St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN)

Community Pulse: October 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.

As the federal government shut down continues, states will not receive funds for Missourians’ November SNAP benefits and there will be an increase in the need for food resources in our community. Use the resources below to locate a food pantry, mobile pantry, drive-thru food pickup, or to access additional services.

Please help spread the word by sharing these resources within your department, networks, and with anyone who may need support accessing food services and assistance.

St. Louis Area Food Bank

Pantry Locator

Food Distribution Events

For more information, visit St. Louis Area Food Bank

Additional St. Louis Regional resources include:

Start Here StL

Find Assistance

Operation Food Search

Find Assistance

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY CUTS THE RIBBON ON MISSOURI’S 1ST FQHC LOOK-ALIKE!


A Historic Milestone for St. Louis County and Missouri!

St. Louis County recently celebrated a landmark achievement with the ribbon cutting of Missouri’s first-ever Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC LAL) government entity. This milestone represents a major step forward in expanding access to care and strengthening community health across the region.

The event marked a proud moment for Derrick Melton, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis County Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, and Dr. Kanika Cunningham, Director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. Their leadership and collaboration reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that more residents—especially those in underserved communities—can receive comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality healthcare.

The St. Louis Integrated Health Network congratulates Derrick, Dr. Cunningham, and the entire St. Louis County Healthcare team on this incredible accomplishment and the positive impact it will have on the community for years to come.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the Missouri Breast Health Coalition (MBHC)—a powerful statewide network of advocates, health professionals, and community partners working to advance breast health for all Missourians. From breaking down barriers to care to uplifting survivor voices, MBHC continues to lead with collaboration, compassion, and community-driven solutions that make early detection and access to quality care possible across every corner of the state.

Who We Are

The Missouri Breast Health Coalition (MBHC) is a statewide network of advocates, health professionals, and community partners (including survivors and their family members) dedicated to advancing breast health awareness and equity. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month—and throughout the year—we work to eliminate barriers to early detection and care, expand access to affordable services, and uplift the voices of those most impacted by disparities. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, MBHC empowers communities, strengthens regional partnerships, and drives sustainable solutions for a healthier, more equitable Missouri.

Our Successes

  • Statewide Expansion and Regional Growth: MBHC successfully expanded into all six regions of Missouri, strengthening local representation, collaboration, and capacity to address breast health disparities across diverse communities.
  • Building Strong Partnerships: We established strategic partnerships with key organizations such as the Integrated Health Network (IHN), MU Extension, SSM Health, and 211, creating a unified network to advance breast health equity and community-driven solutions.
  • Increased Visibility and Community Engagement: Through the launch of our website, active social media presence, and dedicated feedback channels, MBHC has become a trusted source of information and connection—amplifying community voices and sharing resources that promote breast health awareness statewide.
  • Data-Driven and Equity-Focused Strategy: By collecting community feedback, introducing legislative tracking tools, and applying frameworks such as Othering & Belonging and Community Participatory Budgeting, MBHC continues to ground its work in data, equity, and inclusion—ensuring that every strategy reflects real community needs.

Bootheel Pilot Program

The Missouri Breast Health Coalition (MBHC) has secured funding to design a community-led breast health model in the Bootheel as a pilot program. We want this model to reflect local wisdom and experiences. To achieve this, we’re hosting separate 60-minute focus groups with survivors/advocates, CBOs, and providers to better understand what’s working, what’s not, and what’s needed to truly move the needle on access, navigation, and trust.

We would be honored to hear from you and learn from your experiences. If you’re interested in participating, or would like to recommend someone else, we invite you to complete this Google Form by October 31st. Participants will be paid for their time, and discussions will be confidential and de-identified. We’ll follow-up in early November with those who express interest. A brief summary of the focus group findings will be shared with participants, and the insights gathered will help shape near-term priorities.

