Alabama Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Evidence-Based Examples

Project ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends)
Updated/reviewed December 2022

• Need: To enhance palliative care access to rural patients with advanced cancer or heart failure and their family caregivers.
• Intervention: Project ENABLE consists of: 1) an initial in-person palliative care consultation with a specialty-trained provider and 2) a semi-structured series of weekly, phone-delivered, nurse-led coaching sessions designed to help patients and their caregivers enhance their problem-solving, symptom management, and coping skills.
• Results: Patients and caregivers report higher quality of life and lower rates of depression and (caregiver) burden.

Effective Examples

Medical Advocacy & Outreach's Telehealth Services
Updated/reviewed November 2018

• Need: Rural Alabama residents with HIV/AIDS face stigma, poverty, and transportation barriers, limiting their access to expert HIV/AIDS healthcare.
• Intervention: Medical Advocacy & Outreach utilizes telemedicine to remove these barriers and offers cost-effective care to rural patients living with HIV/AIDS.
• Results: This telehealth network has expanded to reach rural patients in 12 Alabama counties. Patients are staying engaged due to its convenience and cost-effective nature.

Promising Examples

ALProHealth
Updated/reviewed March 2023

• Need: To improve access to healthy food and physical activity in rural Alabama.
• Intervention: Researchers hold focus groups with community members to identify issues of the most concern and then help them implement appropriate interventions like installing playground equipment.
• Results: From 2014 to 2018, 14 coalitions implemented 101 interventions in 16 communities.

Other Project Examples

Kid One Transport
Updated/reviewed March 2023

• Need: Transportation to medical appointments for children and expectant mothers living in rural Alabama.
• Intervention: Kid One Transport provides rides to medical appointments for clients who otherwise have no other means of transportation.
• Results: The program has transported 442,439 children and expectant mothers to and from medical appointments. Children have recovered from life-threatening illnesses and are experiencing a higher quality of life.

ADPH Telehealth Program
Updated/reviewed August 2022

• Need: To increase access to healthcare throughout Alabama.
• Intervention: The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has created telehealth communications at county health departments.
• Results: ADPH telehealth services are currently available in 65 of 67 county health departments.