Our most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. We would like to take this time to reflect on our most recent activities as we prepare to launch new initiatives and wellness interventions throughout the River Region. The Wellness Coalition Board continued to serve as a forum for “safety net” providers to network and coordinate issues related to persons with little or no health insurance affected by chronic disease. In addition to this coordinative role, The Wellness Coalition has made a direct impact on the health of the community through our programs.

“This year, TWC made great strides connecting with organizations and individuals in the River Region. The awareness campaigns and services we provided have impacted our community in a visible and exciting way.”

– Ghandi Daniels, Executive Director

Key Accomplishments

The Wellness Coalition Board continued to serve as a forum for “safety net” providers to network and coordinate issues related to persons affected by chronic disease and with little or no health insurance. In addition to this coordinative role, The Wellness Coalition has made a direct impact on the health of the community through our programs. Here are some key achievements:

Provided wellness case management to 3,165 clients helping them access medical homes, health insurance, and more
Assisted 143 people with accessing free medications for chronic diseases through assistance programs and local resources

Provided 1,392 chronic disease education individual sessions on managing chronic diseases, and achieving wellness goals

“Seeing our team reach communities we had not reached before was a challenge met with gratification. I am proud of everyone who took part in the work. Thank you all for your wonderful efforts and your desire to serve.”

-Belkys Gomez, REACH Program Coordinator

Provided health insurance enrollment assistance to 5,686 people on the Federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace

Enrolled 95 people in the
National Diabetes Prevention Program, bringing the total number of enrollees to 631

Enrolled 251 participants in HeartLink, the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation Cardiovascular program

“This last year has been impactful and rewarding. It always amazes me when we can reach new people and provide no-cost access to community resources and education.”

-Martine Rocker, Wellness Programs Coordinator

Partnered with vaccine providers to administer more than 218 COVID-19 vaccines and 239 flu vaccinations at 27 community events

Partnered with 5 churches to implement Body & Soul health ministries to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables
Partnered with 4 worksites to implement smoke-free policies, improving work conditions for more than 100 employees

“I am proud of the work that the team and I have done to help educate residents about COVID-19 and flu vaccines. I know that our efforts have increased vaccine uptake and vaccine literacy, while helping to dispel myths that circulate online and in our communities.”

-Na’Sha DeRamus, Adult Vaccination Coordinator

More Accomplishments

  • Hosted “A Tour of Wellness” health fair events with community partners in Montgomery, Macon, and Lowndes counties, attracting nearly 600 residents

  • Developed the first local, pop-up, Baby Café and held events in Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties

  • Established lactation rooms at Mobile Heights Baptist Church, Montgomery Hispanic SDA Church, COPE, New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, and White Hall Town Hall

  • Conducted three focus groups to obtain insight from local families about barriers related to breastfeeding

  • Conducted an additional 12 focus groups to enhance our understanding of community opinion regarding the COVID-19 and seasonal flu viruses and vaccines

  • Produced 4 webinars to increase awareness and understanding of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and seasonal flu

  • Established 12 new food pantries in partnership with businesses and churches to increase access to healthy foods for River Region residents

  • Implemented smoke-free policies with All About Kidz Learning, The Beacon Center, Metropolitan United Methodist Church, and Montgomery Hispanic SDA Church

  • Developed and disseminated public and partner messages that were seen more than 27 million times by local residents and stakeholders