Want to get involved:

  • FOLLOW us on social media to stay informed about the work of the coalition and invite others to follow us as well! IG & FB: @mbhcoalition
  • VISIT our Website www.mbhcoalition.org and check out this and other events on our Calendar
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DORETHA DILLON & EMILY LACOUR

This month, we are thrilled to recognize two incredible members of the IHN team — Doretha Dillon and Emily LaCour — for their outstanding leadership, compassion, and commitment to our mission. Both have grown tremendously within the organization, embodying the spirit of collaboration, care, and community that drives IHN forward every day.

Erin Murphy, Director of Grants and Contracts at the St. Louis Integrated Health Network shared her reflections on working with Emily:
“Having worked with Emily for many years, I’ve had the chance to see firsthand her incredible growth and dedication to the IHN. From the moment she joined our team, she brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart to her work as a CRC. Her dedication to supporting patients and strengthening our community has always stood out. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work more closely with Emily in a management capacity, and I can honestly say she is one of the most kind, reliable, and dedicated people I know. She’s a compassionate leader who truly cares about her team and is always there to support them and help them succeed. Emily is an integral part of our organization, and we are so lucky to have her as part of the IHN family.”

Erin also shared heartfelt words about Doretha:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Doretha for many years, and it’s been such a joy to see her grow within the IHN. As she’s stepped into her management role, I’ve had the chance to work more closely with her and see firsthand the light and positivity she brings to every interaction. Anyone who meets Doretha immediately feels the warmth and joy she brings into a room. She has a remarkable ability to build and strengthen relationships, and she’s always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Doretha is truly a joy to work with, and I know these feelings are shared by so many across the IHN. She is a true light within our organization, and we are so lucky to have her as part of the IHN family. I can’t wait to see all that she continues to achieve as she grows in her new role.”

IHN is deeply grateful for Emily and Doretha’s dedication, leadership, and the positivity they bring to our work. Their example reminds us that compassion, teamwork, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.


TRANSITIONS OF CARE MEETING RECAP

At our most recent Transitions of Care (TOC) meeting, we heard two informative presentations. First, Denean Vaughn, our Health Insurance Navigator, shared valuable insights on applying for Medicaid and Marketplace coverage, especially timely as Marketplace enrollment opens soon. We also welcomed Ellen Chiwoni Nyasulu and Erin Foster from Washington University, who presented on the BLAAC PD Project (The Black and African American Connection to Parkinson Disease Study), a research initiative exploring the experiences and health outcomes of Black and African American individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Following the presentations, attendees participated in a walking tour of current IHN programs, learning more about available services and discussing opportunities for collaboration across initiatives.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 18, where we plan to host a panel discussion and Q&A session focused on upcoming Medicaid changes under the current administration’s implementation of their Big Bill.

CULTIVATING FUTURE HEALTH LEADERS: IHN PARTNERS WITH SLU TO ADVANCE EQUITY AND ACCESS IN HEALTHCARE

Pictured on right: Anthony Breitbach Ph.D, SLU Director Interprofessional Education, Saffiyah Poole, IHN Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations, Maureen Fischer, SLU Assistant Clinical Professor; Audiologist Coordinator , and Megan Roper, SLU Assistant Professor)

Earlier this month, St. Louis Integrated Health Network’s Assistant Vice President of Planning & Operations, Saffiyah Poole, served as a guest lecturer in Saint Louis University’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) program, leading two sessions focused on Equity & Access and The Healthcare Divide.

SLU’s IPE program brings together students from multiple health disciplines—medicine, nursing, social work, allied health, and public health—to build shared understanding and skills to provide more equitable, team-based care. The program equips future providers with the tools to address systemic inequities and improve patient outcomes across diverse communities.

Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, Poole explored the structural factors that shape access to care and challenged students to consider their role as future health professionals in advancing health equity.

“It’s critical that we plant these seeds early,” said Poole. “Our future workforce must understand the intersection of healthcare delivery, structural inequities, and community impact if we want to see different outcomes.”

