Creating Healthy Communities shares success

NORWALK — In its first year, Huron County Creating Healthy Communities created a community garden and plan to continue improving health in the county. Lindsey Leber, grant coordinator, said the group's mission is to develop a culture of health available to all. Leber spoke during Huron County's Board of Health monthly meeting. Creating Healthy Communities is a five-year grant cycle, which began in January 2020. Each year, the county is awarded $100,000 to create a healthier community. "The grant's vision ultimately is to make the healthy choice, the easy choice," Leber said. "We work with local schools, government agencies, service organizations, health and medical fields, businesses, county and community leaders, and others interested in improving health within the county." She said equity is also part of the mission, ensuring all have access to affordable, inclusive and quality services. "We work to break down the barriers and bridge the gaps that some face in our county to provide access to," she said. Leber said she's developed a county-side active transportation plan that she hopes to be launching this year. Another project the group worked on was creating food service guidelines for local businesses. At Huron County Public Health, Creating Healthy Communities installed a community garden that was completed in July. Leber said they are planning to install a community garden in Wakeman this year. She said they are also implementing a community garden program in Willard. Also in Willard, Leber said she has a vision of a bike-share program they hope to implement with the active transportation plan. The Creating Healthy Communities coalition includes 41 community partners and residents, with every city and village in Huron County being represented. Leber said the coalition will also be donating funds for playground equipment for the McGuan Park revitalization project. She said she will also be coordinating the beautification of the park.