Resources
One of the main goals of the Sanitation Health Project is connecting Black Belt communities with resources related to sanitation in the region. Whether you are a community member or a healthcare provider, learn how to get involved in the project.
For Healthcare Providers
The University of Alabama at Birmingham at Birmingham (UAB) with funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are partnering with healthcare providers in rural Alabama to screen their patients for home conditions that can lead to sanitation-related infections.
There is a growing awareness of the extent of homes in this region not connected to proper functioning septic systems. This raises the risk of many of your patients being exposed to environments contaminated with sewage which puts them at risk for several gastrointestinal infections. Many of these infections will lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, many intestinal parasitic infections can have minimal or no noticeable symptoms but can lead to anemia and chronic poor health if left untreated. These parasites include roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.
Online Education Opportunities
An online education module about this program can be found below. We can make this education module available to any of the clinic staff, and if providers have not received the email with the link, please reach out to program leads Dr. Amy Chatham or Dr. Claudette Poole.
For Members of the Community
If you would like to seek treatment for symptoms you believe may be sanitation-related,
contact your local participating healthcare provider.
Programs for installation for septic tanks:
Programs for well water:
Funding opportunities for water / wastewater projects:
(Ask about testing through the UAB Sanitation Health Program – if eligible can receive $50 incentive for testing)
