ConnectionHealth

ConnectionHealth is proud to have taken part in the Southeast CHW Summit 2026. Two days of panels, education, and conversation with Community Health Workers from across the Southeast.

A few words we feel are worth taking away from panelist Glen D. Lloyd: “All people want to do is be able to navigate systems smoothly. Everyone deserves a Community Health Worker.”

ConnectionHealth is honored to be able to invest in Community Health Workers, creating community partners for better care.

The strength and dedication of our CHW workforce is what makes our work so rewarding. Events like this help us re-energize and allow us the opportunity to share tangible insights with our colleagues from across the region.

We want to thank the Southeast Community Health Worker Network for bringing us together for two days of fun, connecting, educating, and strengthening the CHW community.

Big Moment for ConnectionHealth on the national stage!

We are proud to celebrate our Senior Vice President of Policy and Research, Felecia Salary Barrow, DrPH, MPA, was a presenter in a Professional Development Session, "Strengthening Community Engagement Principles in Your Research," at the American Diabetes Association's 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA.

As The National Center for Engagement in Diabetes Research (CEDER) Partnership Hub members, Dr. Barrow and Dr. Kristen Allen-Watts (UAB) shared a real-world example of how academia and community partnerships drive diabetes research, alongside the CEDER Executive Team, Drs. Nadia Islam and Earle Chambers.

This work sits right at the heart of what we do every day at ConnectionHealth. 💙

We are grateful for the chance to connect with our CEDER Partnership Hub colleagues and proud to represent ConnectionHealth and Birmingham on a national platform.



From L-R: Kristen Allen-Watts, Felecia S. Barrow, Nadia Islam, and Earle Chambers

Our community showed up for each other. Our Community Health Workers presented results from our Transportation Access Study in Birmingham's West End, Pratt City, and Ensley, and none of it would have been possible without our community! 122 older adults across 3 neighborhoods shared their experiences, and we listened. Real change starts with working together.

The City of Birmingham helped shape our outreach, and we are ready to report what we found. We're launching a Neighborhood Implementation Program with Travelers Aid of Greater Birmingham to address the gaps uncovered by our research.

Next, we're bringing these findings to BJCTA, because reliable transit for Birmingham's seniors takes partnership across the whole system.

Now it's time to act.

🩺Strengthening Kidney Care: Extended Care Team Training
Join us and the American Diabetes Association® for a FREE in-person training on CKD & diabetes care — built for healthcare professionals in screening, education, and care coordination.
📆Thu, July 9 | 2:00–4:30 PM (registration opens 1:30)
📍 Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Ireland Room, 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Please note that CE credit will not be offered for this training; however, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the ADA.
Space is limited — reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strengthening-kidney-care-extended-care-team-training-tickets-1990477623153?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Strengthening Kidney Care: Extended Care Team Training Join the ADA on Thursday, July 9th for a free in-person training focused on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people living with diabetes.

🎯 Dealing with family members who invite food fights or unsolicited advice? Here’s your weekend mantra: “I choose connection over correction.” Focus on listening for the first 2-3 minutes, then politely redirect the convo if it goes sideways.

📝 For more on navigating tricky dynamics: see “Tips for Healthy Holidays for Kids & Families” from Children’s Hospital Colorado... includes great stress-management and communication strategies. (Children's Colorado)


Link: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/healthy-holidays/

🍽️ Mindful eating tip: Drink a tall glass of water before you sit down. Pause for 5 minutes before the second serving. This helps your body register fullness and gives you space to savor the moment.

📝 Read: “Healthy Holiday Eating” shows how making small swaps (like using applesauce for part of the oil in baking) can make a big difference. (10kfs.umn.edu)

Link: https://10kfs.umn.edu/node/781

🏃🏽‍♀️ Between feasting and family visits, your exercise habits don’t have to go on vacation. Make movement part of the celebration!
✅ Challenge: After your meal, go for a 20-minute walk with family or around the neighborhood with holiday lights.

📝 This article, “Keep Your Health Habits on Track During the Holidays” by Harvard Health Publishing, reminds us that staying active during the holidays helps not just the body, but mood and stress too. (Harvard Health)


Link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/keep-your-health-habits-on-track-during-the-holidays

👨‍👩‍👧 Family gatherings bring love, but sometimes stress. This holiday season, try this: set one boundary about food or conversation ahead of time. Example: “I’ll stop eating when I’m comfortably full” or “I won’t engage in political talk after 9 pm.”
And yes — this includes your wellness routine.
📝 Here’s a practical guide: “Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays” — it highlights how acknowledging your feelings and planning can reduce conflict. (Dr. Claire Nicogossian)

Link:

Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays - Dr. Claire Nicogossian During graduate school, one of my favorite places to visit was Kramer Afterwords, a bookstore/restaurant in Washington, DC, with some amazing drinks, desserts, and books. One particular favorite, The Dysfunctional Family Sundae, a blend of three ice creams, brownies, chocolate cookies, whipped cream...

🎄 The holidays are full of joy, food, family, and change in routines.

👉 Tip: Before the big meal, fill half your plate with veggies or salad. Then enjoy your favorite dish.

📝 Read more: “Winter Holidays and Their Impact on Eating Behavior…A Systematic Review” (a 2023 study) shows holiday periods are a high-risk time for weight gain…so simple strategies matter. (PMC)


Link:

Winter Holidays and Their Impact on Eating Behavior—A Systematic Review (1) Background: There has been a growing interest in understanding the causes of obesity and developing effective prevention strategies. Lifestyle change programs are often considered the gold standard for weight reduction, and they can help ...

Find local food pantries and mobile grocery options near you.

📍Visit feedingalabama.org/need-help
or call 211 to find nearby food resources and hours of operation.

🚌 Check out the Mercy Deliverance Mobile Grocery Bus (https://www.mercydm.org/mobile-grocery-bus/)
and Homewood Church of Christ Food Pantry for upcoming community distributions.