Community Stories

Health improvement efforts from around the country

How data can inspire a community: Starke County, IN

December 12, 2016

Starke County, Indiana, is a rural county that is home to 23,197 people. Despite Starke County’s small size, it’s also a community that is...

United Way-Led Initiative in Chittenden County, Vermont Strengthens Local Workforce

June 15, 2015

The County Health Rankings shows us that there are a web of factors that influence health including education, housing, the environment, and the availability...

Where everyone chips in to improve health: How United Way of Greater Lafayette helps channel community assets

February 17, 2015

Fundraising can certainly be a challenge for community health improvement efforts, but in Tippecanoe County, IN, an interconnection of resources has proven to be...

A Farmers Market on the Move in North Carolina

November 26, 2013

Many people in Rowan County, N.C., don’t have access to healthy foods – so Jon Barber, a local food advocate and farmers market owner...

Making Changes by Focusing on What Works

November 26, 2013

For county health officers, sometimes raising awareness isn’t enough. To make lasting change, focusing on programs and initiatives that are proven to be successful...

Connecting the Dots in Fulton County, GA: Working Together to Save Lives

May 10, 2013

According to the 2013 County Health Rankings, Fulton County, Georgia ranks 29 out of 156 on overall health, yet 55,000 adults and 25,000 children...

Building a Business Case for Better Health: Allen County, OH

March 11, 2013

In Lima, OH, located in Allen County, community leaders are discovering the economic benefits of building a healthy, attractive community for residents to live...

PART II: Holmes County, Mississippi’s Ambassadors for Health

March 11, 2013

As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only...

Maec Waewaenon: Giving Thanks and Improving Health in Menominee County, Wisconsin

December 6, 2012

Proud of their Menominee tribal culture and history, residents and leaders in Menominee County responded to being ranked 72nd of 72 counties by redoubling...

Part III: Collaborating to Improve Community Safety in Genesee County, Michigan

December 6, 2012

Public safety is an important component of every community’s overall health. In Flint, MI, located in Genesee County, the violent crime rate is over...