The University of Alabama at Birmingham announced Tuesday that pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is investing $4 million to support the university’s Live HealthSmart Alabama program.
Live HealthSmart Alabama, founded by UAB in 2019, operates programs that offer free mobile pop-up wellness screenings, resources to help Alabamians access fresh fruits and vegetables, and health and nutrition education initiatives.
The funding, contributed through Novo Nordisk’s social impact program, The Interrupt, will be disbursed to Live HealthSmart Alabama over the next three years. The money will go toward expanding the program’s reach in rural areas, starting with Clanton and Oneonta, as well as urban centers such as Montgomery.
“Our work is only possible because of strong, trusted partnerships like this one,” Live HealthSmart Alabama CEO Mona Fouad said. “We are grateful for Novo Nordisk’s continued commitment, which allows us to respond to local priorities and help create long-term improvements in health outcomes across Alabama.”
Live HealthSmart Alabama Chief Administrative Officer Teresa Shufflebarger said the investment will allow the initiative to better reach people across the state.
“With this support, Live HealthSmart Alabama can move faster and farther, expanding into new communities while building on the progress already underway across Birmingham and central Alabama,” Shufflebarger said.
The global pharmaceutical company first partnered with Live HealthSmart Alabama in 2023 with a $2.7 million investment to expand the program’s reach in communities including Selma, Demopolis and Dothan.
UAB said the partnership is driven by Live HealthSmart Alabama’s community-informed approach to improving health outcomes.
“Rather than implementing one-size-fits-all solutions, LHSA works directly with residents, community leaders and local organizations to identify each community’s unique needs and priorities before building programs and services around them,” UAB said.
Novo Nordisk U.S. Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact Director Apurva Patel said the company’s investment in Live HealthSmart Alabama reflects Novo Nordisk’s “strong belief” in the program.
“What began as an early commitment has grown into a proven, collaborative model, one that is expanding reach, unlocking new partners and delivering real impact,” Patel said.
UAB said investments from Novo Nordisk and other partners, including Uber Health, Alabama Power and Brasfield & Gorrie, have helped Live HealthSmart Alabama provide more than 5,800 wellness visits since its launch. The program has connected 15.2 percent of participants to a primary care provider and served more than 16,600 customers through mobile groceries operating across 29 ZIP codes.
The initiative also has built and repaired more than 20,000 feet of sidewalks, with the goal of expanding safe access to physical activity.
