News Releases from Region 05

EPA to Help Anderson, Indiana, Improve Health, Environment and Revitalize Local Economy

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Anderson, Indiana, is one of ten communities selected to participate in the Healthy Places for Healthy People planning assistance program. Healthy Places for Healthy People is a new initiative that helps communities leverage health care facilities to foster downtown revitalization and economic growth, improve health and protect the environment.

In many communities, health care facilities can be catalysts for economic development, while investment in existing neighborhoods can improve walkability, protect air and water quality, encourage cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties, and conserve open spaces and natural resources.

Through Healthy Places for Healthy People, a team of experts will help community members and health care facility partners develop strategies and an action plan to address persistent needs, such as better health, improved public safety, basic infrastructure, and jobs. Partner organizations include community health centers (including Federally Qualified Health Centers), nonprofit hospitals, and other health care facilities.

In Anderson, the Madison County Council of Governments, the City of Anderson, and several local hospital and health center partners have requested assistance to create Health Districts throughout the city around key health care facilities to help revitalize the neighborhoods, improve the environment, and contribute to health improvements for residents where the facilities are located.

“Healthy Places for Healthy People will support Anderson’s goal of creating health districts throughout the city around key health care facilities. The local coalition of regional partners hopes to use the HP2 process to outline the steps necessary for district creation to improve the physical and economic health of Anderson’s neighborhoods,” said Ryan Phelps, Senior Transportation Planner for the Madison County Council of Governments.

EPA support for Healthy Places for Healthy People is provided through the Office of Sustainable Communities, which promotes locally led, community-driven solutions that protect human health and the environment and strengthen local economies.

More information:

Healthy Places for Healthy People:  https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/healthy-places-healthy-people

Video on how planning assistance can help communities leverage health care facilities to support economic growth: Williamson, WV.

Map of Healthy Places for Healthy People partner communities: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-06/hp2_map2017.jpg