St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN)

Community Pulse: June 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.

Now Is the Time to Act: Defending Our Communities from Medicaid Cuts

The U.S. Senate is considering deep cuts to Medicaid that could strip health coverage from 9 million people — including 130,000 Missourians. In a recent St. Louis Post-Dispatch op-ed, IHN President & CEO Dr. Andwele Jolly highlights how these cuts could devastate the safety net that millions rely on.

“Right now, the fight is for our neighbors’ ability to see a doctor, for families to put food on the table, and for communities to keep their doors to care open,” Dr. Jolly writes. “This moment is bigger than policy. It’s about our shared values. Do we believe every child should have enough to eat? That everyone deserves health care when they’re sick?… If so, now is the time to act.”

Dr. Jolly’s message includes a clear call to action: Now is the time for all of us to raise our voices and stand up for our communities.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121
  • Write a Letter to the Editor
  • Attend town halls and speak up
  • Support groups like the Missouri Budget Project

Together, we can stand up for health equity and protect what matters most.

Read the full op-ed here: https://bit.ly/3HKjbwl

COLLECTIVE ACTION, COMMUNITY IMPACT: RESPONDING WITH URGENCY AND UNITY 

Headline-In Times of Crisis, Collaboration Knows No Boundaries 

When disaster strikes, impact-driven partnerships become more than strategy—they become survival. 

In response to the EF3 tornado that swept through parts of St. Louis on May 16, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) quickly mobilized alongside a dynamic coalition of partners—some long-time allies, others unexpected yet powerful collaborators—to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable communities. 

We set aside traditional silos and stretched beyond our usual circles to help residents in neighborhoods hardest hit. Fountain Park, in particular, became a vital hub of relief, where Dr. Punch and Power 4 STL have led consistent, community-centered support for residents—providing meals, coordinating services, and anchoring trauma-informed healing efforts for families. 

Alongside those efforts, IHN partnered with BioSTL and MilliporeSigma to deliver ice packs, coolers, and storage containers to help families preserve perishable foods and medications. The O’Fallon YMCA and the Urban League became trusted neighborhood access points for distributing these and other essential items. 

IHN also continued its partnership with Generate Health and the Momnibus Coalition in support of the Feed the Babies Project, which helped supply infant formula to families during a time of critical need. 

Additionally, St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Facility hosted food trucks, and JW Creations brought arts-based healing experiences to children impacted by the storm in partnership with Power 4 STL. 

We also want to acknowledge Kevin Poe, Executive Director of the Home Repair Network, who volunteered on the ground with local contractors and served as a connector among home repair organizations—ensuring that tarps, structural supplies, and other critical materials reached the homes and community-based organizations working to stabilize families. 

Pictured above: Kevin Poe, Executive Director, Home Repair Network (HRN), Dr. LJ Punch, Founder, Power4STL, Regina Marsh, Chief Executive Officer, St. Elizabeth’s Adult Day Care Center, Andwele Jolly, President/CEO of St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), Dr. Katherin Matthews, IHN Board Member and Associate Dean of Health Systems Science, St. Louis University School of Medicine

On the health and behavioral health front, our collaboration extended across the region. We partnered with federally qualified health centers, University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Action St. Louis, the Community Health Commission of Missouri, the Behavioral Health Bureau, the Behavioral Health Network, the Behavioral Health Strike Team, Behavioral Health Response, and the St. Louis Mental Health Board to ensure residents were referred to timely medical and behavioral health services. Every patient interface was seen as an opportunity to connect community members to systems of care. 

Just as importantly, dozens of smaller, grassroots hubs across the region stepped up in meaningful ways—proving that resilience is never built alone. The collective efforts of volunteers, organizers, and neighbors helped create a foundation for recovery rooted in dignity and mutual aid. 

This wasn’t just a response—it was a reflection of what’s possible when mission-aligned partners act with urgency, empathy, and a shared commitment to health equity. IHN is proud to stand with organizations across sectors who, together, answered the call for St. Louis. 

MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. While many health conditions can affect anyone, men are statistically less likely to visit the doctor, talk about mental health, or seek timely medical advice. Conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression often go unnoticed or untreated. This month serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize regular checkups, healthy eating, exercise, and open conversations about physical and mental health.

Men’s Health Month also provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can support the men and boys in our lives—fathers, brothers, partners, sons, and friends—to live longer, healthier lives. Whether it’s encouraging a loved one to get screened, making space for meaningful conversations, or modeling healthy habits ourselves, every action makes a difference. Let’s commit to creating a culture where men feel empowered to take charge of their health, seek support when needed, and thrive in every stage of life.

IHN’S RYAN BARKER NAMED 2025 BUSINESS OF PRIDE HONOREE

As Pride Month comes to a close, we are proud to share that Ryan Barker, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), has been recognized as a 2025 Business of Pride Honoree by the St. Louis Business Journal.

Now in its fifth year, the Business of Pride program honors LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies who are making a lasting impact on their industries and communities. Honorees are selected through an independent editorial review process based on their professional achievements, community leadership, and commitment to advancing inclusion and equality.

Ryan’s recognition is a reflection not only of his personal leadership and advocacy, but also of IHN’s mission to support systems and solutions that uplift all communities—especially those who have historically been pushed to the margins. His voice continues to shape policy and programs that drive lasting change for individuals and families across the St. Louis region.

“Ryan fosters inclusivity by deepening our organization’s work and strategy to ensure that everyone achieves optimal health and wellbeing, especially those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dr. Andwele Jolly, President and CEO of IHN.

As we celebrate this honor during Pride Month, we recommit ourselves to standing with LGBTQIA+ communities year-round—in healthcare and beyond—by continuing to center dignity, belonging, and opportunity in everything we do.

WELCOMING IHN’S NEW PRACTICUM STUDENTS

Nathalia Gutiérrez
Shrey Patel

This summer, the IHN is proud to welcome two exceptional practicum students, Nathalia Gutiérrez and Shrey Patel, who will be contributing to our Evaluation and Policy teams. Their unique backgrounds and passion for advancing health equity make them valuable additions to the organization as we continue our mission to improve health outcomes across the St. Louis region.

Nathalia Gutiérrez is working with the IHN’s Evaluation team and is currently pursuing their MPH at Washington University, concentrating in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. “Nathalia is a WashU MPH student concentrating in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Prior to graduate school, they worked as a research coordinator for Hennepin Healthcare — the largest safety net system in Minnesota — on a project seeking to reduce chronic disease disparities across the state. In their free time, Nathalia likes to cook, play pickleball, and spend time outdoors and with their cat, Guava.” — Tommy English, Assistant Vice President of Evaluation, Quality, and Learning

Shrey Patel has joined the IHN Policy team as a policy intern, bringing with him a strong background in business, innovation, and community service. “Shrey Patel, the newest addition to the IHN Policy team as a policy intern, is an accomplished entrepreneur and business strategist with a strong track record of founding and scaling ventures at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and defense. A summa cum laude graduate from NYU’s Stern School of Business, Shrey holds a B.S. in Finance and Management with a minor in Mathematics. Inspired to give back to his hometown of St. Louis, Shrey actively supports local development through his community service efforts with the City of St. Louis Department of Health. He is also a committed community leader, advising small business owners and contributing to cultural organizations in the St. Louis Indian American community.” — Bill Winfrey, Vice President of Policy & Strategic Initiatives

We’re thrilled to have Nathalia and Shrey join the IHN team and look forward to learning from their perspectives, expertise, and energy this summer!

IHN’S BILL WINFREY SELECTED FOR FOCUS ST. LOUIS’ 50TH LEADERSHIP ST. LOUIS COHORT

We are proud to announce that Bill Winfrey, Vice President of Policy & Strategic Initiatives at the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN), has been selected to join the 50th cohort of Leadership St. Louis, a signature program of FOCUS St. Louis.

