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.
HONORING ANGELA CLABON
IN APPRECIATION OF HER SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
By Andrea Bibbs, Director of Operations St. Louis Integrated Health Network
For more than four decades, Angela Clabon has dedicated her career to strengthening the healthcare safety net across the St. Louis region. Her commitment to advancing health equity extended well beyond the organizations she served, ultimately bringing her to the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), where she became a visionary leader, trusted advisor, and champion for collaborative change.
Since joining the IHN’s Board of Directors in 2013, Mrs. Clabon has been more than a Board leader- she has been a visionary, a trusted advisor, and, in many ways, health equity personified. Elected Board Chair in 2022, she led with both strategic vision and genuine humility, helping shape IHN’s direction while ensuring the organization’s mission of advancing health equity remained at the center of every conversation and decision.
Mrs. Clabon has long understood that lasting change happens through collaboration. Her belief that “IHN is a respected entity that’s counted on to bring all the voices for the safety net together” reflects not only her vision for the organization, but also the way she led with purpose, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to strengthening the healthcare safety net. She understood that meaningful progress requires diverse voices working together, and she consistently championed partnerships that improved the health and well-being of communities across the St. Louis region.
During her tenure as Chair, IHN experienced a period of meaningful renewal and growth. She helped guide the organization’s transition to a new five-year strategic plan and the governance modernization that accompanied it, including the launch of IHN’s Strategy & Governance Committee. She championed a governance restructuring that broadened representation for community-based organizations—most recently welcoming Casa de Salud as a member of the network in February 2026, extending the network’s reach to immigrant and refugee populations. She also presided over a Board that supported remarkable organizational expansion: IHN grew to an active grant and contract portfolio of over $25 million across 32 awards, sustained favorable budget performance, earned national recognition from the National Academy of Medicine and the MacArthur Foundation, and marked its 20th anniversary as the region’s anchor for safety-net coordination.
Following Mrs. Clabon’s tenure as Board Chair, the Board of Directors elected Derrick Melton, who previously served as Board Secretary, to lead IHN into its next chapter. As he assumes this role, Derrick shared his appreciation for Mrs. Clabon’s leadership:
“Mrs. Clabon’s leadership is defined by integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to serving those who need us most. I have witnessed firsthand the passion and determination she brings to advancing health equity and strengthening both the patients we serve and the teams that make our mission possible. She has led with humility, purpose, and collaboration, leaving the St. Louis Integrated Health Network stronger than she found it. I am incredibly thankful for her mentorship and leadership, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps as Board Chair. Together, we will continue building on the remarkable foundation she established as we advance health equity throughout the St. Louis region.”
— Derrick J. Melton, Board Chair, St. Louis Integrated Health Network
Mrs. Clabon’s influence extends far beyond Board governance. Her ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in the needs of the communities we serve has left an indelible mark on IHN. Whether offering thoughtful guidance during pivotal decisions or serving as a trusted voice around the Board table, she strengthened the organization’s direction, cultivated meaningful partnerships, and reinforced IHN’s commitment to advancing health equity.
While Mrs. Clabon will no longer serve in an official capacity with IHN, her influence will continue to be felt throughout the organization. Her unwavering commitment to justice, health equity, and ensuring that every member of our community has access to quality healthcare has inspired so many and helped strengthen IHN during a pivotal period of growth and transformation. Her thought leadership, passion, and spirit will be deeply missed, but the foundation she helped build will continue to guide our work for years to come.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, leadership, staff, members, and partners, thank you, Mrs. Clabon, for your extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication to IHN. We are profoundly grateful for everything you have contributed to IHN and wish you continued success as you continue championing healthier communities throughout the St. Louis region.
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.
IHN HEALTH ACADEMY COMPLETES INAUGURAL COHORT
By Saffiyah Poole, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network recently completed the inaugural cohort of the IHN Health Academy, a month-long workforce development program designed to introduce high school students to the wide range of careers available across health care.
Thirty-one students representing nine St. Louis-area schools participated in the Academy throughout June. Students completed programming each day while exploring clinical, nonclinical, public health, community health and health policy career pathways.
The Health Academy was created to help address the region’s health care workforce needs while ensuring that young people, particularly those from historically underserved communities, have access to the experiences, information and professional networks needed to pursue economically viable careers.
“Many young people know about doctors and nurses, but they are less familiar with the many other careers that make the health care system work,” said Saffiyah Poole, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations at IHN. “The Health Academy allowed students to see themselves in those roles and begin building a clearer pathway from high school to a meaningful career.”
