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.
ONE MONTH AWAY: 3RD ANNUAL CENTERING JOY IN THE BLACK BIRTHING EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE
by Charity S. Bean, CMA, CFSD, CLC, CHW, SPM
Founder, President & CEO of Doula Lab
As we prepare to welcome our community to the 3rd Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference on April 11th, 2026, I am filled with deep gratitude and pride. What began as a simple idea—sparked in conversation with Dr. Julius Johnson—has grown into a powerful annual gathering that uplifts Black birthing people, honors our ancestral wisdom, and centers joy as a form of resistance and restoration. This year’s theme, Ain’t I A Woman, invites us to reflect on the strength, brilliance, and humanity of Black women and birthing people whose stories continue to shape our collective future.
As Executive Director, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to The Doula Lab team, who have been with me since year one. Their boots on the ground dedication has carried this conference from vision to reality. Every flyer, every registration detail, every partnership, and every moment of coordination—our team has poured their full selves into making this experience meaningful and rooted in love for our community.
I also want to honor Dr. Julius Johnson, whose early support and belief in this vision helped lay the foundation for what the Centering Joy conference has become.
This work has been strengthened through the partnership of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, which has served as a fiscal sponsor, helped raise and steward resources, and convened partners across health systems and community organizations. Through this role, IHN has helped build capacity and support collaborative efforts to advance perinatal equity.
As we gather again this year, we do so with purpose: to learn, to connect, to celebrate, and to continue building a future where Black birthing experiences are honored, protected, and filled with joy. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us carry this work forward.
Conference registration: https://bit.ly/40C7M7Z (Closes April 3rd)
Event details:
📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026
📍 SIUE Health Sciences Building, Edwardsville, IL
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
For more information:
The Doula Lab: https://doulalab.org/
Follow for updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563275820817
CHW TRAINING ACADEMY’S FIRST COHORT
By Atara Estes, ICHW-C Senior Community Health Worker (CHW) Strategist & National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) Board of Directors
The launch of our first-ever CHW Training Academy Cohort was nothing short of transformative.
Over five days, we brought together Community Health Workers (CHW’s) and Supervisors in a space intentionally designed to do more than train—it was built to restore, empower, and elevate those on the frontlines of community health.
Through a dual-track approach, CHWs were given space to share, recharge, and reconnect with their purpose—while supervisors strengthened their leadership and capacity to better support their teams. And on the final day, everyone came together to bridge gaps, build trust, and align around one shared mission: stronger, healthier communities.
This wasn’t just about learning new tools.
This was about shifting how we lead, support, and sustain the people doing the work every day.
With the support of incredible facilitators and partners, this academy was rooted in a human-centered, train-the-trainer model—equipping leaders to pour back into their own organizations and communities with confidence, care, and intention.
Because when we care for the workforce…
we care for the community.
Participants left with more than just skills—they left with renewed purpose, deeper connection, and the reminder that they are not alone in this work.
This is not just a training.
This is a movement.
And this is only the beginning.
leading the training session.
MATERNAL PEER-BASED RECOVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM:
By Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer
IHN is excited to announce the launch of a new Maternal Peer-Based Recovery Support Program with funding from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The objective of the program is to implement peer-based recovery support for the maternal population to reduce substance misuse and substance use disorders within Missouri, improve maternal behavioral health outcomes (specifically cooccurring substance use and mental health disorders), and reduce deaths during pregnancy and in the year after birth. Our program will implement a patient-centered model designed to reduce barriers, improve screening, and expand access to comprehensive wraparound services. We will assess and address social determinants of health such as housing, food security, and transportation. Staff will work with clients to craft individualized care plans, informed by validated SAMHSA screening tools, to guide service delivery and ensure that goals are tailored to each participant’s unique needs.
