The 2019 CHIA Grantees were selected based on their ability to deliver a bold, creative solution to health challenges that face the community. Following the award announcement, all of the funded organizations gathered for a reception where each had the opportunity to share with the audience what makes their mission unique and how they will utilize their newfound funding:

Chocolate Milk Mommies (CMM) received $20,000 to provide peer-led home visits and hospital grade breast pump rentals to teach and support mothers and their family members about breastfeeding. CMM serves populations with many socio-cultural barriers to breastfeeding that are often neglected by other breastfeeding support systems.

Offender Alumni Association (OAA) received $11,500 to engage at-risk youth through a program called Heroes in the Hood. Through an innovative approach to youth development and risk reduction, OAA brings together formerly-incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth in the service of helping their community.

Link and Lease/Druid Hills Alliance received $11,000 to implement a hyperlocal housing approach that rewards neighbors’ involvement, collaboration, and investment in the creation of generational wealth and neighborhood capital. CHIA funding will allow the renovation of two homes that will then be sold to people living in or near the blighted Druid Hills neighborhood (Birmingham, AL).

Girlz Talk United received $7,500 to meet the demands of a rapidly-growing program that provides holistic and therapeutic services to promote self-awareness, higher levels of self-esteem, and the development of critical communication and leadership skills to girls aged 12-18 through Family Court of Jefferson County, local city schools, and local housing communities. 

Gasp received $5,000 to build a publicly accessible network (Smarter Birmingham City Sensor Network) of stationary and mobile air monitoring devices to collect real-time air quality data. Gasp will host air quality workshops to train community members on air pollution and health and how to use the network to reduce their exposure and improve health.

Visit the CHIA page to learn more about this unique grant opportunity.

Community Health Innovation Awards recipient representatives.