October 15 | 4–6 p.m. | ALGEN Conference Room 102

How can Birmingham’s health care leaders work together to break down barriers and improve community health? That’s the central question behind Better Health Outcomes for All: Community Conversations, a panel discussion and reception on October 15 that brings together leaders from across the city to share ideas, experiences, and strategies for lasting change.

The event will highlight perspectives from organizations meeting community needs in unique ways, from student-run free clinics to providers offering no-cost dental and vision care. Attendees will hear about what’s working, what challenges remain, and how collaboration can open new pathways toward healthier lives for everyone.

Panelists and organizations involved include:

• Marcela Frazier, O.D. – Panel Moderator; Leader, UAB Hispanic and Latin American Faculty Association
• Raegan Durant, M.D., MPH – Medical Director, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
• Daniel Elston – External Affairs Director, Equal Access Birmingham
• Robert Record, M.D. – Chief Executive Officer, Christ Health Center
• Jennifer Garrison – Executive Director, Cahaba Valley Health Care
• Erika Harris, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, Alabama Regional Medical Services

For Cahaba Valley Health Care, a nonprofit that provides free dental and vision services to underserved patients in Jefferson and Shelby Counties, the mission is about more than numbers.

“It’s about people, breaking down barriers, and creating meaningful, sustainable change that helps communities live healthier lives,” says Executive Director Jennifer Garrison.

She hopes attendees will “leave inspired, with a renewed sense of commitment,” and looks forward to sharing real-world examples of how collaboration and listening to the community can improve health outcomes.

For Equal Access Birmingham (EAB), a student-run free clinic through UAB that provides care to uninsured and underserved populations in the city, conversations like this are a crucial part of community progress.

“It can be hard to stay updated about the many factors contributing to health disparities,” says Daniel Elston, EAB’s External Affairs Director. “It’s up to community leaders within this space to keep others informed about the ever-evolving health care needs of vulnerable patient populations.”

Elston is eager to share the progress Equal Access Birmingham has made, but he’s also excited to exchange ideas with other panelists.

“We all work in different settings with different practices, and I cannot wait to hear about the various approaches to health care the other panelists have.”

At Christ Health Center, which provides primary, dental, and behavioral health care in Birmingham, collaboration with UAB has already made a visible impact. CEO Robert Record, M.D., is energized by the partnerships that blur the lines between academic medicine and community care.

“The line where UAB stops and Christ Health Center starts… to an outsider, it would be hard to know where that line is,” he says. “And the work we’re getting to do together is making a giant difference.”

Record also sees the conversation as an opportunity to reimagine what access can look like in a city rich with health care expertise.

“Somehow, 30% of our community has trouble accessing what we’re best at in the world. I’m very interested in tackling how we get health care among our neighbors in a way that they can receive it.”

The conversation is hosted by the Heersink Office of Access & Engagement Hispanic and Latin American Faculty Association, led by Marcela Frazier, O.D., who has seen firsthand how systemic barriers, such as transportation and health literacy, can prevent patients from accessing care.

“This event is a critical platform for bringing together leaders, practitioners, and community organizations to collaborate on solutions,” Frazier said.

She hopes attendees come ready to connect and learn from one another, and leave feeling inspired to apply what they have learned in practice.

“They should come to see all the wonderful work that is being done in and for the community and network with like-minded individuals so that we can all participate in fostering a dialogue that encourages collaborative approaches.”

In addition to the discussion, attendees will have the chance to connect directly with panelists during a reception featuring Hispanic-inspired hors d’oeuvres in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event is free and open to all Heersink faculty, staff, students, and trainees. To register, click here.