Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2025
Health Fair hosted by Senator Robert Stewart and Senator Prince Chestnut
The Alabama Core attended a health fair that was hosted by Senators Robert Stewart and Prince Chestnut. At this health fair, they honored nurses who provided care during the Civil Rights Movement. The event featured blood pressure screenings, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and CPR demonstrations. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris actively participated in practicing CPR. Both the senators and Dr. Harris emphasized the importance of organizing more health events to address the pressing health issues affecting Alabamians.
Wellness Village for the 60th Selma, Montgomery Voting Rights March
The Alabama Core participated in the Wellness Village during the 60th Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March, offering blood pressure screenings, weight and BMI assessments, and distributing health literature to promote wellness and the RURAL Study.
Wellness Village Block Party at Selma University
The Alabama core attended a Health Fair Block Party hosted by Selma University, led by President and CAB member Dr. Stanford Angion. The event drew over 100 attendees and featured more than 30 vendors representing various fields, including health, education, finance, career development, and nutrition resources. To promote physical activity, participants engaged in a game of cornhole, while health literature and blood pressure screenings were also provided to support overall wellness.
Quarterly CAB Meeting
The Alabama Core hosted its quarterly CAB meeting, where Larissa Benjamin, a Doctor of Public Health candidate at UC Berkeley, presented her study, “Interviewing Rural Community Leaders about Neighborhoods and Health.” During the meeting, members discussed the study plans and provided feedback on the interview guide, flyers, and recruitment strategies. A total of 10 members were in attendance, contributing valuable insights to refine the research approach
Day of Action in Selma
WSFA 12 News partnered with local agencies and nonprofits for a “Day of Action” event to support residents in the Selma area, which was hosted in the Wallace Community College-Selma gymnasium. WSFA 12 News created the “Day of Action,” which is a series of community resource fairs. There was an overwhelming turnout with dozens of agencies, organizations, and state groups to offer a hand and resources. There was health, education, finance, career, homeownership, nutrition resources, and more! Hundreds of community members attended!
Building a Healthier Selma
The long-awaited completion of community improvements at the East Selma Community Pond and Park is now a reality. For years, this beloved space served as a gathering place for residents, offering a serene environment for recreation and connection. However, in 2023, a powerful tornado severely damaged the park’s structures, forcing city officials to close it. With the restoration now complete, the park is once again open to the community, offering a revitalized space that enhances both quality of life and public health.
“These improvements contribute significantly to better community health and quality of life,” said Dr. Ray L. Watts, President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Congresswoman Terri Sewell echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strength and unity of the community. “If we don’t band together as a people, we perish as a people,” she said. “I am incredibly proud of the East Selma community.”
The reopening of the East Selma Community Pond and Park marks a major step forward in rebuilding and strengthening the area, ensuring that residents can once again enjoy this cherished space for years to come.
Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2024
Alabama Core CAB Christmas Gathering
Members of the Alabama Core Community Advisory Board (CAB) met on December 10th for a Christmas gathering. Members held their usual quarterly CAB meeting while sharing sentiments of gratitude around the holiday.
Christmas Event with Community Outreach Missionary Organization
The Alabama Core attended and assisted with stuffing Christmas goodie bags at the Senior Citizens Appreciation Day event hosted by the Community Outreach Missionary Organization (COMC) in Selma, Al. The COMC is a non-profit organization that serves senior citizens.
Christmas Care Packages for Residents in Wilcox
The Alabama Core distributed Christmas care packages to 21 residents in Wilcox who are confined to their bed or wheelchairs. The packages included fruits, a pair of pajamas, socks, RURAL stress balls, hand sanitizer, and healthy eating resources. The residents also received a Christmas Card from various organizations which was also signed by the Alabama Core Members.
Distributed Flyers for the Mammography Bus
In support of the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Montgomery Cancer Center, and Baptist Health, the Alabama Core has been passing out flyers that feature their free mobile breast screening bus that has upcoming availability. Find more information here.
Faith Leaders Luncheon Roundtable
The Alabama Core attended the Faith Leaders Luncheon Roundtable to discuss the RURAL Study, where local churches and faith leaders joined to speak about programs and projects that they want in their community and how they can use their voices to help amplify them.
Health Fair at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
The Alabama Core attended a health fair event sponsored at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. CAB member Mr. Collins Pettway provided CPR demonstrations, and over 30 individuals were recognized for their efforts in the community. There were at least 125 people in attendance. The local Red Cross representatives and members of The Selma Links were also in attendance
Drug-Free Communities Thanksgiving Lunchon Presentation
Director Jerria Martin from The Drug Free Communities of Dallas County hosted a Thanksgiving Luncheon Presentation for Community Partners. The presentation was focused on keeping Alabama youth healthy and drug-free.
