Pocatello receives $20K grant for officials Completing Health Academy
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - The City of Pocatello’s Mayor Brian Blad, Parks and Recreation Director Anne Butle and Grants Manager Christine Howe completed the Community Health Academy, a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health (the Foundation) that provides expertise and funding to help build healthier communities.
The Community Health Academy is a learning collaborative where Mayors and City staff collaborate and learn from local and national experts. Sessions in the academy focus on things that impact community health, such as childcare, communications, housing, food systems, civility and creating pedestrian-friendly environments.
“It was an honor to participate in the health academy. Not only was it a great opportunity to gain knowledge, but also to give back to the community by receiving a $20,000 grant,” Pocatello Mayor Blad said.
The City of Pocatello received a $20,000 grant for completing the academy. Mayor Blad said those funds will be used for much-needed parks and open space management and maintenance.
The Community Health Academy is open to all Idaho cities, who must apply to the annual program. Pocatello was one of 14 cities accepted into this year’s academy. The other participating cities were Ammon, Blackfoot, Buhl, Dayton, Gooding, Hazelton, Lapwai, Mountain Home, Parma, Post Falls, St. Anthony, Stanley and Tetonia.
“Cities that attend the Community Health Academy leave with knowledge, actionable items, and funding to help make transformational change within their communities,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.
