Across the Horizons | September 2026 Newsletter
| | |
Tuscaloosa, AL
HIV: 270
PrEP: 253
Case Mgmt: 239
| | |
Starkville, MS
HIV: 223
PrEP: 133
Case Mgmt: 180
| | |
Oxford, MS
HIV: 242
PrEP: 29
Case Mgmt: 193
| | |
Meridian, MS
HIV: 35
PrEP: 7
Case Mgmt: 101
| | |
Montgomery, AL
HIV: 1,503
PrEP: 190
Case Mgmt: 1,116
| | |
Dothan, AL
HIV: 768
PrEP: 60
Case Mgmt: 679
| |
3rd Annual Perinatal HOPE
Program Overview
| |
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m.
Five Horizons Health Services invites all FHHS staff and valued community partners to join us for our annual Perinatal HOPE Program Overview.
This virtual training will provide an overview of the basics of HIV perinatal care and highlight key aspects of the Perinatal HOPE Program. We’ll also hear from Dr. Claudette Poole, UAB Associate Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Medical Director of the Family Clinic, who will share the latest updates on infant care, including breastfeeding.
Whether you work directly with our perinatal team or support our clients in other ways, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen the care we provide together.
| Meeting ID: 225 455 425 703 831 | Passcode: E6Wt6Lt9 |
| Ghoul's Night Out is BACK! | |
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6 - 9 p.m. | The Forum, Dothan, AL
Join Five Horizons Health Services for out thrid annual Ghoul's Night Out, a fun-filled evening of live music, community, and celebration in support of our mission to provide compassionate healthcare and prevention services across Alabama and Mississippi. Gather your friends and enjoy an unforgettable night featuring live entertainment by Glory Days, great company, and plenty of Halloween spirit.
The event will take place on Friday, October 2, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Excelsior Room at The Forum. Tickets are $30 per person, and every ticket helps support the life-changing work of Five Horizons Health Services. Whether you come dressed in costume or simply ready to have a great time, Ghoul's Night Out is the perfect way to celebrate the season while making a difference in your community.
| | SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH |
|
Brieanna Boyd
Director of Research and Evaluation | Montgomery, AL
| |
FROM THE FIELD:
PREVENTION & OUTREACH RECAP
| | |
Tuscaloosa, AL
The Tuscaloosa Prevention & Outreach team had a busy August, reaching communities across West Alabama through education, testing, and outreach.
The team connected with rural communities at Epes Day, the Eutaw Community Resources & Wellness Day, and senior education sessions in Reform and Emelle, bringing HIV education, prevention information, and health resources directly to community members. At the Eutaw event, the team partnered with the Alabama Department of Public Health to provide 26 HIV and Hepatitis C screenings.
The team also strengthened community partnerships through outreach at the Mercedes-Benz US International Benefits Fair, engaging more than 100 employees with information about Five Horizons services and prevention resources.
On local college campuses, the team participated in UWA Get on Board Day, Shelton State Welcome Week, and Stillman College events, providing prevention education, resources, and opportunities for students to connect with Five Horizons. Five Spot also hosted its Let’s Taco Bout Sex education session at Stillman College and partnered with the SGA Necessity Giveaway, where 50 students received HIV and STI testing.
The team also provided HIV testing at Central High School, testing 14 individuals during C-Day, and joined the I Dream Big Charter School Back to School Bash to connect with students, families, and staff.
From rural communities and schools to college campuses and local employers, the Tuscaloosa team continues to meet people where they are and make prevention, testing, education, and support more accessible throughout West Alabama.
| | |
Starkville, MS
The Starkville team stayed busy in August, providing HIV/STI education and connecting communities with prevention, testing, and health resources.
The team participated in National Night Out events in West Point and Starkville, the Noxubee County Back 2 School Bash & Health Fair, and resource fairs at East Mississippi Community College and Starkville in the Spotlight. They also continued their monthly education session at Pines and Cady Hill Recovery Center, focusing on prevention, testing, and reducing stigma.
Through education, outreach, and community engagement, the Starkville team continues to promote informed choices and increase access to prevention resources throughout the community.
| | |
Oxford, MS
The Oxford team stayed active across North Mississippi in August, connecting communities with health education, HIV prevention resources, PrEP information, and testing.
The team engaged residents at the Pontotoc Housing Authority, provided sexual health education at the Marshall County Library, and hosted a testing event at All Saints Episcopal Church in Tupelo, providing 23 HIV tests and 22 Hepatitis C tests.
They also connected with students at the Ole Miss Resource Fair & Hydration Station, sharing information about Five Horizons’ free services and resources.
Through education, testing, and community engagement, the team continues to make prevention and care more accessible throughout North Mississippi.
| | |
Meridian, MS
The Meridian team stayed active throughout August, connecting with students and community members through education, resources, and outreach.
The team participated in East Mississippi Community College and Meridian Community College Resource Fairs, sharing health information and connecting students with Five Horizons services.
They also hosted an educational session at the Boys & Girls Club, focusing on healthy boundaries, communication, self-respect, and making positive choices through engaging activities and Bingo.
Through education and community engagement, the Meridian team continues to create meaningful connections and promote healthier communities.
| | | | |
FHHS Hosts Oxford Town Hall with State Health Officer
On August 20, Five Horizons Health Services hosted an engaging Healthcare Town Hall at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. Community members joined healthcare leaders Shannon Fryery, Dr. Shanika Ward, and Dr. Daniel Edney for an important conversation about healthcare access, prevention, and the challenges affecting communities across Mississippi. We are grateful to our panelists, community partners, and everyone who helped make this meaningful discussion possible.
| | | |
Join our Action Network
Joining the FHHS Advocacy Network (FAN) is a great low-barrier, low-commitment way to get more involved in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts!
By signing up, you are simply agreeing to receive periodic emails from us with opportunities to get engaged in activities such as:
- Advocacy & Policy Trainings
- Sharing educational campaigns on social media
- Calling, writing, & emailing elected officials
- Meeting with elected officials
- HIV Advocacy Days in Jackson & Montgomery
-
AIDS Watch in Washington, D.C.
- So much more!
| | | | |
Anchorage Community Mental Health Services (ACMHS)
A malware infection compromised the records of more than 2,700 individuals. ASMHS did not review its systems for unpatched and unsupported software and did not regularly update its IT resources. This case underscores the importance of having policies and procedures in place for running regular updates and patches. It’s a simple yet often ignored practice that could have major implications.
| | | |
