2025 Annual Report
Since 2014, while working in state and local public health in South Carolina and Georgia, I saw firsthand how our public health systems—chronically underfunded and understaffed—are overwhelmed. Dedicated professionals who, despite their expertise and passion, feel isolated and unequipped to fight back against budget cuts and disinformation.
The experiences of my colleagues across public health is why we founded the Southern Alliance for Public Health Leadership (SAPHL). Our home, the American South, is a place of immense strength and community. Yet, it is also a region that is facing a profound public health crisis.
This year, we didn't simply start an organization; we started a movement! We began the vital work of connecting, equipping, and mobilizing the most trusted voices in our communities to become powerful advocates for change.
The path ahead is long, but our resolve is firm. This report details the incredible progress we have made together in our first year. Thank you for your belief in this mission.
Our Mission
To strengthen an alliance of trusted voices in public health across the South that will build, unite, and empower the people, services, and infrastructure of public health systems to improve health outcomes in Southern communities.
Our Vision
To support, protect, and promote public health systems that lead to improving health outcomes across the South.
The State of Health in the South
The data paint a stark picture in our four focus states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Infant & Maternal Mortality
Every state in the South has an infant mortality rate higher than the US average, and every state in the South has a pre-term birth rate above 10%. Maternal mortality rates are higher in every southern state than the US rates.
Access to Care
Southern states have fewer primary care providers, mental health providers, and dentists per capita. Many counties have no local access to care at all.
Our Inaugural Year Impact
Network Building
We bridged gaps to create a powerful, collaborative network.
- Membership Growth: Expanded from 10 to more than 750 participants across NC, GA, SC, and TN.
- Local Groups: Launched chapters in DeKalb County, Chattanooga, Columbia, and Spartanburg.
- Regional Engagement: Hosted our inaugural regional meeting for cross-state connection.
Training
We empowered advocates to champion evidence-based policy.
- Info Sessions: Deep-dives on immunization policy and communicable diseases.
- Skills Training: Workshops on storytelling, public speaking, and engaging elected officials.
- Upcoming: Sessions on Rural Access to Health Care and Maternal Vulnerability.
Data & Policy Tools
We provided clarity on critical health issues.
- State Playbooks: Published guides on school vaccine requirements.
- Dashboards: Launched county-based dashboards for granular local data.
- Policy Briefs: Concise summaries to help navigate complex landscapes.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Expand & Deepen
- Network: Double active members and launch new local chapters.
- Advocacy: Secure measurable legislative wins for access to care and vaccination.
Resources & Ambassadors
- New Tools: Publish 2nd editions of state playbooks.
- Ambassadors: Launch inaugural cohort in Georgia to educate lawmakers.
"The work has just begun."
Our Leadership
Scott Thorpe
Terri Jowers
Barnwell, SC
Jimmell Felder, MD
Greenwood, SC
Carri Ayne Jones Parr, PhD
Atlanta, GA
Caitlin Dean
Atlanta, GA
Fredia Wadley, MD
Franklin, TN
Khadijia Tribie Reid, MD
Wilmington, NC
Jennifer Sarrett, PhD
Atlanta, GA
Zack King, MPH
Rock Hill, SC
A Grateful Alliance
Our work is made possible by the generous support of individuals and organizations who share our vision for a healthier South.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our founding partners and every contributor who helped make our inaugural year a success.