Prescription for Community Health

Prescription for Community Health is a new concept that adapts Food is Medicine (FIM) and Exercise is Medicine (EIM) interventions for use at the community level. The “prescriptions,” are customized for each community and include programming and interventions to address the unique social determinants of health conditions in the area. To improve access to local resources and offer community-level assistance, Community Health Coaches are available to support residents in Kingston, Bush Hills, Selma, East Lake, Titusville, Druid Hills, Fountain Heights, Norwood, Evergreen, Central City, and Camden communities.

Bringing Prescriptions for Community Health to Life

Hear how Prescription for Community Health is making a difference directly from those leading the effort. In this video, Dr. Wesley shares how this initiative empowers communities to take charge of their health by addressing local challenges and creating sustainable change.

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Community Health Coaches

Community Health Coaches, recruited from the communities they serve, are improving health outcomes by bridging the gap between communities and healthcare services. These coaches work directly with residents to provide health information and outreach, offer disease-specific guidance, coordinate care, implement programs, connect individuals to health services, engage partners, and help residents navigate barriers to care.

By meeting people where they are—in libraries, churches, community centers, and other trusted locations—Community Health Coaches help individuals access essential healthcare services, participate in wellness programs, and make informed health decisions. They also play an important role in Alabama CEAL initiatives, ensuring that community-driven health efforts reach those who need them most.

Partners

Alabama CEAL works with partners in communities across the state to develop comprehensive and sustainable Prescriptions for Community Health. Each partner brings a unique resource to the program and together we hope to make these communities a healthier place for residents.

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IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER

Live HealthSmart Alabama, an initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, LHSA seeks to reduce the high levels of chronic disease in Alabama. To do this, the program is making good health simple in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, prevention and wellness, and education by addressing policies, systems, and the built environment. Using its established network of over 100 partners, LHSA take a multi-sectoral approach-linking community stakeholders, local and state government, business, healthcare providers, and faith-based organizations-to create customized improvement plans.

With this partnership, Alabama CEAL is using LHSA’s Mobile Market and Mobile Wellness infrastructure to implement its Prescription for Community Health through improved access to healthy foods and prevention and wellness resources in its intervention areas.

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