As healthcare and education continue to rank among Huntsville’s most important community priorities, local leaders are finding new ways to merge the two to improve health outcomes across North Alabama.

The UAH College of Nursing launched its Neighborhood Nursing initiative in fall 2025 to address community health needs. By receiving neighborhood-based care to under-resourced and rural communities through screenings, education, referrals, and ongoing engagement, community members are able to manage their health more effectively.

At a press conference on June 18, UAH Nursing faculty and staff provided updates on the program’s progress and shared plans for future expansion. In nine weeks of active programming, the initiative served over 500 residents in five local communities.

Dr. Azita Amiri, executive director for Neighborhood Nursing, associate dean for research, and UAH College of Nursing professor, said program leaders are encouraged by the progress made to date.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time,” Amiri said.

She noted that the initiative is designed to serve both current residents and future healthcare professionals.

“UAH Neighborhood Nursing is bringing care where it matters most, training future leaders and expanding a healthier future across underserved communities in Madison County and rural North Alabama,” Amiri said.

Leaders also announced that the Neighborhood Nursing initiative will expand to Jackson County. Program directors are also considering adding Morgan and DeKalb counties to the areas they serve.

Donna Guerra, UAH College of Nursing Clinical Associate Professor and BSN program coordinator, said that this program is more than just an educational experience; it’s a way for future nurses to give back to the people and places they care about.

“We have students from all over North Alabama in rural areas that are eager to give back to their own communities as well as add to the community of Huntsville as a part of UAH,” Guerra said.

Guerra continued, “Neighborhood nursing is more than a clinical learning experience for our students. It’s an opportunity for these students to make a meaningful impact in the community while developing skills, compassion, and leadership needed to be the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.”

Amiri said positive feedback from program participants has reinforced the importance of delivering community care to local residents.

“The stories we’re hearing from neighbors affirm what we’ve believed from the beginning — that meaningful healthcare starts with meeting people where they are,” said Amiri.

UAH Neighborhood Nursing combines education, research, outreach, and clinical engagement to bring neighborhood-based care directly into communities while preparing the next generation of nurses through hands-on experience.

“By bringing our students and faculty directly into underserved neighborhoods and working alongside trusted community partners, we’re able to address barriers to care before they become larger health challenges,” Amiri said.

The Huntsville Hospital Health System, Crestwood Medical Center, WellStone, and HAPPI Health are just a few of the organizations that are teaming up with the college to expand access to healthcare services across the region.

Michelda Johnson, CEO of HAPPI Health, one of the program’s community partners, said the initiative is powerful, valuable, and is helping remove barriers to care in the community.

“This program is not waiting for people to find their way into healthcare. It is bringing healthcare directly into their community, into their homes and into their neighborhoods,” Johnson said.

Amiri highlighted several ways community members can get involved, including volunteer opportunities, financial support, and donations via the initiative’s Amazon wish list. Contributions directly support services provided in underserved communities.

“Every act of service and every dollar given brings care closer to a neighbor in need—together, we can expand hope and health across North Alabama. Together, we can bring care beyond walls and into the heart of every community,” Amiri said.

During the event, program leaders also announced details for the College of Nursing’s annual symposium, SHINE 2026. The seminar is scheduled to take place at UAH on Nov. 12 from 8 to 11 a.m.

This year’s event theme, “The Power of Us: Healthy Neighborhoods Start Here,” mirrors the mission of UAH Neighborhood Nursing, which seeks to improve health outcomes by bringing care directly to residents and strengthening local partnerships.

Tickets for SHINE 2026 will go on sale September 1.