Reno County Coalition promotes whole-person wellness through community collaboration
Information obtained from Reno County Government
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local health coalition is working to make Reno County a healthier place to live through a network of community partners tackling everything from food access to mental health.
Candace Davidson, health promotion supervisor with the Reno County Health Department, outlined the work of the Reno County Community Wellness Coalition Monday before the Rotary Club of Hutchinson. The coalition brings together partners from healthcare, education, local government, nonprofits and community organizations to address health issues ranging from substance misuse to physical activity.
"We want Reno County to be a place where people can live, work, learn, and play in a healthy environment," Davidson said. "It takes collaboration from all parts of the community to make that happen."
Local wellness efforts date to 2004, when the Personal Health Initiative Team launched, later evolving into the Healthy Eating Active Living coalition. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, community leaders in 2022 restructured and rebranded the effort as the Reno County Community Wellness Coalition, with a renewed emphasis on whole-person wellness.
The coalition operates through several focused work groups. The Food Advisory Council addresses food insecurity, accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, and food waste. Davidson noted that full grocery stores are limited to only a few communities in the county, including Hutchinson, Buhler and Nickerson.
The Reno County School Health and Wellness Alliance works with schools and healthcare providers on youth substance use, vaping, mental health awareness and chronic disease prevention. Bike Walk Hutch advocates for expanded trails, sidewalks and parks, and is currently developing a community bike and pedestrian master plan.
The coalition's Healthcare Access Task Force oversees the county's Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan. Recent findings flagged behavioral health and substance use services, affordable care, food security, medical transportation and housing stability as top priorities.
A Mental Health Task Force is working to reduce stigma and strengthen support systems in schools and with law enforcement. The group is planning a Mental Health Awareness Walk on April 18 at Carey Park.
The Reno Recovery Collaborative rounds out the coalition's work groups, focusing on substance misuse prevention and recovery resources.
The coalition will host a Community Wellness Event April 4 at DCI Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring family activities, educational booths and food vendors. More information is available at RCCWC.org.