Pocatello Parks and Recreation receives Community Health Academy grant funding

POCATELLO — Mayor Brian Blad, Parks and Recreation Director Anne Butler and Grants Manager Christine Howe recently completed the Community Health Academy and received grant funding to build a healthier community.

According to a news release from the City of Pocatello, the Community Health Academy is a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program that provides training and funding for health initiatives.

During the Community Health Academy, city mayors and staff work together to learn from local and national experts. They receive training on topics that impact community health.

These topics include childcare, communications, housing, food systems, civility and creating pedestrian-friendly environments.

The city of Pocatello received $20,000 in grant money for completing the academy. The money was allocated to the Parks and Recreation Department. They used it for parks and open space management maintenance.

The funds were used to purchase a 2023 Kawaski Mule Pro-max UTV and a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV to use for parks systems, trails and ballfields.

According to the news release, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation. It was established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. It is dedicated to addressing root causes that impact health and making Idaho a healthier place to live.

More information about the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation can be found on their website at bcidahofoundation.org .