night | Mar. 5th, 5:30p.m. | St. Louis County Library – Daniel Boone Branch, St. Louis, MO | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Weaving Women’s History | Mar. 3rd, 3:30p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Walnut Park Library, 5760 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63120 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/694460117ed7c62f00ab1ce7 | Contact: 314-383-0100
- Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future | Mar. 3rd, 6:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Buder Library, 4401 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/691b7a65a64b7d0d61f7c243 | Contact: 314-352-2900
- Girls Rock! | Mar. 7th, 10:00a.m. | St. Louis County Library – Clark Family Branch, St. Louis, MO | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Rooted in Change: Women, Sustainability & the Future of Farming | Mar. 7th, 1:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Walnut Park Library, 5760 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63120 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/695c0b3fc719ac98c3360d5d | Contact: 314-383-0100
- Women’s History Trolley Tour | Mar. 7th, 1:30p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, 4947 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115 | More info: https://explorestlouis.com/event/womens-history-trolley-tour-2/ | Contact: bellefontainecemetery.org/events
- Watercolor: Beatrix Potter | Mar. 7th, 3:00p.m. | St. Louis County Library – Grant’s View Branch, St. Louis, MO | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Formula Distribution Event | Mar. 7th, 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. | Affinia Healthcare, 3396 Pershall Rd., Ferguson MO 63135
- Goddesses of the Glass | Mar. 9th, 6:00p.m. | The Fountain on Locust, 3037 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | Tickets: $55 | More info: https://www.fountainonlocust.com/news/goddesses-of-the-glass | Contact: 314-535-7800
- What’s the Tea? Kids Book Club | Mar. 10th, 4:30p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Carpenter Library, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69022cff0562322f002da63f | Contact: 314-772-6586
- Women’s History Month Breakfast | Mar. 11th, 8:00a.m.–10:00a.m. | Missouri Athletic Club, St. Louis, MO | Tickets: $40 members, $50 non-members | More info: https://focus-stl.org/events/2026-womens-history-month-breakfast/ | Contact: 314-622-1250
- Women Who Shaped a Healthier World: A Perspectives Discussion | Mar. 13th, 11:30a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Holden Auditorium, Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 | Free | More info: https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/events/calendar/women-who-shaped-a-healthier-world-a-perspectives-discussion-in-honor-of-womens-history-month-and-international-womens-day/ | Contact: 314-273-2809
- From Garden to Table: Tomato History Presentation – Marianna’s Peace | Mar. 14th, 1:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/691cbecc886bb73600bb7070 | Contact: 314-539-3300
- Tea & Robots Book Club | Mar. 16th, 6:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Divoll Library, 4234 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63107 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69263a0851da852800c38f10 | Contact: 314-531-2570
- Teen Art Club: Abstract Collage | Mar. 17th, 4:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Carpenter Library, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/692f1d067eb3e43000270530 | Contact: 314-772-6586
- Reception for Women’s History Month | Mar. 17th, 2:15p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Pius XII Memorial Library, 2nd Floor, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO | More info: https://www.slu.edu/calendar/index.php#event-details/9eba097a-cabb-43b5-ae53-eaeb8b427c76
- Behind the Needle: The Women Shaping the Tattoo Industry | Mar. 18th, 6:00p.m. | The Heavy Anchor, 5226 Gravois, St. Louis, MO | Adults 21+ only. Physical ID required. No purchase necessary. | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/691ce494fbf38a2800245ab4 | Contact: 314-352-2900
- Youth Readathon | Mar. 19th, 2:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library, Chapter Book Room, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/692f1f05d8681b290041ebda | Contact: 314-539-3300
- Lil’ Paleontologists | Mar. 19th, 6:00p.m. | St. Louis County Library – Prairie Commons Branch, 915 Utz Ln., Hazelwood, MO 63042 | Registration required. Ages 5–12. | More info: https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=251612 | Contact: 314-994-3300
- Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History | Mar. 19th, 6:30 p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/693876614be11d3d00d7396e | Contact: 314-539-3300
- If It Wasn’t for the Women—The Art of Resistance and Change | Mar. 20th, 6:00p.m.–7:30 p.m. | Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO 63110 | Free | More info: https://www.slam.org/event/if-it-wasnt-for-the-women-the-art-of-resistance-and-change/ | Contact: publicrelations@slam.org
- Women’s Soccer Trivia Night | Mar. 21st, 6:00p.m.–9:00p.m. | Busch Student Center, Room 300, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO | Tickets: $35–$250 | More info: https://engage.slu.edu/register/wstrivia2026
- What Did You Do in the War, Granny? | Mar. 21st, 10:00a.m. | Online or St. Louis Public Library – Central Library’s Genealogy Room, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/691cc1c50562322f0030d6db | Contact: 314-539-3300
- Women & the Planet: Crafting Upcycled Tote Bags | Mar. 21st, 11:00a.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Barr Library, 1701 Barr St., St. Louis, MO 63106 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/695fc6cd6724c63d00eaea1d | Contact: 314-241-2288
- History of the Weldon Spring Site: Environmental Awareness for the Future | Mar. 21st, 1:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Walnut Park Library, 5760 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63120 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/695c0b446faf374bd5929c87 | Contact: 314-383-0100
- Women in Agriculture with EarthDance | Mar. 21st, 1:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Library, 225 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/692f1e943df0e4370005f103 | Contact: 314-367-4120
- Ink & Impact: Celebrating Women in History Through Printmaking | Mar. 21st, 2:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Library, 225 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/691cc5fbdff9d93e00d0a93f | Contact: 314-367-4120
- Women’s Career Fair | Mar. 28th, 10:00a.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Buder Library, 4401 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6900e8bc06078d360074ef29 | Contact: 314-352-2900
- Creativity & Courage: Celebrating Women in History Through Stickers | Mar. 28th, 2:00p.m. | St. Louis Public Library – Central Library, 1301 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 | More info: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/693757f4c9f6953600781758 | Contact: 314-539-3300
- St. Louis Public Schools Open Enrollment and Resource Fair | Mar. 28th, 9a.m. – 1p.m | 1190 Cole St. St. Louis, MO
- Perinatal Health Worker Training | 14-week training (March 16th–June 20th) & Mandatory Zoom orientation on March 9th, 6:00.p.m – 8:00p.m. | Scholarship applications are due Feb. 7th, at 5:00pm. Interviews will be held Feb. 9th–13th.