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Forge AHEAD Center Announces Fifth and Sixth Cohort of Scholars Focused on Advancing Cardiometabolic Health
The Forge AHEAD Center (FAC) is pleased to introduce the recipients of its pilot funding for the fifth and sixth cohorts – early-stage investigators dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions that address cardiometabolic health challenges and differences in health outcomes across the Deep South.
Community Micro-Grant Spotlight: Pinktopps – Building a Healthier Future after Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer (WHO, 2025). For Alabama’s Pinktopps, this month is also about honoring people who have faced breast cancer and to spotlight programs that help survivors thrive.
InspireHER Women’s Health Walk: Walking to Wellness
The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to collaborate with community partners to support the InspireHER Women’s Health Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, AL. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., with the program and walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Health Literacy Month: Taking Charge of Your Heart and Health
The Forge AHEAD Center works with community partners, researchers, and healthcare providers in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to reduce cardiometabolic risk and support healthy living. We are sharing these tips for Health Literacy Month because clear information and small, doable steps help people protect their hearts and reduce risk for chronic diseases. This month we want to spotlight simple tools you can use right away that make it easier to take those next steps.
Forge AHEAD Center announces 2025 Community Microgrant awardees improving health in the Deep South
Forge AHEAD Center awards $60,000 in 2025 microgrants to six community groups improving health across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Closing the gap: managing high blood pressure after an ER visit
Leaving the emergency room with dangerously high blood pressure can feel overwhelming. For many patients, the support ends the moment they walk out the door. A new pilot program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is changing that by helping patients take charge of their health from home.
Smarter follow-up and safer care: how AI could support men with diabetes
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Forge AHEAD investigator Seung-Yup Lee, Ph.D., is leading a pilot study that combines artificial intelligence with clinical data to prevent medication mix-ups and help patients get the follow-up they need.
Empowering stroke survivors in Alabama’s rural communities
While May marked Stroke Awareness Month, the need to support stroke survivors continues year-round—especially in rural communities where resources can be limited.
George Dixon recognized for outstanding community contributions
George Dixon, a member of the Forge AHEAD Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Director of the Mississippi SHINE Project, recently received notable awards at the Healthy Mississippi Conference and the Community Health Worker Conference.
Men’s health awareness month: a local boost for body and mind
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. With longer days and warm weather, this time of year offers an opportunity to reinforce the importance of prevention and encourage healthy habits.
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Contact us today to learn more about the Forge AHEAD Center, our research, and how to partner with us.
Cite Forge AHEAD's Grant
Forge AHEAD Center is a regional multi-chronic disease research center funded by a P50 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). Click below for citation information.