Students participated in professional development, financial literacy, health policy, résumé development, interview preparation and lessons on the social determinants of health. They also earned Mental Health First Aid certification and full CPR certification, leaving the program with practical, résumé-ready credentials.
A.T. Still University served as the Academy’s clinical exposure partner. Students learned about dentistry and oral health careers, explored the education and training required to enter the field and participated in hands-on clinical activities.
Additional learning experiences were provided by Affinia Healthcare, Family Care Health Centers, Logan University, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and multiple partners across Washington University. 4theVille led a community bus tour and lesson connecting neighborhood conditions and the built environment to health outcomes.
Naretha Hopson, Ever Appropriate Etiquette Institute, provided professional and personal development focused on communication, workplace readiness, and confidence.
“I came into the Health Academy already interested in becoming an EMT, and that goal has not changed. However, the program expanded my view of the health field and introduced me to many careers and opportunities I had not considered before. I also learned that working in health care requires embracing constant change and maintaining a sense of lifelong curiosity.”
—Jada Petty, Rising Senior, STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High, Cohort 1
Strong school and recruitment partnerships were also critical to the Academy’s success. Lift for Life Academy, the Ferguson-Florissant School District and the St. Louis Internship Program helped connect students and families to the opportunity.
Alexander Edge, SOAR Program Coordinator at Lift for Life Academy, worked closely with IHN to support student recruitment and participation.
“The Health Academy gave our students access to career pathways, professionals and real-world experiences they may not otherwise have had an opportunity to explore,” Edge said. “This partnership helped remove barriers, created new possibilities and allowed students to begin seeing themselves as future health care professionals.”
Students received a stipend for their participation, and the program was offered at no cost through support from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act In-School Youth Program.
IHN is now seeking partners and investors to help launch a second Health Academy cohort serving approximately 30 students. Continued support will allow more young people to gain hands-on experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and build direct connections to education, training, and employment opportunities. By investing in the next cohort, partners can help strengthen the region’s future health care workforce and build the Health Academy into a sustainable pipeline for years to come.
THREE HEALTH CENTERS. ONE COMMUNITY. COUNTLESS STUDENTS.
The IHN is proud to celebrate our Board partners, Affinia Healthcare, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, and Family Care Health Centers, on the launch of STL First Bell Health: a collaborative Back-to-School Health Initiative that will help students across the St. Louis region start the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
Together, these three Federally Qualified Health Centers are expanding access to school and sports physicals, childhood immunizations, behavioral health screenings, dental care, preventive health services, enrollment assistance, and connections to primary care. By combining the reach of their health centers with mobile medical units deployed throughout the region, they’re bringing essential healthcare directly into neighborhoods, reducing barriers for families, and helping ensure students are ready for a successful school year.
This collaboration reflects the spirit of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network: partners coming together to strengthen our region’s healthcare safety net, improve health equity, and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Learn more:
🔹 Affinia Healthcare: https://affiniahealthcare.org/
🔹 Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers: https://phcenters.org/
🔹 Family Care Health Centers: https://familycarehealthcenters.org/
NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK 2026: CELEBRATING THE HEALTH CENTERS THAT STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES
Every year, communities across the country celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW), recognizing the vital role health centers play in expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare. This year’s celebration takes place August 2-8, 2026, under the theme “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most.”
Health centers provide comprehensive care to millions of people, regardless of their ability to pay. From primary care and behavioral health to dental services, preventive care, chronic disease management, maternal health, and care coordination, they improve health outcomes by delivering patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of each community.
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) was founded by four of our region’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) on the belief that collaboration is stronger than competition. For more than two decades, IHN has served as the intermediary that brings our health center partners together to strengthen the healthcare safety net and improve health equity across our region. National Health Center Week is an opportunity to celebrate these organizations and the physicians, nurses, community health workers, dentists, behavioral health professionals, administrative teams, volunteers, and board members whose dedication helps build healthier communities every day.
We invite you to join us in celebrating National Health Center Week by participating in the events hosted by our FQHC partners – Affinia Healthcare, Family Care Health Centers, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, and the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.
See below for each organization’s schedule of events:
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
WHY COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Wednesday, July 29 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XMN3J5VwRw2KSa1Tx-gsgw
Healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing that improving health outcomes requires strong partnerships with community-based organizations. But what is driving this shift, and what opportunities does it create for nonprofits?
Join the St. Louis Integrated Health Network and Limitless Horizons for an upcoming webinar in our Community Care Hub learning series. Participants will explore how social factors influence health, why community organizations are uniquely positioned to address these needs, and how Community Care Hubs help connect healthcare and community services.
During this session, participants will:
- Learn why healthcare organizations are seeking community partnerships.