This collaboration reflects not only IHN’s mission to advance health equity across the St. Louis region but also underscores the power of cross-sector collaboration. Meaningful progress in health equity requires educators, health systems, community organizations, and policymakers working together to build more connected and responsive systems of care.

By engaging students through opportunities like SLU’s IPE program, IHN is investing in cultivating a new generation of leaders equipped to transform healthcare systems from the inside out.

To learn more about SLU’s Interprofessional Education program, visit SLU IPE.

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH LESSONS FROM RWANDA: A BIOSTL GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF HEALTH INNOVATION LEADERS PANEL DISCUSSION


On October 10, 2025, the BioSTL Global Community of Health Innovation Leaders (GCHIL) hosted a panel titled “Doing More with Less in Rural Missouri Requires a New AI-Driven Model of Care: An Exploration of Lessons from a Case Study in Rural Africa.” The conversation focused on how Missouri can transform rural health delivery through AI-enabled, patient- and care team-centered technology—drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s remarkable health system transformation.

The panel, moderated by Scott Huston, featured Dr. Andwele Jolly (CEO, St. Louis Integrated Health Network), Dr. Josh Wymer (Chief Health Information & Data Strategy Officer, Missouri Health Data Consortium), and Phillip Edwards (Healthcare VP, Sand Technology). Together, they explored how Rwanda’s approach—anchored by community health workers (CHWs), digital innovation, and deep community trust—offers powerful lessons for Missouri’s rural health strategy.

In 2018, as an Eisenhower Fellow, Dr. Jolly traveled to Rwanda, a nation that rebuilt itself from one of history’s darkest chapters into a global model of reconciliation, resilience, and community-based health transformation. Most recently, he returned to Rwanda as part of a Kigali–St. Louis Sister City exploratory committee, observing firsthand how Rwanda’s health system—anchored by more than 60,000 community health workers (CHWs), digital innovation, and deep community trust—translates public health into a people-centered movement.

Initiatives like Mutuelles de Santé, Rwanda’s community-based health insurance program, have expanded coverage to over 90% of citizens, dramatically reducing maternal and child mortality and infectious disease rates. National programs like Umuganda, a monthly day of community service, embody the country’s ethos of shared responsibility—“One Rwanda (U Rwanda Rumwe).”

Rwanda’s rich culture and steadfast commitment to economic mobility and public health have enabled it to leverage Sand Technologies’ AI and tech-enabled approaches to population health—further closing gaps in health outcomes and serving as a global model for expanding both rural and urban healthcare access.

Here in the United States, the Integrated Health Network of Missouri (IHN) is applying similar principles to strengthen community health systems statewide. IHN’s CHW programs emphasize training, leadership development, and supervisor capacity-building to ensure CHWs are equipped not only to serve but also to thrive. In partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and other organizations, IHN aims to develop a coordinated infrastructure that supports statewide CHW deployment, anchored in data, technology, and community relationships.

Just as Rwanda has used digital health tools to reach rural populations, Missouri’s path forward, Jolly notes, requires “bringing care to the patient” through remote monitoring, data integration, and digital readiness. He emphasizes that technology alone is not enough—it must be paired with trust, human connection, and an intergenerational commitment to transformation.

“Transformed people transform people, communities, and societies,” Jolly says. “That’s the lesson Rwanda teaches the world—and it’s the same spirit we’re building on here in Missouri.”

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Highlighting the real-life impact of the IHN. From the experiences of our dedicated staff to testimonies from the community we serve, these stories showcase the importance of access, collaboration, and compassionate care in our community.

CONFERENCE RECAP: THE POWER OF WE | COLLABORATION BETWEEN DOULAS AND CHWS

by Atara Estes

What a divine and unforgettable experience. To stand before a room full of warriors as the opening keynote speaker for The Power of WE: Collaboration Between Doulas and Community Health Workers Conference was nothing short of a blessing.

