Navy and Orange interlocking AU with "Auburn" underneath

RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11: February 2026

Rural Health Spotlight

Sumter County Community Health Fair: Bringing Wellness to You

Special thanks to all the Community Health Fair vendors who attended the event at the Gainesville Community Center to provide Sumter County residents with beneficial health information and on-site testing. The health fair played a significant role in promoting well-being and expanding access to health resources. Community members were able to connect in great company, supporting their health.

Simone Williams also played a pivotal role in facilitating, as an OnMed CareStation Administrative Specialist, in coordinating and facilitating this incredible event.

Significant contributions were made by: Auburn University; Alabama Cooperative Extension System; the Health & Wellness Education Center; CHEAR/SWAHII; University Medical Center; Southern Care; UWA Nursing; West Alabama Mental Health; UAB Pediatric Division; UAB Urogynecology; West Alabama Cardiovascular; Legacy of Hope; Tuskegee University Extension System; and the Rural Alabama Prevention Center. Their great efforts do not go unnoticed, serving as a valuable resource for their community.

Student Spotlight

Karoline Reeves

VP of External Affairs for Rural Health Connect

“As the VP of External Affairs for Rural Health Connect, I have been so grateful for the experience to be part of something bigger than my own professional ambitions. Through RHC, I have been able to help battle against the health disparities across Alabama, immersing myself into the community of Lafayette and seeing firsthand how intentional connection and support can improve overall access to healthcare. As someone hoping to pursue a healthcare role as a physician assistant, this organization has shown me that health equity requires building trust and showing up, all positive lessons that I will carry with me into my future career!”

Let's Get Physical!

Ready to get active? Come join in on a beautiful morning for the Eloise Carey Community Walk! Everyone is invited!

The event will take place on February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will be held at the OnMed Care Station at the Boligee Center in Boligee, Alabama. Participants can expect a joyous, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere while engaging in light physical activity that supports community health initiatives. There will be additional resources about local health to strengthen your fitness journey!

This is a great opportunity for neighbors and friends to come together for a celebratory walk with lively company!

Go Red Lunch and Learn Wellness Day

The Sumter County Extension invites you to a community health wellness program on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Livingston Community Center, located at 101 Country Club Rd, Livingston, AL.

Community members can expect to learn about the importance of heart disease and HIV awareness. Offering health education, heart screenings, and exercise activities to get active! Members will have the chance to ask questions and take the next steps to prioritize health.

RSVP by February 13!

Contact Johnnie at 205‑523‑5894 to reserve your spot.

Mark Your Calendar

Step Into Health Session # 3

February 12, 2026
11:45 a.m.
Ashland, AL

Go Red Lunch and Learn Wellness Day

February 17, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Livingston Community Center, Livingston, AL.

A Deep Dive into Depression and Anxiety

February 20, 2026
9 a.m.
Central Alabama Community College

Eloise Carey Community Walk

February 21, 2026
10 am to 12 pm
OnMed Care Station at Boligee Center location in Boligee, Alabama

2026 Alabama Rural Health Conference

Wednesday, March 18 – Friday, March 20, 2026
Embassy Suites Birmingham–Hoover, AL
Hosted by: Alabama Rural Health Association

Stay updated on all events!

Facebook pages

Visit Chambers County:

https://www.facebook.com/chambershealthwellness/

Visit Greene County:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Greene-County-Commission-100064291143692/

Visit Hale County:

https://www.facebook.com/HaleCountyAlabamaExtensionOffice

Visit Sumter County: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaCooperativeExtensionSystemSumterCounty/

Visit Wilcox: https://www.facebook.com/WilcoxCountyAlabamaExtension/

Ways to Connect

For Faculty	For Students	For Community
Propose a Program	Apply for Internship	Ambassador Program
Request for Research	Become a Volunteer	Become a Volunteer
Search for Funding

Our Locations

Chambers County

Chambers Community Health and Wellness Center

404 9th Ave SW, LaFayette, AL 36862

Mon–Fri: 8 AM–8 PM | Sat: 1 PM–6 PM

(334) 459-0173

Ms. Leah Sledge lns0007@auburn.edu (334) 864-9373

Ms. Debra Ward warddeb@auburn.edu (334) 459-0173

Greene County

Boligee Community Center, 17404 County Road 20, Boligee, AL 35443

Mon–Fri: 9 AM–6 PM

Ms. Iris Sermon — (334) 844-5442 | ics0017@uburb.edu

Hale County

Akron Public Library, 207 1st Ave South, Akron, AL 35441

Tue: 8 AM–5 PM | Wed & Thu: 8 AM–12 PM | Fri: 5 PM–8 PM

Ms. LaTarsha Tubbs — (334) 844-4017 | lct0012@auburn.edu

Sumter County

Gainesville Municipal Complex, 10900 State St, Gainesville, AL 35464

Mon–Fri: 8 AM–6 PM

Ms. Shakeria Williams — (334) 844-5029 |ssw0046@auburn.edu

Wilcox County

Elijah Tracey Shaw III Community Center, 17349 AL-5, Catherine, AL 36728

Regular Hours:

Mon/Wed/Fri: 9 AM–1 PM | Tue/Thu: 1 PM–6 PM

Shanicqa Davis — (334) 844-3011 | smd0122@auburn.edu

Give Now

Check out our socials for more information!

Auburn University Outreach and Alabama Cooperative Extension System are addressing significant health disparities across rural Alabama in partnership with the Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and with full engagement of the communities involved.