Richmond
wins gold medal for promoting health
By Jami
Elzinga
September 24, 2008 | RICHMOND -- Richmond city has
earned a gold medal award from the state health department's
"Healthy Community" program.
The city started this program a year ago to try to
give healthier options to choose from for everyone,
especially at city events and in restaurants. They have
also encouraged mass transit as a way to cut down on
pollution.
The initiative to start the program came from City
Councilwoman Terri Wierenga, who plays a very active
role in the community. The reward was a $300 stipend
to help further those goals.
Where the money will go has yet to be decided, but
the city council is taking suggestions from the community.
Last year was the first year Richmond has participated
in the program, and they took the silver award.
Jeff Young of the Richmond City Council said he thought
it was a great thing. Only three of these awards are
given out for the whole state.
Brad Jensen, another member of the council, said he
thought Terri did a great job, and it's a good thing
for the city. "[We] didn't have to do a lot. It says
a lot about the city. We didn't have to change a whole
lot because we were already doing it."
According to the state health department's Web site,
"the Healthy Community awards program recognizes the
outstanding achievements of cities and towns in implementing
health-related policies and ensuring healthy community
environments. It acknowledges efforts to encourage residents
and public employees to make healthy choices."
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