We look forward to working with existing and new partners throughout the St. Louis region including our health center and hospital partners, the City and County Health Departments, and our community-based partners. As part of this work, IHN is looking to hire two Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) that will provide peer-based recovery support services to pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use disorders. Using their lived experience of recovery and/or parenting while navigating substance use challenges, the CPS staff will offer compassionate, nonjudgmental, trauma-informed support. This role is integral in helping individuals engage in treatment, maintain recovery, and navigate the unique medical, emotional, and social challenges associated with pregnancy and early parenting. Please visit the IHN website at www.stlouisihn.org for more information on these positions and instructions on how to apply. Additionally, any community organizations that are interested in partnering in this work and referring clients into the program when it launches can reach out to Ryan Barker, our Chief Program & Policy Officer, at rbarker@stlouisihn.org.
BEST START FOR KIDS STL
A thriving community begins with its youngest members. When children have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care, families are better supported, the workforce is stronger, and local economies can grow and sustain themselves.
That’s why we’re proud to support and amplify the Best Start for Kids STL campaign—an initiative working to bring a critical child care funding measure to the November 2026 ballot.
This proposal represents a transformative opportunity for St. Louis. If approved, it would generate $22 million annually to expand access to child care, strengthen and stabilize providers, and create meaningful support systems for working families. For many parents, access to reliable child care is not just a convenience—it’s the foundation that allows them to work, pursue education, and build stability for their households.
At the same time, child care providers—who are essential to our communities—would receive the resources and support needed to continue delivering quality care, sustain their operations, and grow their impact. This investment is not just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient system for the future.
But before this vision can become reality, it starts with the community.
The campaign is currently collecting signatures to place this measure on the ballot, and every voice matters. This is a pivotal moment for residents, advocates, and supporters to come together and help shape a stronger future for St. Louis families.
By getting involved now—whether by signing, sharing, or donating—you play a direct role in advancing a solution that prioritizes children, uplifts families, and strengthens the entire region.
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity for a strong start—and that St. Louis continues to grow as a place where families can truly thrive.
Learn more, sign the petition, and stay engaged:
https://beststart4kidsstl.org/
Support the campaign:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/best-start-for-kids-stl-1
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.
REBUILDING TOGETHER: FAMILY FRIDAYS BRING RESOURCES AND CONNECTION TO
ST. PAUL AME
St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is proud to support St. Paul AME Church and the surrounding community through their ongoing Family Fridays initiative—a space for connection, resources, and care in a neighborhood that continues to rebuild after being one of the hardest hit by last year’s tornado.
Hosted weekly at St. Paul AME Church, Family Fridays bring neighbors together every Friday from 3:00–6:00 PM at 1260 Hamilton Ave. for an afternoon centered on community support. Each week, families can access free food baskets, healthcare resources, games, music, and computer access, all while spending meaningful time together.
In addition to these weekly offerings, there are even more opportunities to connect. On the first Friday of every month, a food truck is on site, adding another layer of nourishment and fellowship. On the first and fourth Fridays of each month, IHN’s Health Insurance Navigator is available to provide one-on-one assistance, helping community members understand their coverage options and get connected to care.
This effort is made possible through strong collaboration. Alongside IHN and St. Paul AME Church, partners including HOSCO North Sarah Food Hub, We Collab St. Louis, United Way of Greater St. Louis, and Soulcial Kitchen are working together to ensure families have access to essential resources and support.
Family Fridays are a reminder of what’s possible when organizations and neighbors come together with a shared purpose. As the community continues to recover and rebuild, IHN remains committed to standing alongside St. Paul AME Church and its residents—helping create spaces where families can access what they need and feel supported every step of the way.
For more information, community members can contact St. Paul AME Church at (314) 385-8900.
Pictured: Khatib Waheed, St. Paul AME, Gail Booker, St. Paul AME, Rev. Dr. Spencer Lamar Booker, St. Paul AME, Doretha Dillon, IHN,
and Kel Ward, BJC Healthcare
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ANDREA BIBBS
At IHN, our strength is rooted in the people who bring both heart and excellence to the work each day. This month, we are proud to recognize Andrea Bibbs, Director of Operations, whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to equity continue to shape and strengthen our organization from within.
