Health Ambassadors Empowering Change
By: Mikailie Caulder

On a typical day in rural Alabama, life unfolds at a slower, more intentional pace. In the small towns scattered across the South, the rhythm of daily life revolves around connection. Neighbors greet each other by name, every trip to the grocery store feels like a reunion, and it’s easy to lose track of time catching up with familiar faces. Conversations linger, and the bonds between neighbors run deep, creating a web of trust and familiarity that holds the community together. It’s this spirit of connection that amplifies the work of the Chambers County Health Ambassadors. These are not outsiders swooping in to solve problems, they are locals with a passion for their neighbors’ well-being. The Chambers County Health Ambassadors have taken on the vital role of spreading the word about the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center and all the health events that are taking place there. By tapping into the natural flow of everyday interactions, no one is left behind, the message of health and hope reaches even the most tucked-away corners of Chambers County.

These ambassadors, who are neighbors, friends, and familiar faces, don’t provide direct health advice, but their role is equally as impactful. By encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and take charge of their health, they bridge the gaps that might otherwise leave needs unmet. Every casual chat in a church parking lot or a conversation over coffee has the potential to uncover a pressing health concern, which is then conveyed to the project manager and health services coordinator. This ensures that the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative is rooted in the real, lived experiences of the people it serves, creating a program that feels as authentic and personal as the community it supports.

In LaFayette, trust and familiarity aren’t just social customs, they’re the foundation of effective health outreach. “A lot of what we do, being a rural community, is done by word of mouth and communicating with others,” explains Kate Bouchillon, coordinator of the Chambers County Rural Health Ambassadors Program. Here, conversations flow as naturally as the Alabama breeze, and this grassroots approach has proven to be incredibly effective. Data reveals that 70% of individuals who visit the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center heard about it through word of mouth, a testament to the vital role the Rural Health Ambassadors play in their communities.

When asked what inspired her to take on the role of coordinator, Bouchillon recalls how it all started. “I was first tasked with looking over the Health Ambassador Handbook,” she says. In reviewing the handbook, Bouchillon realized how much potential this program has, a realization that sparked a deeper passion for work within the community. “When it’s not just coming from me, and it’s from people within the community, it makes a larger difference.” She explains. For Bouchillon, the most rewarding part of the journey has been connecting with the ambassadors themselves. Each conversation reveals new stories, perspectives, and ideas, deepening her connection to the community she serves, “It’s been a really cool experience to talk with our ambassadors and get to know them.” Bouchillon also emphasizes the importance of Auburn University’s involvement in supporting these efforts. “Auburn University has so many resources and has the opportunity to do some good in these rural communities.” With this blend of local insight and institutional support, Bouchillon continues to work towards a shared vision of improving health and well-being across Chambers County.

Beyond everyday interactions, the ambassadors take their outreach further through community visit days. Ambassadors step through the doors of familiar shops and workplaces, striking up conversations about upcoming events with customers and employees alike. They leave behind flyers hanging in the windows, a simple yet powerful way to spread awareness. It’s a community effort in its purest form, strengthening the ties between community members while ensuring vital health resources are visible and accessible to all.

This spirit of collaboration extends far beyond individual conversations, as the Rural Health Ambassadors weave themselves into the fabric of daily life in Chambers County. “We do a lot of community engagement within the schools and churches,” Bouchillon explains. From participating in collaborative discussions with local leaders to working directly with high school students, the program is expanding its reach to engage the next generation. “High schoolers can make a large impact,” Bouchillon says, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people to take part in shaping the future of their community’s health.

Their mission isn’t just about improving their neighbors’ health, it’s also about building a healthier future for themselves. Recognizing the importance of leading by example, some of the ambassadors have formed a walking group, creating an opportunity to connect with one another while staying active. These walks are more than just a form of exercise, they’re time to share ideas, build camaraderie, and inspire one another. By fostering both physical and social wellness, the ambassadors embody the very message they work so hard to spread throughout their community.

The success of the Rural Health Ambassadors lies in their ability to turn everyday moments into opportunities for meaningful impact. Whether through word-of-mouth, community engagement, or collaboration with local leaders, their work is deeply personal, rooted in a genuine commitment to their neighbors’ well-being. Behind each ambassador’s efforts is a unique story, a personal motivation that drives them to serve.

Mary Jackson, one of the Rural Health Ambassadors, reflects on what inspired her to get involved. “One of the first things was, I am a resident of the area, and it was an opportunity to be more active in the community as far as health-wise. I could be the one who could steer people in the right direction to get themselves taken care of.” She views her role as a way to connect people with essential resources, especially those who might not even be aware of what’s available to them. “I have the unique opportunity to get out and meet people, some I know, and some I don’t know. I get to inform them of what we have to offer in our area. There’s still people who don’t know that it’s there (the OnMed Care Station), I have the opportunity to let them know that it’s there, it’s available, it’s free, and it’s for us.”

Jackson’s background as a nurse allows her to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and community outreach. She brings her expertise into conversations, ensuring that people not only hear about available resources, but also understand how to utilize them. “I’m a nurse,” she says, “I have the ability to get out there and let them know what’s available.” Active in the Christian community, she views her role as a Rural Health Ambassador as an opportunity to join her friends in faith to health resources that will ultimately better their wellness. Through her efforts, Jackson illustrates the integration of multiple aspects of wellness, proving that true health involves caring for the whole person, not just their medical needs.

For Bethany Durden, another Rural Health Ambassador, the mission is deeply personal. “I like to feel that I am a representative of health and wellness. My passion for this community is health education. I feel that the Wellness Center is LaFayette and Chambers County’s best chance to improve health outcomes in the community,” she shares. Durden hopes to see expanded efforts in health and nutrition education, particularly for the youth, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge they need to lead healthier lives.

Laura Smith, also a Rural Health Ambassador, sees her role as a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to service. “My whole life has been a ministry of giving to things, advocating for children, and doing hospital ministry. (The program) fit the bill of what I like to do, and what God calls me to do” she says. For Smith, being an ambassador goes beyond simple advocacy, it’s about embodying a personal commitment to the well-being of others. “Being an ambassador means you should care enough about the organization you are working for that you do whatever you can to get people invested in it. There is a lot of need in the rural areas, so we should be advocating for it (the OnMed Care Station) in all kinds of ways,” she explains. Smith leverages every platform she has to spread awareness, even using her column in The LaFayette Sun to consistently highlight the importance of the Chambers County Health and Wellness Center. “I do whatever I can to almost weekly make a comment about the wellness center in there.”

The work of the Rural Health Ambassadors is not just about information, it’s about the relationships. It’s about trust, understanding, and a shared belief that health is a collective responsibility. As they continue their efforts, one conversation, one connection, one step at a time, they are strengthening the very fabric of their community. Their work ensures that no one is left behind on the path to better health, proving that meaningful change begins not with institutions or policies, but with the people who call a place home.