Monett is looking to its residents for ideas on how to make its downtown area a healthier place. A two-day session this week is focusing on what priorities are most important for the community.
The event, today and tomorrow (10/17-10/18) is part of a Healthy Places for Healthy People grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. It focuses on improving access to healthcare, promoting healthier lifestyles, increasing physical activity and attracting more investment to the city’s neighborhoods and downtown area. Cox Monett Hospital is leading the local project.
Shawn Hayden, Population Health coordinator at Cox Monett, said “they hope to grow and further establish a culture of healthy living through this project. The initiatives could be more quick-implementation projects,” he said, “like adding more walking trails in the area, or longer-term.”
Monett is one of only 10 places in the United States selected for the program.
An evening session tonight (10/17) will bring community members together for a conversation. Tomorrow (10/18), an all-day Action Planning Workshop is open to anyone interested in further discussion of specific strategies.
The sessions will be held at the Monett Historical Museum, 422 E. Broadway St., from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 18. To register for the event, call 417-236-2593.