From the moment I took the stage, the energy was alive — tears flowed, hearts opened, and the spirit moved. The standing ovation wasn’t just for me; it was for all of us — for every CHW, doula, and ally who continues to serve, uplift, and stand in the gap for our communities.

Being introduced for my international advocacy and speaking work was humbling, but what truly moved me was seeing the transformation in that room. Many came in weary, discouraged, and questioning if their work still mattered. But they left refilled, renewed, and ready — reminded that they are chosen, called, and powerful beyond measure.

Mentorship is needed now more than ever. Our frontline warriors deserve to be poured into, supported, and celebrated. They are the bridge between systems and souls — and their voices must be heard.

This gathering was more than a conference; it was a revival — a reminder that there is power in togetherness and that our strength multiplies when we unite with purpose and love.

We do this work because we care.
We serve because we are called.
And we stand because our communities need to see that we are with them through both the good and the hard times.

We are nothing without one another.
We are nothing without community.
We are nothing without the Power of WE.

ADVANCING HEALTH THROUGH COLLABORATION: IHN FEATURED AT THE BUSINESS OF HEALTH SUMMIT


On October 15, 2025, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) was proud to be represented at The Atlantic’s Business of Health Summit—a national gathering of leaders and innovators focused on transforming health through collective action.

Saffiyah Poole, IHN’s Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations, joined Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox and Dr. Alexander Garza for a panel discussion on “Building Better Health Together: Cross-Sector Collaboration That Works.” The conversation underscored a core truth: transforming health outcomes requires courage, alignment, and radical collaboration across sectors—not business as usual.

Why This Moment Matters

This call to collective action is more urgent now than ever. With ongoing federal government shutdowns, economic uncertainty, and growing budget constraints, communities and institutions alike are being forced to do more with less. These pressures can deepen silos and fuel scarcity thinking—but they can also spark innovation.

When systems align around shared goals and pool resources, they become more resilient and capable of meeting community needs, even in moments of crisis. Now is precisely the time to reject competition for limited resources and lean into bold, coordinated action that amplifies impact across the region.

Moving Beyond Silos and Scarcity

One of the greatest barriers to meaningful transformation is scarcity thinking—the fear of losing resources, visibility, or control. This mindset can keep systems fragmented and limit innovation. But St. Louis has no shortage of resources, talent, or visionary leaders.

The opportunity isn’t about creating something new from scratch—it’s about unlocking the collective power of what already exists. We’ve seen collaboration work at smaller scales. The next step is to move from isolated efforts to coordinated regional impact—where sectors aren’t competing for their “piece of the pie,” but building something bigger together.

Community Voice + Bold Leadership

While community voice remains essential, transformative impact also requires institutional courage—leaders and organizations willing to share power, pool resources, and take risks in service of something larger than themselves. By combining lived experience with institutional capacity, St. Louis can shape solutions that are both equitable and scalable.

A Shared Vision for Regional Change

Cross-sector collaboration must be anchored in a shared regional agenda, common goals, and aligned infrastructure. Health outcomes are shaped far beyond clinical settings—by housing, transportation, education, and economic opportunity. Tackling these issues requires trust, shared leadership, and a commitment to innovation.

From Possibility to Action

St. Louis is not starting from zero—it’s building on a foundation of existing talent, leadership, and proven collaboration. The opportunity before us is to scale what works, align around shared priorities, and create the kind of transformative partnerships that can withstand political and economic pressures.

“St. Louis has everything it needs—resources, brilliance, and willpower. What’s required now is the courage to act together, at scale, for lasting impact.”

By leaning into collective strength and rejecting scarcity, our region can move from incremental progress to meaningful, measurable change for communities across St. Louis.

