Across the Horizons | October 2026 Newsletter
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Tuscaloosa, AL
HIV: 277
PrEP: 251
Case Mgmt: 247
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Starkville, MS
HIV: 221
PrEP: 131
Case Mgmt: 183
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Oxford, MS
HIV: 242
PrEP: 30
Case Mgmt: 197
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Meridian, MS
HIV: 35
PrEP: 7
Case Mgmt: 106
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Montgomery, AL
HIV: 1,497
PrEP: 189
Case Mgmt: 1,108
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Dothan, AL
HIV: 762
PrEP: 59
Case Mgmt: 683
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Selma, AL
HIV: 92
Case Mgmt: 71
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Stock the Shelves:
Supporting Our Communities
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The generosity of our Five Horizons team continues to make a meaningful impact! Through our Stock the Shelves initiative, staff across our locations are donating essential items to support Baskets of Hope, our new food pantry in Montgomery, Alabama.
We’re grateful for every contribution, big or small, as each donation helps us better serve individuals and families in our community. We encourage all Five Horizons locations and staff to join the effort by donating nonperishable food and pantry items, personal care and hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, and household essentials.
Donations can be dropped off at your nearest Five Horizons location, and our team will ensure they are delivered to Baskets of Hope in Montgomery. Together, we can keep the shelves stocked, support those in need, and continue making a difference in the communities we serve.
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What an incredible night in Dothan, AL! Ghoul’s Night Out was made extra special by the amazing support of our community. We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, give back, and support Five Horizons Health Services.
A huge thank-you to Glory Days for keeping the energy going, our dedicated staff who worked hard to bring this event together, everyone who attended, and all those who donated raffle items. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Grail for sponsoring this special evening.
Your generosity and support make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Thank you for making Ghoul’s Night Out such a memorable success!
| | OCTOBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH |
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Taylor Gandy
Patient Care Navigator | Montgomery, AL
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FROM THE FIELD:
PREVENTION & OUTREACH RECAP
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Tuscaloosa, AL
Throughout September, our Tuscaloosa team made a meaningful impact across West Alabama through health education, free testing, rural outreach, and community partnerships. From university campuses to senior centers and community events, the team continued to bring essential health services directly to the people who need them.
Staff partnered with Omega Psi Phi, Inc. at the University of Alabama to provide sexual health education and free HIV testing, with 30 students receiving testing services. The team also connected with older adults through educational sessions and screening events in Reform, Livingston, and Eutaw, providing HIV and Hepatitis C screenings, prevention education, and helpful resources. Through rural outreach, Victoria Lewis-Cox introduced Five Horizons Health Services to residents in Moundville and surrounding communities, helping increase awareness of available services. Additional partnerships with UAB Community Eye Care, West Alabama Cardiac Health, and Miles of Smiles expanded access to HIV testing alongside other essential community health services, with 31 individuals screened in Eutaw and 19 in York.
September also marked an important milestone with Jamilah Cooper leading the first Five Horizons ReZUUM meeting in Tuscaloosa. This supportive community creates opportunities for people living with HIV to connect through social activities and meaningful relationships, encouraging fuller, healthier lives beyond isolation.
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Montgomery, AL
In the month of September, our Montgomery team continued to make a difference through campus engagement, health education, and community partnerships. From Tuskegee University to local wellness and recovery events, the team worked to increase awareness, promote prevention, and connect individuals with valuable health resources.
Campus ambassadors Galen Kemoi and Ahni brought prevention efforts to life at Tuskegee University during Wellness Wednesday by providing testing services to fellow students and encouraging a proactive approach to health. Southern Region staff also participated in Alabama State University’s Cuts and Conversations event, promoting prostate health awareness and providing access to health screenings. Additionally, the team supported the 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Recovery, connecting with community members and showing support for individuals navigating recovery.
Faith and Jay also partnered with R.O.S.S. Recovery to facilitate educational sessions on HIV and STIs, equipping participants with important prevention information and connecting them with health resources and services.
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Dothan, AL
Our our Dothan team continued to strengthen community connections and promote access to health education and resources. From celebrating inclusion at South Alabama Pride to participating in the 22nd Annual Health and Wellness Workshop, the team remained dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Kerry and Woodlens represented Five Horizons Health Services at South Alabama Pride, connecting with the LGBTQ+ community, sharing valuable health resources, and raising awareness of services that support health and wellness for all. The team also attended the 22nd Annual Health and Wellness Workshop, with support from Montgomery staff. Through a new community connection, staff shared information about Five Horizons Health Services and helped increase awareness of available programs and services.