Andrea’s journey is a powerful example of growth, alignment, and purpose. With a background spanning diversity initiatives, project management, and operations, she has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to bridge mission-driven work with strategic execution. Since joining IHN, Andrea has played a pivotal role in enhancing internal systems, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that our infrastructure reflects the same level of care and intention as our community impact.
Through her leadership, Andrea has helped modernize policies, implement tools that streamline day-to-day operations, and strengthen partnerships across the organization. Her work has not only improved internal processes, but also elevated the overall experience for staff—creating an environment where teams feel supported, empowered, and set up for success.
In addition to her operational leadership, Andrea serves as a key liaison to IHN’s Board of Directors, helping to foster stronger communication, alignment, and governance practices that support the organization’s long-term vision.
Reflecting on Andrea’s journey, IHN President & CEO Andwele Jolly shares:
“I first met Andrea Bibbs about ten years ago when she was a diversity and inclusion intern at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Even then, her passion for health equity and community service was evident. We spoke about her career aspirations and the many paths ahead, never imagining that our journeys would intersect again years later at IHN.
Shortly after I became President and CEO, we were searching for an office manager to oversee human resources and back-office operations. At the time, Andrea had advanced into a project management role in the Office of Diversity Programs at WashU Medicine. When we reconnected, she shared her desire to expand beyond diversity initiatives and fully leverage her business training in operations. Given IHN’s commitment to embedding health equity into our systems, policies, and practices, I saw an opportunity to reimagine the traditional office manager role, and Andrea was the right leader to do it.
Selected through a competitive process, Andrea quickly demonstrated both strategic and operational acumen. What began as an office manager role evolved into Director of Operations as she expanded her scope and impact across the organization. She partnered with staff to modernize internal policies, implemented tools and systems that improved efficiency, and negotiated more favorable vendor agreements. One of her most significant accomplishments was leading a transition to a new benefits carrier, resulting in approximately 40 percent cost savings, an outcome that strengthened both our financial position and employee experience.
In addition to operational leadership, Andrea serves as liaison to our Board of Directors. She has strengthened communication between staff and board members and has been instrumental in orchestrating more structured and effective meetings that support governance and strategic alignment.
It has been incredibly rewarding to witness Andrea’s growth from a passionate intern to an impactful Director of Operations. Throughout her journey, she has remained grounded in her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, while bringing structure and innovation to the operational backbone of our work.”
Andrea’s journey reflects the very essence of IHN’s mission—leading with purpose, growing with intention, and building systems that support both people and progress. We are grateful for her leadership and excited to continue growing alongside her.
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT IN A NON-PROFIT
By Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer
A non-profit’s operations department operates behind the scenes and often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. An effective and reliable operations department is foundational to a nonprofit organization’s ability to translate mission into measurable impact. While programs and fundraising often receive the most visibility, operations provide the infrastructure that ensures those efforts are sustainable, compliant, and efficient. This includes financial management, human resources, technology systems, and internal processes and policies—all of which enable program staff to focus on service delivery rather than administrative burdens. Without a well-functioning operations team, even the most compelling mission can be undermined by inefficiencies, errors, or gaps in accountability.
Operational strength also directly influences a nonprofit’s credibility with funders, partners, and regulators. Grantmakers and donors increasingly expect rigorous financial oversight, clear policies and board management, data integrity, and transparent reporting. A capable operations department ensures that risks are proactively managed. This not only protects the organization from compliance issues but also builds trust and positions the nonprofit for continued and expanded funding opportunities.
Finally, a high-performing operations function supports organizational agility and growth. As nonprofits scale programs or respond to emerging community needs, operations must adapt systems, staffing structures, and workflows accordingly. Strategic operations leadership can identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and technology adoption, all of which enhance overall effectiveness. In this way, operations is not just a back-office function—it is a strategic partner in advancing the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
ST. LOUIS MAGAZINE SITS DOWN WITH IHN CEO ANDWELE JOLLY
Last month, we celebrated Andwele Jolly being named to the St. Louis Business 500 for the second consecutive year.
