Health and Economic Development

Liz Lund, Black River Memorial Hospital, and Christine Hovell, Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services, of the Greater Black River Area Safety Council.

Liz Lund, Black River Memorial Hospital, and Christine Hovell, Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services, of the Greater Black River Area Safety Council.

The Green Lake Area Health and Wellness Coalition: (first row) Melissa Sonntag, Green Lake County Health & Human Services; Molly Spaulding, UW-Extension; Mary Mellenthin, Ripon Medical Center; Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer; (back row) Danelle Phillips, Ripon Medical Center; Ellen Koeppen, Green Lake Chamber of Commerce; Lindsey Loewe, Health & Human Services; Marilyn Voeltner, Health Department and me.
The Green Lake Area Health and Wellness Coalition: (first row) Melissa Sonntag, Green Lake County Health & Human Services; Molly Spaulding, UW-Extension; Mary Mellenthin, Ripon Medical Center; Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer; (back row) Danelle Phillips, Ripon Medical Center; Ellen Koeppen, Green Lake Chamber of Commerce; Lindsey Loewe, Health & Human Services; Marilyn Voeltner, Health Department and me.
Edgerton Hospital staff involved with the Edgerton Worksite Wellness Coalition: Jim Pernau, CEO; Angie Sullivan, Community Education Coordinator; Tracey Pederson, Foundation Director
Edgerton Hospital staff involved with the Edgerton Worksite Wellness Coalition: Jim Pernau, CEO; Angie Sullivan, Community Education Coordinator; Tracey Pederson, Foundation Director
Members of the Wellness Coalition of Taylor County: Nancy Bellendorf, Worksafe Therapy; Shelley West, Aspirus Occupational Health-Medford; Patty Krug, Taylor County Health Department
Members of the Wellness Coalition of Taylor County: Nancy Bellendorf, Worksafe Therapy; Shelley West, Aspirus Occupational Health-Medford; Patty Krug, Taylor County Health Department

Not necessarily a combination you usually think of.  But they are very important to each other.  The health sector is a vital part of the economy, especially the economy of many rural communities.  Hospitals and clinics are major employers.  Employers provide health insurance to many employees.  The health of the workforce is also important—it’s one factor employers consider when considering relocation or startups.  And a healthy workforce means lower costs—lower insurance premiums, less absenteeism, etc. 

 

The pictures above are from communities I visited last month and are recipients of our Rural Community Grants.  These four community coalitions are focusing on worksite wellness projects; implementing programs that help employees improve their health, which is also a financial benefit to employers.  You can read more about their programs on our website.

 

The USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program provides funds for a variety of economic development projects, including business startup costs and expansion, telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services and community facilities projects.  We often get inquiries about funding for health and dental clinic startups—this is a great source.  This quarterly round of funding ends December 31.  Contact your local USDA Rural Development Office for more information.

The Land O’Lakes Foundation funds a variety of community development projects in rural communities.  They are “committed to improving the quality of life in communities where Land O’Lakes has members, employees, plants and facilities.”   Areas of interest include civic, education and human service projects.  See the website for details and deadlines.

 

Successful community and economic development projects need leaders.  The Rural WI Health Cooperative begins their 2009-10 Leadership Series this month.  You can participate in this program for healthcare managers as a series or you can attend individual sessions on topics such as Customer Service Program Development and Generational Diversity. 

 

The National Rural Health Association holds a yearlong training program that “develops leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.”  The Rural Health Fellows program combines “experiential and action learning, exposure to premier faculty and seasoned practitioners and reinforcement through executive coaching and structured team assignments.”

 

A recent article, Homegrown Responses to Economic Uncertainty in Rural America, found that tax and other incentives to attract businesses are not workable options for most rural communities.  The authors identify three methods communities can use to “grow their own” local economies: place-based development, economic gardening, and creativity and talent cultivation—you’ll have to read the article yourself to find out what they mean.  They provide real world examples from around the country to illustrate their points.

November 5, 2009 · KJacobson · One Comment
Tags: , , , ,  Â· Posted in: Grant Advice, Program Updates, Reports and Studies

One Response

  1. Health and Economic Development » Rural Community Development Economic Finance news - November 6, 2009

    [...] View post:  Health and Economic Development » Rural Community Development [...]

Leave a Reply