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 YEAR LATER:
IHN’S TORNADO RECOVERY WORK IN ST. LOUIS
One year ago, a devastating tornado tore through St. Louis, leaving thousands of residents without stable housing, utilities, and a clear path forward. Since December, IHN has been on the ground working alongside the City to support impacted residents through a long and complex recovery, helping them navigate rental assistance, utility reconnections, and social and health resources, while also providing feedback to the City to improve service delivery.
The Impact So Far
- 1,000+ referrals for residents with unmet needs
- 300+ rental assistance applications completed
- 50+ households reconnected to utilities
- 600+ residents referred to case management for long-term support
What We’re Hearing
Every resident is waiting for something, but what that looks like varies widely. Homeowners are waiting on timelines for repairs. Renters and those without formal housing arrangements are still searching for stability, many have yet to secure affordable housing, the critical first step toward recovery. And across the board, residents are waiting to hear a plan that doesn’t just restore what existed before, but makes their neighborhoods genuinely better, with grocery stores, banks, recreation spaces, and affordable housing development.
The most persistent barrier has been the sheer complexity of systems residents must navigate, often without any unrestricted funding to meet their own needs. Many have grown hesitant to engage with new resources after struggling to access existing ones.
Residents have shown remarkable patience and resilience. But that patience requires trust, and right now, that trust can only be rebuilt through consistent, tangible action. IHN remains committed to walking alongside residents until the work is done.
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 ACADEMY
By Saffiyah Poole, MPH, MHA Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is proud to launch the inaugural cohort of the IHN Health Academy, welcoming 30 high school students from across the St. Louis region for an immersive summer healthcare workforce development experience taking place June 1–30, 2026.
Developed in response to growing healthcare workforce shortages and the need for more diverse talent pipelines, the Health Academy is more than a career exploration program, it is a transformational investment in the future of young people and the future of healthcare in St. Louis. The Academy was designed to expose students to the vast opportunities within healthcare while equipping them with leadership, professional, and life skills that extend far beyond traditional clinical pathways.
Throughout the month-long program, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences, professional development workshops, mentorship, and immersive internship opportunities designed to build confidence, expand career awareness, and prepare them for long-term success. The Academy’s framework centers on six core development areas: workforce readiness, leadership and professional identity, health equity and systems literacy, financial empowerment, civic engagement and advocacy, and personal wellness and development.
Students will participate in programming and experiences in partnership with leading educational and healthcare organizations across the region, including Washington University Continuing and Professional Studies program, St. Louis Community College, Family Care Health Center, Affinia Healthcare, St. Louis Scholarship Foundation, Ever Appropriate Etiquette Institute, and A.T. Still University, which will serve as the students’ internship worksite partner. Through these partnerships, students will gain exposure to both clinical and non-clinical healthcare careers, healthcare systems, financial literacy, workplace etiquette, and community-based care models.
In addition to classroom learning and career exploration, students will receive a stipend for their participation, reinforcing the value of their time, commitment, and contribution to the future workforce.
The Health Academy reflects IHN’s continued commitment to strengthening the region’s healthcare safety net and advancing health equity by intentionally investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders. As an intermediary organization connecting healthcare, education, and community sectors, IHN recognizes that sustainable workforce solutions begin with early exposure, mentorship, and opportunity.
IHN extends sincere gratitude to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for its generous support and investment in this important initiative. Together with our partners, we are building pathways to purpose and helping shape a healthier, more equitable future for the St. Louis region.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH &
WOMEN’S HEALTH MONTH
May is a powerful reminder to pause and prioritize two things that are deeply interconnected: mental health and women’s health. At the IHN, these aren’t just awareness months, they reflect the everyday realities of the communities we serve.
Mental health affects everyone, yet too many people still face barriers to accessing care, whether due to cost, stigma, or a lack of culturally responsive services. This month, we encourage our community to check in on the people around you, normalize seeking help, and know that support is available. Mental health is health. Full stop.
Women’s health encompasses far more than physical wellness, it includes emotional, social, and economic wellbeing. Yet women, and particularly women of color, continue to face significant disparities in access to quality care and health outcomes. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the strength of women in our communities while also advocating for the systems-level changes needed to ensure every woman receives the care she deserves.
