UAH College of Nursing launches Neighborhood Nursing to improve health outcomes in North Alabama

HUNTSVILLE – The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing has launched Neighborhood Nursing, a multi-agency initiative designed to break down barriers to public health and improve life expectancy across North Alabama.

“Neighborhood Nursing is a transformative movement and a deeply rooted community-driven model that brings care, education and policy insight directly to the people who need it most,” said Dr. Azita Amiri, associate dean for research and professor in the UAH College of Nursing. “It’s about advancing primary prevention by meeting people where they live, work and play, while training the next generation of health care leaders to do the same.”

This bold new effort comes as Alabama faces urgent health care challenges, ranking near the bottom nationally in key metrics: third worst in longevity, second worst in veteran suicide rates and infant outcomes, and the worst maternal outcomes in the country.

“At UAH, we see nursing education as inseparable from community impact,” said Dr. Karen Frith, dean of the UAH College of Nursing. “The Neighborhood Nursing program embodies our commitment to evidence-based care, collaboration and real-world learning that goes beyond the classroom.”

The announcement was made today during SHINE 2025, the second annual Symposium for Health Innovation and Neighborhood Engagement, which brought together health leaders, researchers and community changemakers to address critical issues in health care.

Neighborhood Nursing is composed of multiple, interconnected programs focused on education, workforce development, research and outreach. Each component is designed to tackle health care disparities with real-world solutions and long-term impact.

Key elements 

• The SHINE Symposium and podcast: The annual event and new podcast series will continue to bring together health care leaders and community advocates to share ideas, drive collaboration and advance health locally and beyond.
• Neighborhood Nursing health screening events: UAH nursing students, under faculty supervision, will provide RN-level screenings in underserved communities including Triana, the Huntsville Housing Authority (Brookside and Northwoods) and the Bob Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center. Screenings will be paired with on-site care from regional partners such as Huntsville Hospital, Clearview Cancer Institute, VA Birmingham Mobile Unit and others.
• Home visits: Homebound individuals and families in need of follow-up care will receive house calls from UAH nursing students. Special attention will be given to maternal health through the Nurse-Family Partnership, serving Jackson, Marshall and DeKalb counties.
• Let’s Pretend Hospital: Presented in partnership with the Huntsville Hospital Health System since 1985, this beloved program introduces first-grade students to healthcare settings in a positive and educational way. Hosted at UAH, it has impacted over 100,000 children to date.
• Advisory board: A diverse group of health care leaders, policy experts, and community representatives guiding the initiative’s strategy and ensuring it meets real workforce and community needs.

As the central hub and organizer, UAH College of Nursing will provide coordination, clinical supervision and research support to ensure each element of the program delivers measurable results.

The program’s launch has already been met with strong community support, including a  $50,000 seed gift from an anonymous alum of the college.

“We’re incredibly encouraged by the early momentum behind this initiative,” said Dr. Helen Lien, senior development officer for the College of Nursing. “This gift, and the willingness of so many to get involved, speaks to a shared belief in the power of community-based care and the impact we can make together.”

To sustain and expand the reach of Neighborhood Nursing, the UAH College of Nursing welcomes partnership opportunities, including financial support, mobile care unit vehicles, health care providers, research collaborators, community connectors and volunteers.

For more information about Neighborhood Nursing or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Amiri at [email protected].