Neighborhood Network Consortium in Alabama
Two Neighborhood Network Centers, members of the Alabama Neighborhood Network Consortium (http://www.anncal.org), were selected to participate in the national Neighborhood Networks Centers (NNC) Health Initiative. They were among eight sites selected nationally. Information collected during these health education pilot programs will be used to evaluate and refine the programs for more widespread use. HUD participated in Kick-Off ceremonies at Birmingham’s Princeton Towers on June 19, 2002 and in Mobile at Dauphin Gate on August 7, 2002.
These programs show the significant role that Neighborhood Networks can play in bringing services to low-income individuals, whether they are young mothers or elderly. Alabama’s Neighborhood Network Consortium has played an important role in positioning its Centers to take advantage of national programs such as HUD’s Health Initiative. The Consortium has been a leader in developing statewide and regional alliances of Neighborhood Networks.
Princeton
- The Neighborhood Network Health Initiative at Princeton Towers, a Section 202/811 high-rise for the elderly in Birmingham, operated by the Baptist Health System (http://www.bhsala.com/princeton/index.htm), will focus on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. The Princeton kick-off was marked by a luncheon which drew 80 people including the Honorable Roger Smitherman, Alabama State Senate; Birmingham City Council members Carol Smitherman, Carol Reynolds, and Bert Miller; Waymon Powell, representing Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid; Charlie Faulkner, president of Baptist Princeton, Consortium members from around Alabama, residents from Princeton Towers and members of the Birmingham community. A highlight of the event was the appearance and musical performance of Thelma McLin, Princeton’s entrant in the Ms. Senior Alabama pageant. A total of 150 people from the Birmingham community attended the kickoff event.
- According to Princeton’s press department, ” The Health Initiative is made possible through a partnership of a variety of organizations. In addition to Princeton Towers, these partners include Baptist Health System, Baptist Health Foundation, BHS Senior Programs, BHS Senior Programs, Baptist Home Care Services, the Alabama Chapter of the American Heart Association, Birmingham Health Care, Dr. Thomas Ellison – Project H.E.L.P. and Aspen Systems Corporation which is providing technical assistance, all under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
Dauphin Gate
- Dauphin Gate, a Section 8 project based development managed by Royal Management (http://www.royalmgmt.com/dgapartments.html), will focus their Neighborhood Network Health Initiative on Prenatal Infant Care. Protected by a tent from the August sun, their kick-off was marked by an outdoor carnival including games, food, music and prizes. Jacksonville Multifamily HUB Director, Ferdinand Juluke and Regional Director’s Liaison Rachel Allen attended the event as well as Birmingham Field Office Director, Cindy Yarbrough; Director of the Birmingham Multifamily Program Center, Donna Crane; and Multifamily Project Manager, Sarah Richey. John Tyson, Jr. the Mobile District Attorney, County Commissioner Forewing Jockish, and Joe Bonner, a representative of Congressman Sonny Callahan’s office, were also among over 250 attendees participating in the kickoff event.