The two are deeply linked. Women are disproportionately affected by anxiety, depression, and trauma, and are often the primary caregivers managing the health of entire families, sometimes at the expense of their own. Recognizing and addressing this is central to the health equity work we do every day at IHN. This May, we honor the resilience of our community and recommit to the work of building a more equitable and healthier St. Louis — for everyone.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AROUND ARTHRITIS
AND JOINT HEALTH RESEARCH
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is partnering with Washington University in St. Louis and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to help strengthen community engagement around arthritis and joint health research.
Through this collaboration, the organizations aim to share information, connect with community members, and better understand the experiences and needs of people living with arthritis and joint health concerns. The effort will also help inform future community events, educational opportunities, and research initiatives.
IHN is encouraging patients, caregivers, clinics, community-based organizations, and community partners across Missouri and Oklahoma to complete and share an optional interest form to stay informed about future updates and opportunities related to arthritis and joint health.
Community voices are an important part of shaping research and ensuring future efforts reflect the experiences of the people most impacted.
Please note that completing the form does not enroll anyone in a study or clinical trial.
Interest form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/s1xgD2wZtU
Learn more about the initiative: https://stlouisihn.org/our-work/community-driven-innovation/nitro/
Spanish-language materials are also available. For assistance in Spanish, contact tibitayo@stlouisihn.org.
DR. JESSE DAVIS JOINS FIRST CANDLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) is proud to share that our Chief Medical Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Jesse Davis, has joined the Board of Directors for First Candle, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting infant health and families through safe sleep education, bereavement support, and community-centered care.
Dr. Davis brings unique experience as a pediatrician, physician executive, and healthcare strategist focused on improving outcomes for children and families. In addition to his leadership at IHN, he serves as Chair of the Maternal Child Health Innovations Committee for the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs and continues practicing as an active pediatric hospitalist. Reflecting on the opportunity to serve on the Board, Dr. Davis shared:
“I’m honored to support First Candle’s mission to improve outcomes for infants and families. This opportunity aligns closely with my commitment to strengthening infant and maternal health systems and enhancing the quality of life for and connected to children through collaboration, community partnership, and sustainable systems of care. Improving outcomes for children and families requires strong alignment across clinical care, community organizations, and national leadership, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that work alongside an exceptional group of leaders.”
At IHN, we know the importance of collaboration in building healthier communities and improving outcomes for families. Dr. Davis’ leadership continues to strengthen efforts that connect healthcare systems, providers, and community partners in support of maternal and infant health throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.
We congratulate Dr. Davis on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to the impact his leadership will continue to make at both the local and national level.
PRIDE MONTH EVENTS ACROSS THE ST. LOUIS REGIONS THIS JUNE
June is Pride Month, which began as a way to recognize the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement that inspired the first Pride marches the following year.
At IHN, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and support the ongoing work to ensure everyone has access to affirming, compassionate, and respectful care and spaces where they feel seen, valued, and safe.
Today, Pride Month includes celebrations, educational events, performances, and opportunities for community connection across the country and here in St. Louis. From PrideFest and Soulard Pride to library programs, trivia nights, and neighborhood events, there are many ways to get involved throughout June. Check out our Upcoming Events section at the end of the Newsletter to explore Pride Month events happening across the region.
SUCCESSFUL SECOND CHANCES EMPLOYER PANEL ADDRESSES WORKPLACE STIGMA AND REENTRY CHALLENGES
Earlier this spring, St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) President and CEO Dr. Andwele Jolly participated as the keynote speaker during The SoulFisher Ministries’ Successful Second Chances Employer Panel at St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley.
The panel, which featured IHN’s Director of Justice Initiatives, Clinical and Community Integration, Latrice Tate, focused on “Coping with Stigma and Shame in the Workplace” and examined the internal and external struggles faced by returning citizens in employment settings. According to event organizers, the discussion explored challenges related to identity, self-worth, fair treatment from co-workers, and opportunities for promotion after incarceration.
