Hillsboro, Elroy, Wonewoc designated a Wisconsin Healthy Community

The Healthy Neighbors Coalition of Hillsboro, Elroy and Wonewoc has been recognized for its work to improve local health by receiving a Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation.

This new program is intended to recognize and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin communities and to promote cooperation across multiple sectors.

The designation comes as a result of the Healthy Neighbors Coalition, a group of local organizations that focus on promoting healthy habits, exercise and wellness. The coalition consists of members from the Vernon County Unit on Aging, Hillsboro School District, Wonewoc-Union Center School District, Hillsboro County Market, city of Hillsboro, Hillsboro Police Department, Hillsboro Lions Club, Wonewoc Lions Club, The Good Samaritan Thrift Store and Food Pantry and Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics. The bronze designation was awarded to the communities for their collaborative efforts in improving the health and well-being of all.

"We're proud to be among the 31 Wisconsin communities that received designations this year," says Lacy Hammell, RN, director of community health and wellness at Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics. "This award is made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts by each of our members and their dedication to improving health, wellness and safety in our communities."

The Healthy Neighbors Coalition was developed in response to a three-year grant sought by Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics from the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. The grant provided funding to support a series of initiatives in the communities including coalition development, free health screenings, the development of wellness classes for the older generation, food distribution initiatives to help improve access to healthy foods and many other wellness initiatives including walking programs and a winter family fun day.

The bronze designation was awarded collectively to the communities of Hillsboro, Elroy and Wonewoc for the work done through the coalition.

"The future is bright and healthy for the communities of Hillsboro, Elroy and Wonewoc," says Danni Gearhart, CEO, Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics. "We have a new facility being built in Hillsboro, our organization was included in the top 20 critical access hospitals for quality in the nation and now our communities have been recognized for the work they are doing to improve the health and well-being of all. We're on a roll!"