- Understand how social drivers impact health outcomes.
- Explore the value community-based organizations bring to healthcare.
- Continue to learn about the Community Care Hub model.
- Learn about future opportunities to engage with IHN’s Community Care Hub.
Whether your organization is new to healthcare partnerships or exploring future opportunities, this session will provide a strong foundation for understanding the evolving healthcare landscape and the important role community organizations play within it.
GROUP-BASED EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
WITH HEALTHY START AND ELEVATE COLLABORATIVE
By Kelly McKay-Gist, Vice President of Health Equity, Culture, and Innovation
We’re grateful to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) for the opportunity to partner on group-based education workshops for Healthy Start sites. We’re also thankful to the EleVATE Collaborative for their engaging content, expert facilitation, and commitment to advancing innovative approaches to care.
What is group-based education?
• A model of healthcare, wellness, or support services delivered in a group setting.
• Individuals with similar experiences, health conditions, or goals receive education and support together.
• Participants may receive both clinical care and peer support, creating opportunities for shared learning and connection.
• Widely used in healthcare, mental health, and community-based programs to improve engagement, knowledge, and health outcomes.
The EleVATE Collaborative is recognized for its engaging trainings, individualized technical assistance, and dedication to advancing more equitable health and social service systems. We appreciate the opportunity to learn together and strengthen approaches that improve care for families and communities.
Learn more about this collaboration on the NICHQ blog: https://bit.ly/4vwGxsI
NAHSE HEALTH EQUITY SYMPOSIUM
By Lauren Shaw, Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Candidate
On the morning of June 30, 2026, the National Association of Health Services Executives- St. Louis Chapter hosted a Health Equity Symposium at the World Wide Technology Campus in Maryland Heights. From students to healthcare professionals, there was a place for everyone to listen and relate within the discussion.
Leading the conversation was moderator Dr. Eric Quiñones, Chief Healthcare Advisor at World Wide Technology, who gave a brief introduction of WWT’s progression of technology in their own healthcare products. The panelists included Dr. Alex Garza, board member of the Integrated Health Network and Chief Community Health Officer of SSM Health, Juny Simpson, Head of Population Health and Customer Engagement at Genentech, and Danielle McPherson, Vice President of Medicaid, State Government Programs, and Managed Care Operations at Mercy St. Louis.
The conversation underlined that the Emergency Department is treated like primary care for the uninsured, which drives up readmissions and department costs. The understanding of population health is crucial to the American health system, with the “Big Beautiful Bill” pushing an unknown number of people off Medicaid by the end of this year, health systems have to coordinate with each other more than ever to promote healthy communities and personal habits. One of the biggest takeaways from a student in Health Administration is that equity means including all members of a system, not just prioritizing those who are able to pay commercially. As revenue-driven as American hospitals are currently, the focus should not be on the delivery of health, but the creation of health in St. Louis communities.
SENIORS COUNT INITIATIVE
On June 30th, the St. Louis County Council unanimously voted to place Proposition S on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would establish a Senior Citizens Services Fund for St. Louis County.
Senior Citizens Services Funds already exist in nearly half of Missouri counties, including the City of St. Louis. The proposed fund is expected to generate nearly $15 million annually to support services for older adults throughout the county and could be used to fund essential needs of older adults such as transportation, healthcare services, home repairs, caregiver supports, meals on wheels, and much more!
The fund would be supported by a property tax of 5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which is approximately $9.50 annually for a home with an appraised value of $100,000. To learn more, please contact seniorscountbridget@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
MEET THE CHW TORNADO RECOVERY TEAM
One year after the devastating May 2025 EF3 tornado, recovery continues for many families across the St. Louis region. Thanks to continued support for the Community Health Worker (CHW) Tornado Recovery Initiative, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) has expanded its team to ensure community members can continue accessing the resources, services, and support they need as they rebuild their lives.
Community Health Workers play a vital role in long-term disaster recovery by helping individuals and families navigate complex systems, connect to essential services, and overcome barriers to care. Through trusted relationships and community-based support, the team works alongside residents every step of the recovery journey.
To support this expanded effort, IHN welcomed Chaka White, Manager of Community Services, along with Sherrie Butler, BS, CHW-C, Shonda Allen, Aliah “Lilo” Anderson, CHW-C, and Nathalia Gutiérrez Sacasa, MPH, CPH to the initiative.
Leading Community-Centered Recovery
As Manager of Community Services, Chaka White brings more than a decade of experience serving marginalized and underserved communities through outreach, crisis intervention, systems navigation, and direct service. Before joining IHN full time, Chaka supported the Tornado Recovery Initiative as a Community Health Worker contractor, where she quickly became known for her compassionate leadership and ability to build meaningful relationships with community members.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way
Joining Chaka is a talented team of Community Health Workers whose diverse experiences strengthen IHN’s ability to meet families where they are.