These outreach efforts reflect our continued commitment to building meaningful partnerships, expanding access to health resources, and ensuring community members know where to turn for education, prevention, and care.
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Selma, AL
September marked continued progress for our Selma team as Five Horizons Health Services expands its local services to include Prevention & Testing. Through community partnerships and outreach, our team is working to make essential health services more accessible and connect residents with the resources they need to support their well-being.
Selma staff partnered with Project GRACE to provide HIV and STI screenings at a local community housing complex, helping residents access important prevention services closer to home. The team also participated in The Links, Incorporated Walk-A-Thon, connecting with community leaders and building relationships that strengthen local partnerships.
As we expand Prevention & Testing services in Selma, Five Horizons Health Services remains committed to meeting people where they are, increasing access to confidential testing and prevention education, and building healthier communities through collaboration and compassionate care.
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Starkville, MS
Throughout September, our Starkville team remained committed to promoting community health through education, testing, and outreach. From the United Way Annual Campaign Kick-Off to local health fairs and monthly educational sessions at Pines and Cady Hill Recovery Center, the team connected community members with valuable resources and information.
The team provided free, confidential HIV and STI testing at community events, including the Greater Mississippi Health and Wealth Expo and the Attala County Health Resources Fair. Educational sessions also focused on HIV/STI transmission, prevention strategies, routine testing, treatment options, and tools like PrEP. By encouraging open conversations and addressing stigma surrounding sexual health, our team continues to empower individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward their well-being.
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Oxford, MS
The Oxford team continued to promote sexual health education, HIV/STI prevention, and access to care through community partnerships and educational outreach. From connecting with students at the University of Mississippi during a tabling event with the Nupes to participating in the Pride Festival, the team shared valuable resources and information to support healthier communities.
Staff provided educational materials, free safer-sex supplies, and information about HIV and Hepatitis C testing, PrEP navigation, prevention education, and available Five Horizons Health Services programs. The team also facilitated educational sessions at Bro and Sis Church and Itawamba Community College’s Fulton Campus.
These sessions covered sexual health, healthy relationships, consent, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and practical strategies for safer sexual practices. Students were encouraged to ask questions, practice open communication, establish healthy boundaries, and make informed decisions about their health. The team also connected students with community resources for testing, prevention, and support services.
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Meridian, MS
Our Meridian team continued to connect with community members through health education, outreach, and testing opportunities. From engaging with students at East Mississippi Community College to participating in Aldersgate Retirement Community’s 2nd Annual Wellness Fair, the team worked to increase awareness of Five Horizons Health Services and the resources available to support healthier communities.
The team shared valuable health information and service resources with students and community members, promoting overall wellness and encouraging informed health decisions. During East Mississippi Community College’s Homecoming Week, our team also provided free HIV testing to students, helping make prevention services more accessible while encouraging proactive steps toward their health.
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Attala Health Fair
On September 11, Five Horizons Health Services hosted a successful Attala County Health Resource Fair! We were excited to bring together community members and local organizations, including Baptist Memorial Hospital, Regions Bank, Amaris Medical Group, LLC, Senior Life Solutions, and Jackson State University. Thank you to all of our participating vendors for helping make this a wonderful opportunity to connect our community with valuable health resources and services. By working together, we can continue building a healthier, stronger Attala County where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive!
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#SaveHIVFunding Action Alert
Take action today with the Save HIV Funding Campaign to urge Congress to protect critical HIV prevention grants for community-based organizations, ensure the timely release of funding opportunities for NIH HIV clinical trials networks and Centers for AIDS Research, and protect and increase federal HIV funding. These programs are essential to advancing research, preventing new HIV transmissions, and ensuring people living with HIV can access the care and services they need. Use this action alert to make your voice heard, and share it with friends, colleagues, and your community to help protect the future of HIV prevention, research, and care.
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Check your registration, make a plan, and GO VOTE.
The decisions made by our elected officials shape HIV prevention, access to treatment and care, and the resources available to our communities. Every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard on the issues that matter to you, your family, and your community. Make a plan to vote this November, encourage your friends and neighbors to participate, and help ensure that the voices of people living with and affected by HIV are heard.
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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!
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WellPoint, Inc.
The managed care company exposed the records of more than 600,000 individuals over the internet after upgrading an internet-based database containing ePHI. WellPoint was unaware of the breach until a lawsuit notified the company that the data was available through a web portal. This resulted in a $1.7 million settlement.
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