🎥 Watch the full panel replay: The Business of Health

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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.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN FQHC FACILITIES TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO CARE IN ST. LOUIS

With funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), IHN worked with the City of St. Louis, Community Development Association (CDA) to secure funding for the four City Health Centers to make transformative infrastructure investments to address the health and economic consequences of the pandemic. In collaboration with the Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA) and state-designated ARPA funds, this grant is supporting capital improvements for community health and behavioral health centers. IHN has received $12.87 million in funds from the CDA to support these projects that will increase access to medical, dental, substance use disorder treatment, and mental health services while creating jobs, rebuilding our communities, and yielding a significant economic impact to the City of St. Louis. With the grant in its final year, IHN is pleased to share the significant progress that is being made on these projects.

Affinia Healthcare received $3.02 million dollars through IHN, with funding graciously provided by the City of St. Louis, to support critical capital improvements. This investment made it possible to enhance patient waiting areas, add new exam rooms, and install improved outdoor signage to increase visibility at the health center located at 2220 Lemp Avenue. These advancements strengthen access to care and contribute to improving the overall health of the community. The project was completed, and an open house was held, in the Spring of 2025.

Family Care Health Centers is investing the $2.9 million dollars from the City in the construction of a new facility located at 3824 S. Grand that is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2026. This new clinical site involves a collaboration between Family Care Health Centers and the St. Louis University Family Medicine residency. This collaboration began 10 years ago and has successfully grown to train and graduate six Family Medicine providers annually. This project serves as both a new access point to provide comprehensive primary care services to patients as well as to train Family Medicine residents who hopefully will choose to stay and work in Missouri.

People’s Health Center is using their ARPA Capital Improvement grant of $3.5 million to construct the People’s Community Resource Center at 5635 Delmar Blvd. They have finalized work with MSD and are now coordinating with other utility companies. The retaining wall and steel will be next to be installed onsite, and concrete is scheduled to be poured in December 2025. The project remains on track, with an anticipated completion date in the Spring of 2026.

CareSTL is planning to use their $2.9 million in funding to build The Ville Wellness Campus (VWC) which will be a new facility ensuring that the healthcare offerings meets both current and projected community needs. CareSTL Health will expand the services offered on-site to include desperately needed COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and pharmacy services.

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In the policy world, we continue to monitor the impacts of the federal shutdown. We wanted to share a brief overview of what happens during a shutdown, how they are typically resolved, and what early impacts we may see on safety net programs.

How a Federal Shutdown Happens
A federal shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills or a continuing resolution to fund government operations before the start of a new fiscal year (October 1). When this happens, federal agencies without approved funding must pause nonessential operations until new legislation is enacted. This often includes furloughs of nonessential staff which may slow or bring to a halt processing of grant payments, for example.

However, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) has successfully processed payments for our internal grants that have needed payment during the shutdown and have heard from our partners that payments are continuing thus far.

How Shutdowns Are Resolved
Shutdowns end once Congress passes — and the President signs — either a new budget or a temporary funding measure that restores appropriations. Employees who were furloughed typically receive back pay once operations resume. The current debate is primarily over Democratic demands that, alongside passing a new budget to end the shutdown, mitigation measures are passed that will minimize the healthcare impacts of H.R. 1 that passed earlier this year and a push for renewal of the enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace plans that are due to expire at the end of this calendar year.

Duration of Past Shutdowns

Shutdowns can last anywhere from a single day to several weeks. Historically, the median duration is about 5 days, though the longest in U.S. history (2018–2019) lasted 35 days. The length often depends on the level of political disagreement around spending priorities.

Potential Impacts on Safety Net Populations
While many essential programs continue during a shutdown, news articles have indicated that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (or WIC) could be one of the first programs to feel the effects of the shutdown. Because of the way the funding is typically distributed in the program, states have a limited supply of funds on hand and the federal government is unable to provide them with the typical quarterly allocation of funds during the shutdown. This would mean that states either are expending their own funds to keep the program afloat or not providing support to individuals enrolled in the program until the shutdown ends- either of which could have significant impacts for individuals and families supported by the program. This article lays out future potential implications to federally-funded programs if the shutdown should stretch out further.

We’ll continue to monitor developments and share updates if the shutdown begins to have direct impacts on the work of IHN or our partners.

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