Sherrie Butler, BS, CHW-C brings more than 30 years of experience serving children, families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities through organizations including the Missouri Department of Social Services, YWCA Head Start, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Her lifelong commitment to service continues through her work helping families recover and reconnect with critical resources.
Shonda Allen joins the initiative with a background in patient care and medical billing, along with a lifelong passion for serving others. Drawing on both her professional and lived experiences, she approaches every interaction with compassion, listening carefully and connecting individuals and families to the support they need to move forward.
Aliah “Lilo” Anderson, CHW-C combines her Community Health Worker certification with experience in healthcare, teen mentoring, and community service. Her additional professional licenses in cosmetology, pharmacy technology, and insurance reflect her commitment to serving others through a well-rounded, people-centered approach.
Supporting the team behind the scenes is Nathalia Gutiérrez Sacasa, MPH, CPH, who serves as Program & Evaluation Manager. After completing a practicum with IHN’s Evaluation team while earning their Master of Public Health from Washington University in St. Louis, Nathalia returned to IHN full time to help strengthen program evaluation, measure impact, and support continuous improvement across the initiative. Their previous experience at Hennepin Healthcare focused on reducing chronic disease disparities within one of the nation’s largest safety-net health systems.
Together, this dedicated team reflects IHN’s commitment to community-centered recovery and the belief that healing extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Every connection made, every barrier removed, and every family supported brings our region one step closer to recovery.
As the CHW Tornado Recovery Initiative continues, IHN is grateful for the compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment each team member brings to helping St. Louis families recover, rebuild, and thrive.
By M. Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer
Recent analyses indicate Missouri has experienced one of the steepest declines in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment following the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits. At the same time, insurers nationally are proposing substantial premium increases for 2027, raising concerns about affordability and access to coverage for Missouri residents.
Missouri Enrollment Declines
Recently released CMS enrollment data show Missouri’s effectuated Marketplace enrollment fell from approximately 347,424 in February 2025 to 260,999 in February 2026—a decline of about 25 percent (more than 86,000 people). This decline exceeded the national average (i.e., a 12% drop in effectuated plans nationally) and suggests that many Missourians were unable or unwilling to maintain coverage as premiums increased after enhanced subsidies expired. (Effectuated coverage means that consumers paid their first month’s premium. Many Americans signed up for Marketplace plans hoping that the enhanced premium tax credits would be renewed. When Congress failed to act, many folks couldn’t afford the monthly premium and chose to drop their coverage.) ➡️ READ FULL REPORT HERE
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 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
- 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.
- Affinia’s Back to School Bash | Saturday, August 1st, 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. | 2220 Lemp Avenue
- NCJWSTL Back to School! Store | Sunday, August 2nd | The National Council of Jewish Women–St. Louis will provide more than 2,100 elementary students with new school supplies, clothing, books, and other essentials through its annual Back to School! Store. This event is available for pre-registered children only. | Registration Required More info: https://ncjwstl.org/what-we-do/community-service/back-to-school-store/
- FCHC’s Mental Health Talk | Wednesday, August 5th, 9:00a.m. | FCHC Dutchtown, 3824 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 63118 | Registration: https://lnkd.in/gFcsD3tp
- Packed for Success Backpack Distribution | Thursday, August 6th, 11:00a.m. | Family Care Health Centers, 401 Holly Hills Ave., St. Louis | Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Children must be present to receive supplies. | More info: https://familycarehealthcenters.org/packed-for-success/
- Urban League Drive-Thru Back to School Expo | Saturday, August 8th, 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. | Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Headquarters, 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis | Families can drive through to receive free backpacks, school supplies, groceries, food, PPE, and community resources while supplies last. | More info: https://www.ulstl.com/urban-expo.html
- Affinia’s Back to School Bash | Saturday, August 8th, 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. | 1717 Biddle Street
- Ritenour Black & Orange Back-to-School Resource Fair | Saturday, August 15th, 8:00a.m – 11:00a.m. | Ritenour High School, 9100 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis | Free school supplies, immunizations, health and wellness resources, and community partners to help students prepare for the new school year. | More info: https://www.ritenourschools.org/rsd/~board/ritenour-school-district-news/post/ritenour-to-host-back-to-school-resource-fair-for-families-on-saturday-aug-15
- Family Relief Resource Fair | Saturday, August 22nd, from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. | 5701 Delmar Blvd