Edmundite Missions Wellness Clinic
On November 21st, the Alabama Core attended a wellness clinic hosted at the Edmundite Missions Bullock Community and Recreation Center, where they provided blood pressure screenings and health literature for attendees.
Water Avenue Baptist Church Wellness Clinic
On November 20th, the Alabama Core attended the Water Avenue Babtist Church Wellness Clinic, where they provided blood pressure screenings and health literature for attendees.
Sprinkle Me Pink Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivors Walk
On October 27th, the Alabama Core attended the second annual Sprinkle Me Pink Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivors Walk in Selma at the Bloch Walking Trail.
Inauguration of President Standford Angion
On October 22nd, one of the Alabama Core’s CAB members, Stanford E. Angion, Ed.D., was inaugurated as the president at Selma University. Dr. Angion is also the pastor of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Coy, Alabama.
Get Fit Selma
On October 17th, the Alabama Core attended the Get Fit Healthfest and Street Olympics in Selma, where they provided blood pressure screenings and health literature to attendees.
Semi-Structured Health-Aligned Professional and Community Leaders Interview
Larissa Benjamin, a DrPH candidate at UC Berkeley and SDoH Core member, and Mrs. Jessica McGraw, an Alabama CAB member, conducted semi-structured interviews with health-aligned professionals and community leaders in Alabama. This event was hosted at J. Paul Jones Hospital in Camden, Alabama, which is part of UAB’s Health System.
Veteran Recognition
In recognition of veterans and their family members, the Alabama Core attended an event hosted by the Michael Johnson Foundation to honor those who have served our country. They also offered blood pressure screenings and health literature to attendees.
Focus group for ASSIST
The Alabama Core conducted a focus group for Dr. Allen-Watts Diversity Supplement titled ASSIST (Addressing Self-Management Strategies to Improve and Sustain T2D Outcomes).
Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Wellness Clinic
Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church hosted a wellness clinic and tailgate event, in which the Alabama Core attended. Community members were provided with pressure screenings, BMI calculations, and health literature.
YMCA Upcoming Wellness Programs
The Alabama Core met with a local YMCA Coordinator to discuss upcoming wellness programs in the area and to provide information about the study to the staff.
Inaugural Families First Community Resource Fair
Mayor James Perkins spoke words of inspiration about RURALs continued presence in the community. There were over 50 entities present that addressed housing, job opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and access to healthcare. UAB Selma Family Medicine Physicians informed the attendees about a “Walk with Your Physician” program. If the weather permits, the physicians encourage their patients to walk with them several times a week at the local hospital.
Selma Housing Authority Event
Rangedale Community provided 200 prefilled backpacks with school supplies. The property manager and officer Ghant assisted with placing RURAL bags in the book bags. There were family-building exercises during this event.
“Caring is Sharing” Event
Wilcox Public Schools Federal Programs Department, led by Dr. Andre Saulsberry, provided many resources to attendees at the “Caring is Sharing” event. This included physicals, haircuts, braiding, vaccinations, and handing out uniforms and school supplies.
“Be the Change Health & Wellness” Health Fair
This event was hosted by New Hopewell CME Church and Dr. Cynthia Garrett. Wilcox Farmers Market provided access to nutritious foods and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Black Belt Institute Resource Fair
There were 100 community partners along with health and wellness agency representatives from 7 counties in West Alabama. RURAL provided fresh fruits and vegetables to attendees.
Wallace Community College-Selma “Community Day”
This event encouraged fellowship among the community. There were family-oriented activities and nutritious foods provided on the campus of Wallace Community College-Selma. Professors from each department were available to speak with the attendees, provide simulations, and learn more about the programs offered at this great institution.
“Walk For Healthy Living” Walk-a-Thon
The walkathon was hosted at Veterans Memorial Walking Trail and started off with a warm-up line dance. All attendees were encouraged to walk at least a mile. There were bags full of fresh fruit and vegetables given away, along with information about diabetes, cancer, voting, and more. Attendees learned how to perform a self-breast exam. Attendees practiced doing a breast exam on the models provided by Alabama Cancer Prevention & Control.
Quarterly CAB Meeting
Health Equity Conference “Bridging the Gap between Health and Community”
In May 2024, the Alabama Community Engagement team participated in the Health Equity Conference “Bridging the Gap between Health and Community,” which was sponsored by the Black Belt Hope. The Health Equity Conference provided many additional resources available to our participants in Dallas, Wilcox, and surrounding counties. During the conference, the team prepared for and presented the topic “Social Determinants of Justice.”
USDA Rural Development Informational Session for New Housing and Home Repair Applications
In May 2024, the Alabama Community Engagement team participated in the USDA Rural Development Informational Session for New Housing and Home Repair Applications. The USDA Rural Development Informational session allowed the Community Engagement team to serve as a source of information for the development of new homes or home repairs.
