Public Health at the Forefront: Vision & Strategy for a Healthier St. Louis
On Friday, January 24, 2025, the St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) convened healthcare leaders, public health professionals, and community advocates at the North County Innovation Center (NCIC) for a critical discussion on advancing health equity in the St. Louis region.
The meeting featured Dr. Leslie McClure, Dean of the College for Public Health & Social Justice at St. Louis University, and Dr. Sandro Galea, Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health, Eugene S. and Constance Kahn Distinguished Professor in Public Health, with Kelly McGowan, MPH, Founder & Executive Director of Transform 314, moderating a dynamic conversation on the power of community partnerships, the need for innovative collaborations, and the urgency of dismantling silos in public health efforts.
A Strategic Setting: The North County Innovation Center
The North County Innovation Center (NCIC) was a fitting location for this gathering, emphasizing the interconnectedness of public health, economic mobility, workforce development, and community well-being. Pastor Ken Jenkins welcomed attendees and shared NCIC’s vision of being a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and local capacity-building in North St. Louis County.
This reinforced a key theme of the discussion: health equity cannot be addressed in isolation. Economic stability, access to opportunity, and community-driven solutions are all fundamental to improving health outcomes. Events like this, held in spaces that prioritize community empowerment, are critical in ensuring that public health efforts are rooted in the needs and aspirations of those most impacted.
Key Takeaways: Strengthening Public Health in St. Louis
The discussion surfaced several essential insights for driving a more equitable and effective public health system in St. Louis:
1. The Power of Community in Driving Health Equity
Both Dr. McClure and Dr. Galea acknowledged the importance of community-driven solutions in shaping public health initiatives. As newcomers to St. Louis, they emphasized the need to listen, learn, and build relationships with local stakeholders who have been engaged in this work long before their arrival. IHN and its partners serve as a vital network for connecting leadership with the community, ensuring that strategies are responsive to real-world challenges.
2. Breaking Down Silos and Expanding Partnerships
A key takeaway was the urgent need for broader collaboration. Health equity cannot be advanced through isolated efforts—it requires deep, sustained partnerships across sectors such as healthcare, education, policy, the arts, and grassroots organizations.
The conversation highlighted the importance of nontraditional partnerships in expanding engagement and breaking through barriers that have historically excluded certain populations from decision-making. Transform 314’s collaboration with the Contemporary Art Museum and creative sectors to increase community involvement in local governance was cited as an example of how innovative partnerships can foster civic engagement and build public trust.
3. A Commitment to Continued Action and Dialogue
While the January Board Meeting served as a starting point for deeper collaboration, there was strong consensus that this cannot be a one-time conversation. The path to health equity requires consistent engagement, shared accountability, and a willingness to adapt strategies in response to community needs.
IHN and its partners are dedicated to breaking down barriers, fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change, and ensuring that no one is left behind in public health efforts.
What’s Next: Stay Connected and Get Involved
This discussion set the foundation for a year of intentional action and collaboration. Moving forward, we must remain vigilant and unified in the face of growing uncertainties at the federal level. Policy shifts, funding challenges, and systemic changes will continue to impact public health efforts, making it more critical than ever to stand together. We cannot afford to work in silos—the time to unite, to strategize, and to act is now.
At IHN, we are committed to leading this charge alongside our partners, ensuring that community voices are uplifted, and that our collective work continues to move forward—regardless of external challenges.
To stay informed and connected, sign up for IHN’s new monthly newsletter, The Community Pulse,which launched last month. The newsletter will provide updates, highlight impactful work, and share opportunities for involvement.
Sign up here: IHN Community Pulse Newsletter
IHN extends sincere gratitude to the panelists, moderator, attendees, and partners for making this event a success. Together, we are not just envisioning a healthier St. Louis—we are actively building it. We are stronger together.