USA Health Center for Healthy Communities launches HALO Program with open house
The program’s long-term success will rely on building trust, encouraging engagement, and fostering active involvement from both residents and partners.
By Michelle Ryan-Day
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The USA Health Center for Healthy Communities officially launched its new HALO — Healing and Life Opportunities — Program with an open house that drew an estimated 100 to 150 attendees. Since then, more than 50 additional community members and partners have toured the space, signaling broad support for the initiative.
The HALO Program is USA Health’s new hospital-based violence intervention program, a new initiative by the City of Mobile in partnership with USA Health and the Mobile County Health Department.
“The open house marked the official launch of the HALO Program. It was the first time the community could tour the space, meet the HALO team, and learn about the services available to support families,” said Joshua Jones, MA, HSCO, director of the program. “This milestone represents the transition from planning and preparation to full implementation, making HALO’s vision a reality.”
The event welcomed a diverse mix of groups, including local residents, faith-based institutions, community partners, city leaders, elected officials, and executive staff from nearby hospitals. Their presence highlighted the strong cross-sector commitment to HALO’s mission of supporting families and strengthening neighborhoods.
“Community buy-in is vital because HALO is designed to serve individuals and families directly,” Jones said. “By inviting the community into the space from the start, HALO demonstrates transparency, builds relationships, and ensures that the program is shaped by the very people it is intended to help.”
The program’s long-term success will rely on building trust, encouraging engagement, and fostering active involvement from both residents and partners.
“The open house was not just a celebration — it was an invitation to partnership. HALO is positioned to be a hub of support, connection, and opportunity,” Jones said. “By bringing together community voices, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, HALO is creating a shared commitment to healthier, stronger neighborhoods. This event laid the foundation for collective ownership and lasting impact.”
