Honorable Mayor Jason Ward ACBM PRESIDENT

• ACBM Dear Alabama Citizens, Thank you for coming together during this unprecedented time to meet the challenges of COVID-19 in Alabama. Your resilience and willingness to protect and support families, friends, and neighbors locally and statewide will ensure that we will defeat this virus. The ACBM looks forward to working together with all agencies and organizations to eradicate the Covid-19 crisis in Alabama. Also, we understand that we must remain vigilant and proactive regarding the health & safety of Alabama families during and beyond the challenges of Covid-19. Therefore, we are preparing to implement the Mayors for Healthy Communities Program in Alabama this year.     The Mayors for Healthy Communities Program (MHCP) is a project designed to close the gap between academic medicine, healthcare organizations and the community through capacity building in communities of greatest need. This is accomplished by connecting to people who are most affected by disparities with resources, treatment, and ongoing support. Furthermore, this initiative will partnerships and collaborations to training opportunities designed to enhance the health leadership skills of mayors, elected officials, and community leaders from cities and towns throughout Alabama.It has been said that “Healthy living begins at home. That is why it is imperative that as local leaders we work together to promote and encourage the health and sustainability of our families and communities. Respectfully, President, ACBMHonorable Mayor Jason Ward 

 Dear Alabama Leaders, 

Thank you for coming together during this unprecedented time to meet the challenges of COVID-19 in Alabama. Your resilience and willingness to protect and support families, friends and neighbors locally and statewide will ensure that we will defeat this virus. 

The ACBM would also like to take this opportunity to mention steps and best practices that our members have taken and that we encourage you to practice as well. As you know, we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. But even if you have no symptoms, you can still spread the virus. To protect others from getting sick, remember the 3 C’s: Clean – wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover – use a tissue or your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. We are a strong community with exceptional individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Thank you for your continued trust, patience, and empathy for one another as we work together during this challenging time. 

Also, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to local, state, and federal healthcare workers and agencies in Alabama. Your hard work in overseeing coronavirus education, outreach, testing and vaccination efforts in Alabama. We are grateful to have your guidance and we have every confidence that the process is efficient, comprehensive, and equitable. 

Finally, the ACBM would like to extend an open invitation to meet and/or collaborate with your respective organizations regarding Covid-19 outreach for Alabama residents and for our ongoing healthy communities’ programs in 2021. In addition to dealing with the challenges of Covid-19, the ACBM is also committed to addressing causes and conditions related to health disparities for populations across Alabama.