Community Activities in Alabama

Alabama Recruitment and Community Activities 2026

Community Members Share Experiences on Water Quality with UAB Environmental Health Expert 

The Alabama Core of the RURAL Study hosted featuring Dr. Jeffrey Wickliffe, Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the UAB School of Public Health. Dr. Wickliffe shared information about arsenic contamination and water quality, and participants had the opportunity to describe their own experiences with water access and quality in the area. Community members took part and will receive a gift card in appreciation of their participation. The session made room for residents’ voices on an environmental health issue that directly affects their daily lives. 

Community Advisory Board Holds Quarterly Meeting 

In September 2026, the Alabama Core of the RURAL Study held its quarterly Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting. Board members received updates on the RURAL Study’s progress and ongoing activities. The CAB plays an important role in keeping the study grounded in community priorities and gives local voices a direct line into the research. The next CAB meeting is scheduled for December 2026. 

Dr. Shelicia Ford Presents at Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Webinar 

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Dr. Shelicia Ford of the Alabama Core of the RURAL Study served as a presenter for the Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Webinar, which drew 80 attendees. Her presentation helped raise awareness of sickle cell anemia and its impact on individuals and families. September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which made the webinar especially timely. 

UAB “Into the Streets” Brings Volunteers to Dallas County 

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Alabama Core of the RURAL Study took part in “Into the Streets,” UAB’s community service program that brings students, faculty, and staff together for a full day of volunteer work in Dallas County. During the event, Dr. Perkins and the former mayor of Selma held meaningful discussions with participants about [topic]. The day strengthened connections between the university and Dallas County residents and reflected the RURAL Study’s commitment to community partnership. 

24th Annual Black Belt Institute 

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Alabama Core of the RURAL Study took part in the 24th Annual Black Belt Institute, which drew 112 participants. The team hosted an information table and, in support of the Mobile Education Unit’s return to Wilcox County, distributed RURAL Study water bottles to 50 attendees. 

Community Coordinator Completes Leadership Training Academy 

Ethel Johnson, Community Coordinator for the Alabama Core of the RURAL Study, recently completed the Leadership Training Academy at Wallace Community College, held from August through September 3, 2026. Dr. Shelicia Ford served as one of the program’s organizers. The comprehensive training focused on organizational leadership, strategic communication, and effective management, strengthening skills that will help Ms. Johnson better serve the RURAL Study’s community initiatives. 

Harvest Success: Community Gardens Flourish

The harvest is in! These photos celebrate the success of our Individuals Who Grew Their Own Gardens initiative. Participants shared that gardening increased their physical activity, reduced stress, and provided their families with fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables throughout the growing season. This initiative not only promoted healthier lifestyles but also fostered a greater appreciation for growing and enjoying homegrown produce.

Summer Health Sessions Promote Wellness and Healthy Habits

During June and July 2026, the RURAL Study promoted healthy lifestyles among youth attending local summer enrichment programs. The team partnered with three community sites: the Camden Youth Development Center, the Bama Kids Summer Enrichment Program, and the Lily Baptist Summer Enrichment Program. A total of 112 youth participated. 

Throughout the sessions, students took part in interactive, health-focused activities and learned about healthy living, physical activity, and wellness. Nutritious snacks were provided to support balanced eating habits and create a welcoming environment. Participants also received RURAL Study bags, pens, and water cups to encourage hydration and physical wellness. 

These sessions gave children across the service area a fun, supportive setting to build healthy habits, gain confidence, and connect with their peers during the summer. 

Mrs. Ethel Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

Mrs. Ethel was honored by J. E. Hobbs School for her outstanding contributions to the community. She was recognized for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others through impactful community initiatives. This well-deserved recognition reflects the appreciation and respect of the students, faculty, staff, and community members whose lives have been positively influenced by her efforts. Congratulations to Ethel for his achievement!

Wellness Clinic

The Alabama Core assisted in blood pressure screenings, lipid panels, blood sugar screenings, and biometrics at a wellness clinic. Community members voiced their gratitude for the services provided.

Food Distribution

The Alabama Core distributed fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats to community members in Wilcox County.

Family Summit

The Alabama Core participated in a Family Summit at the Camden School of Art and Technology in Wilcox County. They provided health literature to families.

Mobile Market

In Selma, Dallas County, the Alabama Core celebrated the arrival of Mobile Market. Mobile Market brings fresh produce, everyday staples, cooking demonstrations, and health literature directly into the community. This helps expand access to nutritious food.

Family Vegetable Garden

The Alabama Core partnered with Tuskegee University to build long-term self-sufficiency by empowering families to grow their own vegetables. Planters, soil, seedlings, vegetables, and education were provided to community members.

Health Fair in Wilcox County

The Alabama Core attended the Wilcox County Health Fair, in which 15 organizations came together to provide health information and resources to the community. Attendees received blood pressure screenings, educational materials on hydration and stress management, and wellness items such as stress balls and water bottles.

Bioethics Forum Participation

The Alabama Core team participated in a Bioethics Forum featuring roundtable discussions and a community-academic pitch session. Centered on the theme “Beyond the Science: Co-Creating Fundable Research with Communities for Lasting Impact,” the forum explored how community voices and lived experiences shape ethical, impactful, and sustainable research initiatives.

Heart Truth Program

The Alabama Core team attended The Heart Truth Program and provided health education, blood pressure screenings, and a “Make & Take” activity featuring containers filled with healthy snacks. A powerful community testimony highlighted the program’s impact—after discovering elevated blood pressure at the event, one participant sought immediate medical care and received necessary treatment. The keynote was delivered by Timiya S. Nolan, highlighting community engagement in health research. A session led by Mona Fouad focused on co-creation principles and power-sharing, emphasizing strategies to align research with community priorities while maintaining scientific rigor.

Community Advisory Board (CAB) Quarterly Meeting

The quarterly CAB meeting was held with both virtual and in-person participation options. The session included updates on the RURAL Study, along with valuable community feedback on participant engagement strategies and barriers related to Exam 2, the Databook, and Sleep & Stress recruitment efforts.

WSFA Day of Action

On January 16th, the Alabama Core attended the WSFA Day of Action. Over 350 people from across the Dallas County community were provided resources from over 20 community resources. The organizer of the event plans to create a resource guide to better connect residents to services year-round.

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!