Former NBA all-star Charles Barkley is putting his celebrity weight behind a University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) effort to improve the health status of minorities. Barkley, who has made a significant contribution to sponsor research and educational projects, will host the inaugural UAB Minority Health and Research Center Gala, to be held Sept. 30 at the Wynfrey Hotel at the Galleria. The black-tie affair, which includes a reception and a seated dinner, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Ticket information is available from 205-934-4307 or www.uabmhrc.com.