Since 2012, 26 projects that help solve problems in Birmingham communities have been funded through the Community Health Innovation Awards. The program, which is based at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has touched thousands of men, women and children through projects proposed by community participants. The projects have provided mental health first aid training, increased access to fresh produce and bicycles to people without reliable transportation, and have accomplished many other initiatives to better people’s lives.

In a paper that analyzes the successes of the program, researchers detailed the strengths and limitations of CHIA, and the outcomes from each of the 26 funded projects.

“The greatest impact of CHIA is supporting good ideas and innovative actions that address complex issues designed and led by community,” said lead author Shauntice Allen, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Public Health.