Williamson, West Virginia

Partner Organizations Local / Regional Mingo County Diabetes Coalition Williamson Farmers Market/WRA Growing Warriors Local Restaurants (34:Ate) Public Housing, Local Government Community Gardens Community College (SWVCTC) Williamson Memorial Hospital Mingo County Redevelopment Authority Coalfield Development Corporation KISRA Federal & Private Funding Partners State Universities (Marshall, WVU) Amizade (Service Learning Groups)

Your SCALE Team Monica Niess The Write Choice Network Scot Deily Farmer & Nature-based Healing (SOLB) Jenny Hudson WHWC Diabetes Coalition Director Nate Siggers Amizade Volunteer Coordinator Darrin McCormick Former Mayor of Williamson

“Healthy in the Hills” The community of Williamson, WV is dedicated to building a culture of health through holistic community and clinical interventions in order to stimulate a thriving local economy centered around wellness for the entire population. We are looking to mentor other small, rural towns across America in building a culture of health that links economic development, entrepreneurship, and local foods through a health lens. We are interested in learning how to share the framework for building a culture of health that can be locally implemented and deeply connected to the local culture, people, and sense of place.

Top Three Sources of Pride in our Community 1. Building a culture of active living & healthy eating 2. Creating opportunities for meaningful work 3. We embrace our heritage and promote strong social network

Area(s) of Focus for our SCALE Work Social determinants Chronic disease prevention Access to healthy food Housing Entrepreneurship Local thriving economy We plan to improve equity by addressing economic development, entrepreneurship, education, food, and housing through a health and wellness lens.

We are most proud of our work to… Implemented a Community Health Worker model to address high rates of diabetes among target population that is now being integrated into the primary care setting. Significantly decreased HbA1c levels among diabetic patients. % of patients with controlled HbA1c levels < 9% rose from 9.2% to 33.3% within 18 months. Significant reduction in # of ED visits among patients.

We know a lot about….. We need help with….. Building a culture of health. Growing a local food economy. FQHC as anchor institution. Linking economic development and workforce development with health initiatives. Community Health Worker models. Physical activity and healthy eating programs. Health Innovation HUB model Developing measurable metrics to support impact of programs. Replicating best practices. Developing our regional Economic Transition model.

Favorite Hometown Spot(s) 34:Ate Williamson Farmers Market The Coal House Community Gardens Williamson Health and Wellness Center Monthly 5K Runs Downtown Williamson

Rob Harris “Chattaroy Holler” Words We Live By….. Our Community Theme Song…. We are committed to work in tandem with others to transform what it means to be a healthy nation. We will amplify the voices calling for change to build a Culture of Health. People are a communities most valuable resource. People are our greatest innovation. Rob Harris “Chattaroy Holler”

Celebrity Spokesperson Who Best Represents Us (and why) Dr. C. Donovan Beckett

Best way to contact us: Monica Niess Jenny Hudson The Write Choice Network WHWC Diabetes Coalition 505-795-5917 monica@thewritechoicenetwork.com jhudson@mingodiabetes.com