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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.
Breaking the silence: why men’s mental health matters
Many men face barriers to addressing mental health concerns, often shaped by longstanding social expectations and personal responsibilities. The Alabama Department of Public Health recently shared several reasons why some men hesitate to seek support.
Mindful living, better living: supporting diabetes care through stress relief in Alabama’s Black Belt
In Alabama’s Black Belt region, the number of adults living with type 2 diabetes is far above the national average. In some counties, like Wilcox and Perry, nearly 1 in 5 adults—about 19%—have been diagnosed with the condition.
Lifting each other up: how peer support is transforming chronic disease management
“People with similar health challenges can truly lift each other up,” said Michele Heisler, M.D., Professor at the University of Michigan, during a Forge AHEAD seminar at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Finding peace in the heart of Alabama: how yoga can help heart patients stay sharp
Living with heart failure can feel like a daily battle—not just for your body, but for your mind. Many people with heart failure also experience mild cognitive impairment, which is a real condition characterized by problems with memory, language, and judgment. It’s not just “getting older”. It’s a real condition that can make managing your health even harder.
Self-care, support, and stress awareness
April is Stress Awareness Month—a meaningful time to reflect on how stress impacts our well-being and to find supportive ways to care for ourselves and one another. For Sisters4Self-Care Ambassador Erika Parker, this isn’t just a seasonal message—it’s a lifelong mission rooted in community strength, daily intention, and holistic wellness.
Forge AHEAD Center welcomes champion for community engagement in Louisiana
The Forge AHEAD Center is excited to welcome Andrea Pickett, Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center (LA CaTS) Community Engagement and Outreach Program coordinator at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, to our growing team.
Forge AHEAD Center launches Community Micro-Grant Program to strengthen health initiatives across the deep south
The Forge AHEAD Center is proud to announce the launch of its Community Micro-Grant Program, an initiative designed to support organizations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi that are working to improve health outcomes related to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
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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.
