WHAT IS A HEALTHY COMMUNITY?

According to the Center for Disease Control, “a healthy community is one in which local groups from all parts of the community work together to prevent disease and make healthy living options accessible. Working at the community level to promote healthy living brings the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people. It also helps to reduce health gaps caused by differences in income, education, race and ethnicity, location and other factors that can affect health. Healthy communities commonly have high vaccination rates to protect citizens from diseases and easy access to medical care and healthy food; are designed for healthy living at home, work, and school; and provide good mental health resources. Often, this also means it is safe and easy to walk, bike, and play in parks and community spaces.”

Check in here frequently for resources to help keep you, your family, and your community healthy!

 

Mental Health & Wellness

Empower Idaho, also a program of Jannus, Inc., wants to change the conversation about behavioral health to one of compassion and understanding. The EI team coordinates educational activities, both online and in-person, and advocates on behalf of adults with behavioral health conditions and their family members with the purpose of helping to improve the behavioral health system of Idaho. EI offers Behavioral Health Education Activities, Behavioral Health Awareness Campaigns, Advocacy, Resources, and Support, Information on Mental Health Parity and Rights, and Community Partnership Building.

Empower Idaho Website

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides an extensive list of Idaho Regional Behavioral Health Crisis Resources. If you feel you cannot keep yourself safe, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. If you want someone to talk to or need referral information there are behavioral health resources available to you.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Website

 

Crisis or Immediate Support Resources:

Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline – call (800) 273 – 8255, text (208) 398 – 4357

Idaho Housing Crisis Hotline – (208) 336 – 4663

GLBT National Hotline – (888) 843 – 4564

Trevor Lifeline (for LGBTQ+ Youth) – (866) 488 – 7386

Trans Lifeline – (877) 565 – 8860

Veterans Crisis Lifeline – (800) 273 – 8255, press 1

National Domestic Violence Hotline – call (800) 799 – 7233, text “START” to 88788

SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use) – (800) 662 – 4357

Nutrition & Exercise

Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition through a diverse array of partnerships, IPAN focuses on strategies and practices that make healthy eating and active living the easy, default choice in Idaho communities. IPAN focuses on four strategic areas; communities, childcare, farmer’s markets, and schools.

Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition Website

Idaho Farmer’s Market Association works hard to ensure the economic well being of Idaho Farmers and the health of Idahoans through increased access to fruits, vegetables, and other local products. Double Up Food Bucks began at Idaho Farmer’s Markets in 2016 as a way to increase access to and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for low income families, support area farmers, and stimulate local economies. Find a farmer’s market and participating Double Up Food Bucks market near you on their site now!

Idaho Farmer’s Market Association Website

Walk With a Doc aims to make hope and health accessible to everyone around the world, their doctor led walking groups are a safe, fun, and FREE place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends. Join them by attending a walk near you, or let them help you start a walking program with your local doctors, medical students, or health professionals.

Walk With a Doc Website

Southwest District Health WIC Clinic looks forward to offering you and your family valuable benefits and services to eligible families. The supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children is a place for families to get started on the road to healthy living. Eligible families receive tasty foods, individual or group nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to community programs.

SW District Health WIC Website

Important Health Topics & Idaho

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Resources for Victims: 

Women’s and Children’s Alliance provides a comprehensive and secure emergency and transitional shelter program, in confidential locations with round-the-clock staff assistance, 24-hour Domestic Abuse Hotline, (208) 343 – 7025, WCA Crisis Center, 720 W Washington, 8:30a-4:30p, Mon-Fri

Women’s and Children’s Alliance Website

Faces of Hope Victim Center is a warm and welcoming place where people affected by interpersonal violence can come and receive help with no judgements, no strings, and no fees, (208) 577 – 4400, 8:00a-5:00p, Mon-Fri

Faces of Hope Website

Family Advocates addresses the full spectrum of need with comprehensive programs for both prevention and advocacy efforts dedicated to ending child abuse, (208) 398 – 3155

Family Advocates Website

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COVID-19 Resources:

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials are monitoring the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation very closely. For more information, check out the resources on their site.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Website

Idaho Official Government has compiled COVID-19 resources including vaccine data and information, as well as, case number information and updates.

Idaho Official Government Website

COVID.gov offers free at home COVID-19 testing kits for every household in the United States. Visit their site now to order your tests.

COVID.gov Website

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Idaho Rural Health Association provides leadership on issues related to rural health in Idaho through advocacy, communication, and education.

Idaho Rural Health Association Website

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Idaho Oral Health Alliance leads collaborative efforts to bring optimal oral health to Idahoans through education, advocacy, and program development. The IOHA continuously seeks resources to help you seek optimal oral health, visit their website to view these resources.

Idaho Oral Health Alliance Website

Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers serve underserved and rural areas, offer a sliding fee scale, provide comprehensive services, and qualify for enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. Find a FQHC near you on the Health Resources and Service’s Administration data warehouse website.

HRSA Website

Full Circle Health serves the vulnerable populations in Idaho with high quality, affordable care, provided in a collaborative work environment while training outstanding broad spectrum family medicine and pediatric physicians, clinical pharmacists, and clinical psychologists with an emphasis on underserved and rural areas.

Full Circle Health Website

Terry Reilly Health Services strives to provide high-quality, accessible health care at a cost that is affordable to every family in the Treasure Valley. As a community health center, they serve Southwest Idaho with locations in, Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee counties.

Terry Reilly Health Services Website

Additional Resources

Stay Tuned for Additional Resources!