Alabama faces some of the most pressing health challenges in the nation. The state ranks 3rd worst in life expectancy, 2nd worst in veteran suicide deaths and infant outcomes, and last in maternal health outcomes. In response, Neighborhood Nursing, led by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Nursing, is a multi-agency effort designed to remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes across North Alabama. Neighborhood Nursing prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders through real-world clinical engagement while expanding access to care in the communities where people live, work, play, and worship. By integrating education, workforce development, research, and community partnerships, the program also equips policymakers and changemakers with evidence-based solutions to strengthen Alabama’s health future. Our Goals Our goals are rooted in the College’s five-decade-long tradition of educating and inspiring individuals to become visionary nurse leaders. Educational excellence through clinical experiences for students in a community setting that encourage compassion, empathy, and service. Conduct innovative research with community input and participation to empower changemakers to make informed decisionswith high-quality data. Outreach and engagement to center programmatic activities around the needs of the community, and foster trust between the community and healthcare providers. Advance access to healthcare by bringing primary preventative care into neighborhoods and creating positive experiences with healthcare systems and workers. Nurture nurses throughout all stages of their careers by providing opportunities for scholarship, mentorship, research, professional development, and volunteerism. Intitiatives SHINE: Symposium for Health Innovation and Neighborhood Engagement SHINE is the evolution of the 2024 Health Equity Symposium and serves as a regional hub for advancing community health solutions. It connects professionals, advocates, and leaders who are committed to improving health outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and shared best practices. Learn More The SHINE Podcast The SHINE Podcast extends the conversation beyond the symposium, bringing insights from experts, stakeholders, and community partners to a national audience. Episodes highlight strategies, successes, and emerging ideas in community health and health equity. Launching Spring 2026 Health Screening Events Neighborhood Nursing will bring primary preventative care into rural and underserved communities through on-site screening events. UAH nursing students, under faculty supervision, will provide RN-level screenings and connect individuals to on-site providers when additional care is needed. Launching January 2026 Home Visits This initiative provides home visits for clients who are homebound or require follow-up care. UAH nursing students, supervised by faculty, will deliver services as part of their clinical rotations. Anticipated Launch 2027 Let’s Pretend Hospital In partnership with Huntsville Hospital, this program has introduced more than 100,000 first-grade students to healthcare environments since 1985. Hosted at UAH, it provides hands-on learning experiences that reduce anxiety around hospital visits and teach children about the roles of healthcare professionals through play-based education. Learn More External Advisory Board The Advisory Board guides program strategy by identifying emerging trends, workforce needs, and collaborative opportunities. Members provide insight that helps align Neighborhood Nursing with the evolving needs of communities and the healthcare system. Launching November 2025 Rollout By County Phase 1 | Madison County Mobile screenings launching in January 2026 Pilot sites identified Focus groups in process Phase 2 | Neighboring Counties Mobile screenings launching in Fall 2026 Seeking additional pilot sites and Phase 3 | North Alabama Counties Mobile screenings with academic partners launching in Spring 2027 Seeking pilot sites, providers, and academic partners Phase 4 | Statewide Implementation framework and data collection Anticipated delivery 2028 - 2029 Seeking academic partners Be Part of the Work Neighborhood Nursing is changing how care is delivered and experienced in North Alabama. By connecting education, service, and innovation, we strengthen communities and improve long-term outcomes. Join us in expanding access, advancing research, and shaping a healthier future for Alabama. Join the Contact List