The event also featured first-hand perspectives from justice-impacted individuals and those who work closely with them. Discussions centered on how employers and community members can become changemakers in workplace environments.
During his remarks, Dr. Jolly emphasized the importance of creating opportunities and systems that support long-term success for all members of the community.
“This is not only about giving people a second chance, but also about building systems where everyone has a real chance to begin with,” said Dr. Jolly. “When we redesign workplaces, healthcare, justice, and community systems around dignity, belonging, and opportunity, we don’t just change individual lives — we strengthen our workforce, our economy, and our communities.”
Dr. Jolly’s participation reflected IHN’s ongoing commitment to supporting conversations that impact the well-being of communities across the St. Louis region, including justice-impacted individuals.
Hosted by The SoulFisher Ministries, the event was held on April 17, 2026, in Ferguson, Missouri.
TITAN 100 GALA REFLECTION
By Saffiyah Poole, MPH, MHA Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations
In April, IHN President & CEO Andwele Jolly was formally recognized as part of the 2026 Titan 100, a network of regional leaders driving innovation and impact across St. Louis, during its annual induction gala.
Attending the gala alongside leaders from across sectors was a meaningful reminder of the importance of collaboration, bold leadership, and shared commitment to strengthening our region. Representing IHN at the event were Andrea Bibbs and Saffiyah Poole, who joined in celebrating this milestone and the growing visibility of IHN’s work across the region. Congratulations are also in order for Derrick Melton, IHN Board Secretary and CEO of the Federally Qualified Health Center at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, who was also honored at the Titan 100 Gala. We are proud to have such exceptional leadership represented on our board!
“This recognition reflects more than individual leadership; it speaks to the collective work happening across our organization and community,” shared Saffiyah Poole. “Being in spaces with leaders who are all working to move St. Louis forward reinforces the importance of partnership, relationship-building, and continuing to think boldly about what’s possible for our region.”
“It was inspiring to be in a space with so many leaders who are actively shaping the future of our region,” shared Andrea Bibbs. “Seeing Andwele recognized among this year’s Titan 100 was a proud moment for IHN and a reflection of the meaningful work happening across our organization. Opportunities like this remind us that collaboration and relationship-building are essential to creating lasting impact in our communities.”
“We congratulate Andwele on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued opportunities for collaboration and impact that will come from being connected to this dynamic network of regional leaders.”
Pictured: Andwele Jolly, and Derrick Melton (Board Secretary CEO for Federally Qualified Health Center – St. Louis County Dept. of Public Health)
TRANSITIONS OF CARE TASKFORCE MEETING RECAP
By Erin Murphy, Director of Grants and Contracts
Our April Transitions of Care Taskforce meeting was a great one! We were lucky to have Dr. Michael Quinn, President and CEO of Autism Support Now, join us as our guest speaker. He shared more about the incredible work his team is doing to support children and families across our region.
After hearing from Dr. Quinn, we spent the rest of our time digging into transition prompts together. The goal was to take an honest look at where breakdowns are happening in transition processes and, just as importantly, talk through what each of us, in our respective roles, can do to help smooth those out. It was a really productive conversation, and it gave us all some concrete things to take back to our own work.
Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed. These meetings are only as valuable as the people in the room, and you all show up ready to engage every time.
Mark your calendars: Our next TOC meeting will be Thursday, July 30, from 1:00–3:00 PM at Community Impact Network. Hope to see you there!
MY IHN EXPERIENCE
by Gauri Kaushal, Executive Leadership Intern
“My experience as the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) Intern at the IHN has profoundly shaped me both professionally and personally in ways that I know will stay with me for the rest of my career and my life. What began as a desire to learn more about the incredible work that the IHN does, turned into an opportunity that was even more invaluable than I could have even imagined.
One of the greatest gifts that IHN gave me was not simply a role, but a chance. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Jesse Davis for creating this position, with the support of the ELT, and for trusting me as the first ELT intern. Dr. Davis’s mentorship taught me that leadership is not about ego or titles, but about creating space for others to thrive, staying grounded in purpose, and bringing people together around a mission larger than themselves.
