Local Birmingham businesses, often competitors in their daily operations, have joined forces with UAB for a greater cause: improving health and quality of life in Alabama’s most vulnerable communities. Through the Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) initiative, these organizations are making good health the natural and accessible choice.

By partnering with LHSA’s built environment team, leading companies—including major players in the construction, engineering, power and utilities industries—have transformed communities. They’ve developed and executed complex civil engineering plans to address needed built environment improvements, including sidewalks, crosswalks, ADA compliant ramps, bike lanes, added light fixtures and bus shelters, revitalized parks, green spaces and community centers.

This innovative approach to improving the built environment, combined with LHSA’s healthcare initiatives, is yielding tangible results.
“It’s enhancing quality of life, promoting healthier lifestyles, and increasing community engagement in the Birmingham neighborhoods of Bush Hills, East Lake, Kingston, and Titusville,” said Fouad H. Fouad, Ph.D., Chair Emeritus in UAB’s Department of Civil Engineering and Director of the LHSA Built Environment team. “These successes have motivated us to expand to six additional Birmingham communities and areas in Alabama’s Black Belt, including Selma, Camden, and Demopolis, with plans for further growth.”

The Impact of Built Environments on Health

The built environment—comprising human-made spaces like homes, sidewalks, parks, and public spaces—plays a vital role in health. Many neighborhoods lacked basic infrastructure like sidewalks, which discouraged exercise, limited access to education for children walking to school, and restricted safe outdoor activities.

Recognizing this, the National Cement Company generously provided concrete to build sidewalks in all four demonstration neighborhoods.

“One of our main reasons for participating was to ensure children could walk to and from school safely,” said National Cement CEO Spencer Weitman. “It was an easy decision because of the profound impact this would have on these communities. This program didn’t just touch lives—it changed them.”

Lighting was another crucial need. Alabama Power addressed this by installing improved lighting in the Birmingham neighborhoods and Selma.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities and homes, regardless of location or time of day,” said Staci Brooks, President of the Alabama Power Foundation and Alabama Power’s Vice President of Charitable Giving. “Providing lighting was the right thing to do to enhance safety and quality of life.”

A Novel Approach with Proven Results

Integrating built environment improvements with traditional health interventions is a relatively new approach, but it’s effective. The NIH reports that poor infrastructure—like inaccessible sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks—contributes to sedentary habits and chronic health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

This unique model inspired architecture and engineering firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) to join the effort.

“As architects and engineers, we were naturally drawn to the connection between addressing health disparities and improving the built environment,” said GMC CEO Jeffrey Brewer. “Dr. Watts’ vision to elevate Alabama’s health through investments in safe, inviting public spaces was compelling and aligns directly with GMC’s mission of ‘building communities.’”

Tailored Solutions for Unique Communities

“Each community has unique needs, and LHSA collaborates with residents to develop customized improvement plans. The team attends neighborhood meetings and engages stakeholders to address specific challenges,” Fouad said.

In Kingston, this meant adding 40+ ADA ramps, upgrading 6,500 linear feet of sidewalks, painting murals, and renovating a basketball court. General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie adopted Kingston’s project, funding and managing the renovations.

“UAB is critical to the growth and success of the Birmingham community, and partnering with them aligns with our vision of improving the city,” said founder Miller Gorrie.

East Lake saw similar transformations through Hoar Construction’s partnership.

“LHSA gave us the opportunity to give back by building sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks, and enhancing recreation areas,” said Hoar President Turner Burton.

Titusville also experienced revitalization thanks to Dunn Construction Company.

“I have been encouraged to watch so many friends and business leaders step up to commit to the work of LHSA,” President of Dunn Investment Company Craig Fleming said. “We at Dunn, as well as other industry leaders, have the resources to address needs in these. We’re grateful to support UAB and the LHSA team as they create tangible programs to address the daily health of those communities.”

BL Harbert International went even further in Bush Hills, creating the Bush Hills Connection Complex—a community hub featuring a demonstration kitchen, recreation center, auditorium, garden, and farm stand.

“Meeting the inspiring women of Bush Hills and learning their vision for the community motivated us to go beyond The Grand Challenge,” said BL Harbert International Group President Chuck Bohn. “It’s been an honor to work together for a brighter future. Birmingham is home to dynamic companies and remarkable individuals, and by uniting our strengths, we can continue to uplift our city and its people.”

Collaboration for a Healthier Alabama

LHSA’s success underscores the power of collaboration. Competitors turned partners have united to uplift Alabama’s communities, proving the impact of shared vision and effort.

“In every community we’ve worked in, the quality of life is improving,” Fouad said. “Sidewalks, lighting, trees, and gathering spaces are changing lives. None of this would be possible without our partners’ dedication.”

As Alabama Power’s Brooks noted, “By working together, we’re driving economic opportunity, improving education, and making healthier communities. Together, we’re building a brighter, healthier future for Alabama.”