For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Wood County has been recognized for its work to improve local health by receiving a Gold Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation. Thirty-one communities received either a bronze, silver, or gold designation, and Wood County is proud to be among the four communities that received a gold designation.

The designation program recognizes communities that focus efforts across the multiple factors that influence health – including social and economic factors, health behaviors, clinical care, and the physical environment – with a focus on equity, multisector partnerships, and sustainable solutions.

County Board Chair Doug Machon shared, “Together we can accomplish much more than any of us could individually. Without strong partnerships, this work would not be possible.”

The designation recognizes Wood County for its work to create policy, systems, and environmental changes, with a focus on health equity, to have a lasting impact on the health of Wood County residents. Examples of this work include the Farmers Market, Prescription Drug Disposal Program, Healthy Smiles school dental program, Farm to School, Maternal Child Home Visiting, Safe Kids Wood County, Wood County Adult Drug Treatment Court, River Cities Clubhouse and A Better Way Clubhouse, River Riders Bike Share, and Growing Friends Community Gardens, along with other ongoing initiatives.

The Healthy Communities Designation program is designed to be accessible to communities of all shapes and sizes, both rural and urban. The definition of community is broad and can include counties, municipalities, neighborhoods and other self-defined, place-based communities in Wisconsin. The program uses a three-tiered approach – gold, silver and bronze – which are meant to provide a trajectory and serve as a guide for communities as they continue to strive toward better health.

Joe Ancel, chair of Clean Green Action, added “So much great work is happening throughout Wood County. It is such an honor for our county to be acknowledged for this work, allowing us to take some time to celebrate our collaborative efforts!”