I am equally grateful to the ELT and the entire IHN family for embracing me so wholeheartedly and entrusting me with impactful projects and initiatives. You all saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. Thank you for giving me the space to grow and contribute. It is through this experience that I fell in love with strategic work and hope to embrace this in my next steps.
Every conversation, meeting, and collaboration taught me something valuable. IHN is truly filled with extraordinary people: people who are brilliant, compassionate, genuine, and deeply committed to serving others. Each person brought something unique to my experience, and I feel honored to have learned from each of you.
What I will carry with me most were the special moments that reminded me of the importance in human connection. More specifically, the importance of connecting with the right people so that you could be on the winning team at the June 2024 IHN All Staff Field Day or on the winning “Turnt Up” trivia team during our March All Staff meeting (all jokes… kind of…).
In all seriousness, it was those special moments when we all came together, where I was in awe of how we support one another and celebrate each other, while remaining deeply committed to improving the lives of the communities we serve.
The conclusion of my internship is surely bittersweet, but the impact of IHN will stay with me forever, in the way I lead, the way I serve others, and in the kind of person I hope to become. While I cannot help but feel emotional as I reflect, I will always carry with pride that I was a part of the IHN family. I hope the ELT intern role becomes the beginning of a long lineage of future interns who will continue to bring new ideas, energy, and passion to IHN’s mission.
Some experiences build your career. Others change and fill your heart. IHN did both for me.”
By M. Ryan Barker, Chief Program & Policy Officer
The 2026 Missouri Legislative Session produced several significant health-related measures that were truly agreed to and finally passed by the General Assembly, reflecting bipartisan attention to maternal health, telehealth modernization, behavioral health, and patient access to care. While many health proposals were debated during the session, a smaller number ultimately crossed the finish line before adjournment. We wanted to highlight three specific pieces of legislation passed by the legislature: Senate Bill (SB) 1019, House Bill (HB) 2372, and SB 1421. While SB 1019 and HB 2372 are different omnibus healthcare bills, they do contain similar, and occasionally overlapping, language.
Missouri SB 1019 is a comprehensive healthcare measure that updates hospital investment authorities, stream-lines Board of Healing Arts licensure, and implements consumer-focused safeguards regarding AI medical and therapy chatbots. The legislation modernizes telehealth standards by allowing physicians greater flexibility in establishing provider-patient relationships virtually when consistent with the standard of care. The bill also expands access to doula services, with insurance coverage requirements beginning in 2027, and includes provisions related to hospital operations, administration of vaccines, clinical pathology services, and workplace violence protections in hospitals.
The Missouri legislature also passed HB 2372 which is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that significantly alters maternal care, pharmacy scope of practice, and disease tracking in the state.
Key provisions of the omnibus package include:
- Birth Control & Maternal Health: Authorizes a 12-month supply of oral contraceptives and mandates insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum mothers. It also establishes a reimbursement pathway for doula services under MO HealthNet.
- “Food is Medicine”: Allows the state to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver to provide case management, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions to patients with nutrition-related diseases.
- Disease Surveillance & OTC Access: Mandates that the Department of Health and Senior Services track cases of alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease. It also legalizes the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin and expands the types of FDA-approved vaccines pharmacists can administer.
- Telehealth & Prescriptions: Updates telemedicine requirements, including the use of adaptive evaluation questionnaires.
- Regulatory Changes: Increases the annual over-the-counter purchase limit for pseudoephedrine/ephedrine products to 61.2 grams and requires hospitals to display warning signs that assaulting a healthcare professional is a serious crime
Another major victory was passage of the Clean Slate Act (contained within a broader public safety bill, SB 1421). The new measure overhauls the state’s previous petition-based expungement system by implementing an automated process.
Core Provisions include:
- Automatic Expungement: Eliminates the need for individuals to hire attorneys or file manual petitions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and state courts will scan databases quarterly to clear qualifying records.
- Waiting Periods: Records are automatically cleared after one year for eligible misdemeanors and three years for eligible felonies, provided no new offenses are committed during that timeframe.
