Spanning eight years and four phases, Invest Health stands out as a rare and impactful model, offering valuable lessons for small and midsize cities nationwide. The evaluation explores the outcomes of 50 small and midsize cities working at the intersection of health and community development. The three deep dive reports take a closer look at the initiative’s cross-city network, long-lasting impacts, and influence on the field.
As the Invest Health Roanoke team celebrates the recent groundbreaking of a resource hub in the Melrose-Orange neighborhood of Roanoke, Virginia, Dr. Liz Ackley took the time to reflect and recognize the value of remaining committed to Invest Health’s core principals while throwing the proverbial roadmap out the window.
In sharing the challenges and leverage points experienced through their work to bring a community resource hub with grocery, wellness, education and banking services to our community, we hope to accelerate equity-promoting community development projects in midsized cities across the US.
Mary Stimpson was supposed to be a high-priority candidate for assistance repairing her roof and furnace. Instead she languished for years without heat until some advocates went above and beyond.