Bill is one of 60 leaders chosen from across the region and across sectors to participate in this prestigious civic leadership program. Recognized as one of the most respected of its kind in the nation, Leadership St. Louis challenges participants to engage with the critical issues shaping our region—including health care, education, public policy, and economic development—through immersive learning and cross-sector collaboration.

Bill’s selection reflects IHN’s ongoing commitment to supporting strong, mission-driven leadership and to strengthening the systems that support health and well-being across the St. Louis region. We look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring back to our network through this exciting opportunity.


CIEARRA WALKER IS AWARDED MISSOURI FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH’S SPARK PRIZE

We’re thrilled to share that Ciearra “CJ” Walker, Founder & CEO of the Community Health Worker Coalition (CHWCo), has been selected as one of the five inaugural recipients of Missouri Foundation for Health’s Spark Prize—receiving $200,000 to support her vital leadership in advancing health equity across Missouri. Through her role at CHWCo, CJ has built a statewide career network to empower community health workers— strengthening frontline leadership, fostering economic mobility, and reshaping health care from the ground up. The Spark Prize is unique in its trust-based, flexible support for individuals—designed to amplify long-term impact, not constrain it. This award recognizes not just CJ’s remarkable past achievements, but the transformative influence she will continue to have on communities throughout Missouri. We’re honored to partner with her in fostering equity, healing, and real change. Please join us in congratulating CJ on this well-deserved honor. We can’t wait to see the continued impact of her bold, visionary leadership across our state and beyond.


IHN PRESIDENT & CEO ANDWELE JOLLY NAMED TO THE ST. LOUIS BUSINESS 500

We are proud to share that IHN President & CEO Dr. Andwele Jolly has been recognized in St. Louis Magazine’s St. Louis Business 500 — an annual list highlighting the metro area’s most impactful, innovative, and inspirational leaders.

The Business 500 celebrates leaders across industries — from C-suite executives to grassroots entrepreneurs — who are shaping the future of the St. Louis region. Dr. Jolly’s inclusion reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing health equity, expanding access to care, and strengthening the safety net for communities throughout our region.

We are honored to see Dr. Jolly recognized alongside so many inspiring local leaders who are driving change and making a difference in St. Louis.

Read the full article here: https://www.stlmag.com/business/stl500/st-louis-business-500-nonprofits/

IHN NAMED TO NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE’S TRUST & ENGAGEMENT ACTION COLLABORATIVE

Pictured above: Dr. Sandra R. Hernández (President & CEO, California Health Care Foundation), Dr. Mary D. Naylor (University of Pennsylvania), and Dr. Andwele Jolly (President & CEO, St. Louis Integrated Health Network)

The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is honored to be named to the Trust & Engagement Action Collaborative (TEAC)—a national initiative of the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Consortium. IHN joins leading organizations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, and Camden Coalition in this cross-sector effort to strengthen public trust and foster lasting, community-centered solutions in health.

At the May 8 convening in Washington, D.C., IHN President & CEO Dr. Andwele Jolly co-presented with Kathleen Noonan, CEO of Camden Coalition, in a session focused on the importance of continuous relationships, trust, and collaboration in improving health outcomes. The conversation was moderated by Dr. Mary D. Naylor, Marian S. Ware Professor in Gerontology at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health.

During his remarks, Dr. Jolly emphasized that, “Trust is rooted in first understanding your own identity through an intergenerational lens, and recognizing how this shapes your interactions with both systems of privilege and experiences of marginalization.”

This national recognition reflects IHN’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive systems of care—rooted in dignity, partnership, and the lived experiences of the communities we serve. We are grateful to contribute to this critical dialogue and to learn alongside peers working to remove barriers and reimagine health with compassion and accountability at the core.