- Eligible Offenses: Broadly targets felony and misdemeanor drug possession convictions and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
- Lifetime Caps: Individuals are capped at a lifetime limit of two felony expungements and four misdemeanor expungements (combined with any previous expungements under past laws).
- Implementation: The automated system must be fully operational “when technically feasible” but no later than January 1, 2027.
Finally, Missourians could see up to nine ballot measures across the August primary and November general elections. Governor Kehoe has placed four of them on the August ballot and a brief summary of each ballot measure is below:
- Amendment 1 – if approved by the voters, continues for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites.
- Amendment 2 – if approved by voters, requires that all charter counties, including Jackson County, elect a county assessor and that such assessors comply with training requirements established by state law.
- Amendment 4 – if approved by voters, modifies current requirements that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, requires a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, and makes available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot.
- Amendment 5 – if approved by voters, requires the phase out and elimination of the individual income tax and allows the legislature to increase sales taxes to offset this income tax elimination.
More information regarding Amendments 4 and 5 will be included in IHN’s next newsletter.
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
- WePower STL Early Childhood Power & Policy Action Group Monthly Meeting | 1st Wednesday of every month, June. 3rd, 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.
- 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.
- Werk! For a Cause | May 31, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Rehab Bar & Grill, 4054 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. For more info, visit pridestl.org/events-calendar/werk-for-a-cause
- NOH8 Photo Shoot | June 2, 2026, 6:00 p.m. | Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis. For more info, visit allevents.in/st-louis/lgbt-pride—june
- 2026 Pride Kickoff | June 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Four Hands Brewing Company. For more info, visit pridestl.org/events-calendar
- St. Louis Cardinals Pride Night | June 5, 2026, 7:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. | Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave. For more info, visit mlb.com/cardinals/tickets/specials/theme-tickets/pride
- St. Louis County Library Pride Fair | June 6, 2026, 2:00 p.m. | Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011. For more info, visit slcl.org/events/pride-fair
- Mama Joe Project | June 7th, 3:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. | Touhill Arts Center at UMSL 1 Touhill Cir, St. Louis, MO 63121
- Pride Night: Trivia | June 11, 2026, 6:00 p.m. | Central Library, 1301 Olive St. Details: An informative and fun evening of trivia focused on LGBTQ+ history, hosted in partnership with Planned Parenthood Great Rivers. For more info, visit https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
- Circus Flora Pride Night | June 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | The Big Top, 3401 Washington Blvd. For more info, visit circusflora.org/event/flying-high-pride-night
- Soulard Pride | June 13, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Menard St. between Russell Blvd. and Geyer Ave. For more info, visit kreweofvicesvirtues.com/soulard-pride
- Food is Medicine: Policy and Program Innovation | June 16th, 8:30a.m. – 10a.m. | Delmar DevINe, 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO
- Pride Month Lunch & Learn with PROMO Missouri | June 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. | The Showroom at CIC St. Louis. For more info, visit allevents.in/st-louis/lgbt-pride—june
- Show Me Your Pride! Histories of LGBTQ+ Midwestern Life in the Show Me State | June 20, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Buder Library, 4401 Minnesota Ave. Details: An educational look at the history and lives of LGBTQ+ people in Missouri and the Midwest. For more info, visit https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
- Pride Bar Crawl – St. Louis | June 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Rehab Bar and Grill, 4170 Manchester Ave. For more info, visit pridestl.org/events-calendar
- Pride St. Charles | June 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, MO. For more info, visit pridestcharles.org
- Jeopardy Night: 2026 Queer Survival Guide | June 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m. | Central Library, 1301 Olive St. Details: Test your knowledge and learn about sexual health in this interactive trivia game hosted by Planned Parenthood Great Rivers sexual health experts. For more info, visit https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
- PrideFest 2026 | June 27–28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Downtown St. Louis. Details: Annual Pride festival featuring live entertainment, vendors, food, community organizations, and the Grand Pride Parade. For more info, visit https://www.pridestl.org/events-calendar/pridefest-2026
- Roots of Pride | June 28, 2026, 9:00 a.m. | Missouri Botanical Garden. For more info, visit allevents.in/st-louis/lgbt-pride–june