Cultural Street Fair & 15th Annual Family Summit
In April 2024, the Alabama Community Engagement team participated in the Annual Cultural Street Fair and the 15th Annual Family Summit ‘Strong Parents + Strong Communities = Strong Children’ events where they provided health awareness.
Bridge Crossing Jubilee
In March 2024, the Alabama Community Engagement team participated in the 2024 Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma to Montgomery March, and the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There were many cultural and historic events, including a music festival, free workshops, storytelling by foot soldiers of the movement, a salute to youth leaders, a tribute to the foot soldiers, and the march across the bridge. RURAL provided health education and literature in the “Wellness Village” about kidney health and colorectal cancer prevention.
Go Red American Heart Association Campaign
In February 2024, the Alabama Community Engagement team kicked off the Go Red American Heart Association Campaign by bringing awareness to cardiovascular disease. It is the number-one killer of women. Health education and literature were provided to attendees about learning hand-only CPR and regularly monitoring your blood pressure. The same day, the WSFA 12 News hosted the Selma “Day of Action” at the local high school. There were over eighty community agencies on site, providing the community members with resources.
Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2022
Updated Radio Advertisement Campaign
In December 2022, Dr. Shauntice Allen updated the radio advertisement used to promote the Study in Wilcox and Dallas Counties to thank participants and let people know that the study is still ongoing in Mississippi.
MEU in Wilcox County, Alabama
In August 2022, the Alabama State Core and Recruitment and Retention Core (RRC) held a photoshoot of the Mobile Exam Unit (MEU) with community advisory board (CAB) members at J. Paul Jones Hospital in Camden, Alabama. The photos feature different parts of the MEU exam.
Alabama News Network Segment
In January 2022, Dr. Suzanne Judd, a Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) of the RURAL Study, and David Rhodes, the Director of Clinical Operations for the RURAL Mobile Evaluation Unit, spoke on the Alabama News Network about the RURAL Study in Dallas County. The news segment can be viewed here.
Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2021
MEU Open House for CAB Members and Dallas County Stakeholders
In December 2021, the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB) team planned mini-tours of the Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) for Community Advisory Board (CAB) members and other guests in Selma, AL. This allowed CAB members to meet the MEU staff and other CAB members, and for the CAB members to learn more about the Study and what happens during the MEU exam.
Radio Advertisement Campaign
Dr. Shauntice Allen, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Alabama State Core, recorded radio advertisements at a local radio station in Valley Grand to promote the Study. The radio advertisements have been airing in Dallas County since November 2020 and were refreshed in September 2021.
MEU Arrives in Dallas County and MEU Exams Start
In August 2021, the Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) arrived in Selma, Alabama. The next month, in September 2021, we began participant examinations in the MEU for Dallas County.
MEU Arrives in Alabama at University of Alabama, Birmingham
In June 2021, the Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) arrived in Birmingham, Alabama. The University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB) team has been preparing to the start of in-person examinations.
Radio Interview
In January 2021, Dr. Shauntice Allen, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Alabama State Core, interviewed with the New 100.9 ALEX-FM WALX for their Local Focus Special Feature, to discuss the RURAL Study. The video can be found on the radio station’s Facebook page .
Mailing Invitations to Dallas County
In January 2021, the RURAL Study kicked-off by mailing invitations to community members in Dallas County, inviting them to participate in the Study. The Study will also visit Wilcox County in 2022.
If you have received an invitation in the mail, please call us at 1-888-RURALST (1- 888-787-2578) or email us at RURALstudy@uab.edu
Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2020
November 2020 Billboards in Dallas and Wilcox County
RURAL Study billboards were put up in both Selma and Wilcox counties in November 2020.
November 2020 Visit to Orrville (Dallas County)
On November 13th, 2020, the RURAL Study held a table event at the Dollar General in Orrville, Alabama to engage with community members and distribute promotional materials. The Study team met with a representative from Mayor Lumpkin’s office, who shared information about a new grocery store, boutique, and library coming to Orrville. The team also met with Austin Williams, Community Outreach Liaison for the Grist Brown Memorial YMCA of Selma-Dallas County. The day ended with a tour of Selmont/Tipton led by Minister May Richmond.
2020 RURAL Mask Initiative
To both help stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue community outreach, the RURAL Study designed and distributed 1,000 reusable masks to residents of Dallas and Wilcox Counties in 2020.
Dallas and Wilcox County Community Advisory Boards (2020-2021)
Community is an important aspect of the RURAL Study. To obtain community input, the Study established a Community Advisory Board (CAB) in Dallas and Wilcox Counties during the Summer of 2020. The community advisory board meets four times a year and is made up of fourteen community members from both counties.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or comments, please call us at 1-888-RURALST (1- 888-787-2578) or email us at RURALstudy@uab.edu
Click here to visit the Alabama RURAL Study Facebook page!