Registered nurse offers integrative‑health pilot and grant assistance for seniors, veterans

Linda Coogan, a registered nurse who identified herself as the operator of Aliquest Center for Performance Excellence and a contractor with the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A), asked the Chilton County Commission to consider a pilot program to bring evidence‑based integrative health and wellness services to seniors and veterans.

Coogan described decades of healthcare leadership experience and said her work includes Tai Chi classes at a local senior center and training in integrative nurse coaching. She said she is enrolled in a doctorate program and proposed using Chilton County as the inaugural community for her capstone project, which would combine lifestyle practices, nutrition education, gardening and evidence‑based wellness programs targeted to older adults and veterans. She said the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging supports bringing these programs to the county and that Carolyn Fortner, M4A's executive director, was present to show support.

Commissioners asked Coogan to return with a written contract proposal and a proposed budget. "We would also like a proposed budget," a commissioner said. Coogan said she will submit a proposal and budget to the county office for review. Commissioners noted any county support would require a contract describing services to be provided and verification that the programs offer services that are not already funded by county partners.

No county funding decision was made at the work session. Commissioners encouraged Coogan to meet with staff to align the proposal with county procurement and service criteria.