News Releases from Region 07

EPA to Help Monett, Mo., Improve Health, Environment and Revitalize Local Economy

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., June 22, 2017) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Monett, Mo., is one of 10 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.

Cox Health is working with the city of Monett, the local school district, the Monett Main Street Organization, and other partners to improve health and the environment in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods by building opportunities for walking and physical exercise, access to healthy food, and downtown revitalization strategies.

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, each community will receive assistance from a team of people with expertise in economic and community development and public health. Community leaders and their health care facility partners will benefit by developing a strategy and an action plan to create more walkable, healthy, economically thriving downtowns, capitalizing on the important role that health care facilities play in anchoring economic activity downtown, creating jobs, and improving health outcomes for residents.

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 website

• Video on how planning assistance can help communities leverage health care facilities to support economic growth - Williamson, W.Va.

• Map of Healthy Places for Healthy People communities

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