Vision of a Healthy Community

Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) of St. Joseph County brings a dynamic vision and energy to the community aimed at pooling a myriad of resources and diverse interests in creating a "healthier community." HCI directs and coordinates projects and programs that affect economic, environmental, social and health issues—moving them in a cooperative effort that results in a "healthier community."

What creates health and healthy communities? Health is more than the absence of disease. It is an optimum state of well-being: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Optimal health is a by-product of people realizing their potential, and living in a community that works. "Community" can be everything from a neighborhood to a metropolitan region. It can be the workplace or a group of people with shared interests of faith.

A healthy community is not a perfect place, but is in a dynamic state of renewal and improvement. It builds a culture that supports healthy life choices and a high quality of life. It aligns its practices, policies and resource allocation to sustain quality of life factors including:

• Health services
• Quality education systems
• Childhood development
• Adequate, affordable housing
• Responsive governance
• Support networks
• Openness to change
• Voluntarism
• Recreation
• Strong families
• Safe neighborhoods
• Clean air
• Safe water
• Innovation
• Continuous improvement

HCI has put together a dynamic structure to encourage and facilitate the growth and development of St. Joseph County. This structure is composed of a board of directors made up of a diverse cross-section of dedicated individuals and councils focused on community issues.

A community's vision is the story of its desired future. To be powerful and inspiring, a community's vision should reflect the core values of its diverse members. A vision is not just a statement on the wall. It is the living expression of shared accountability to priorities.

As part of our mission, we improve communications, information sharing and inter-organizational relationships through neutral forums for dialogue and participation in specific projects that have been identified as important in our county. We already have the necessary resources to help improve the quality of life in our community. It's a matter of putting together a joint venture among the necessary players to provide positive solutions that make a difference.

A community's vision is the story of its desired future. To be powerful and inspiring, a community's vision should reflect the core values of its diverse members. A vision is not just a statement on the wall. It is the living expression of shared accountability to priorities.

HCI Announces Interactive Community Calendar

HCI is committed to assisting our community's organizations in pooling their resources as well as to enabling the residents of St. Joseph County to take advantage of the many events and opportunities offered by our organizations. Evidence of
this commitment to our community's present and future health is seen in our New Interactive Community Calendar.

Sign up TODAY for your username and password which enables you to enter your organization's events on the HCI Community Calendar.