Published annually by St. Louis Magazine, the St. Louis Business 500 recognizes the region’s most impactful and influential leaders across a range of industries. This recognition highlights individuals who are shaping the future of the St. Louis region through leadership, innovation, and community impact.
In a follow-up Q&A, Andwele shares more about his leadership approach, the work of IHN, and the vision guiding efforts to improve access and outcomes across the region. His insights reflect a continued commitment to strengthening systems of care and supporting healthier communities.
Read the full interview: https://www.stlmag.com/business/andwele-jolly-st-louis-integrated-health-network/
Spring break in the Missouri legislature marks the half-way point of session and there has been a lot of activity so far this year.
Key actions and priorities during the first half of the 2026 session include:
- Income Tax Elimination: Governor Kehoe and Republican leaders have made passing a phased plan to eliminate the state individual income tax a top priority. The House has passed HJR 173/174 (by a vote of 98-54) that will go before the voters in November if passed by the Senate. This resolution would phase out the individual income tax and reduce property tax while expanding sales taxes. Increasing sales taxes and expanding the items to which sales taxes are applied would have a detrimental impact on low-income Missourians.
- Budget Constraints: Legislators are navigating a tighter budget compared to previous years due to the reduction of federal pandemic funds. The focus is on aligning spending with revenue, with less funding available for new projects. The House has not yet passed the budget which will then need to go to the Senate and must be on the Governor’s desk one week before the end of session.
- Supplemental Budget Pass: The General Assembly passed, and Governor Kehoe signed, a $3.1 billion supplemental budget bill (HB 2014) in March to support current state operations, disaster relief, and child forensic examination claims.
One bill that IHN has been following is HB 2747 that is termed “Clean Slate,” which was passed by the House by a vote of 140-7 and is headed to the Senate. While Missouri has a process to expunge eligible records, the process is cumbersome, confusing, and costly. This bill would automate the process so that everyone who is eligible for expungement will receive it. Under the system proposed in the bill, an algorithm that is coded to eligibility criteria runs a quarterly search on the state’s criminal history database and routes the list of eligible records to the courts for process.
Automating the process makes it accessible to all Missourians, regardless of whether they have the knowledge, time, and resources to navigate a complicated, costly system over many months or even years. The bill does not allow expungement to those who have committed violent or sexual offenses, and individuals would still have to meet a number of standards to qualify for this automated process, including serving their full sentence, paying any restitution to victims in full, and remaining crime-free for several years.
Clean Slate just makes sense. It is estimated that the underemployment of formerly incarcerated job seekers costs the US economy more than $78 billion annually. Research out of Michigan finds that recipients of record sealing saw an 11 percent increase in the probability of employment and a 22 percent increase in quarterly wages in the first year. We can help spur economic development in Missouri by adding tens of thousands of Missourians back to the workforce with Clean Slate, allowing them the opportunity to provide for their families. Clean Slate would benefit the clients of IHN’s RELINK program in the future once they are eligible. While RELINK works with clients directly reentering community from jail or prison to assist them in stabilizing their lives with housing, employment, transportation, and health care; we know that long-term stability would be strengthened if our clients records would be automatically sealed once they became eligible.
IHN is grateful to Empower Missouri for their leadership and expertise on this issue and for their tireless efforts for the last many years on moving Clean Slate across the finish line.
The 2026 regular legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 15, 2026.
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
- Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference | April 11th, 9:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. | SIUE School of Health Sciences, University Park Dr., Edwardsville, IL 62026
- 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, Apr. 1st, 6:00p.m. – 7:30p.m. | Delmar Devine 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63112
- Perinatal Health Worker Training | 14-week training (March 16th–June 20th) & Mandatory Zoom orientation on March 9th, 6:00p.m – 8:00p.m. | Scholarship applications are due Feb. 7th, at 5:00pm. Interviews will be held Feb. 9th–13th.
- 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.