News Releases

The City of Pocatello’s Mayor Brian Blad, Parks and Recreation Director Anne Butler, and Grants Manager Christine Howe completed the Community Health Academy, a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health (the Foundation) that provides expertise and funding to help build healthier communities.

The Community Health Academy is a learning collaborative where Mayors and City staff collaborate and learn from local and national experts. Sessions in the academy focus on things that impact community health, such as childcare, communications, housing, food systems, civility, and creating pedestrian-friendly environments.

“It was an honor to participate in the health academy. Not only was it a great opportunity to gain knowledge, but also to give back to the community by receiving a $20,000 grant,” said Pocatello Mayor Blad.

The City of Pocatello received a $20,000 grant for completing the academy. Mayor Blad said those funds will be used for much-needed parks and open space management and maintenance. 

The Community Health Academy is open to all Idaho cities, who must apply to the annual program. Pocatello was one of 14 cities accepted into this year’s academy. The other participating cities were Ammon, Blackfoot, Buhl, Dayton, Gooding, Hazelton, Lapwai, Mountain Home, Parma, Post Falls, St. Anthony, Stanley, and Tetonia. 

“Cities that attend the Community Health Academy leave with knowledge, actionable items, and funding to help make transformational change within their communities,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.

About the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health:

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The Foundation is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing root causes that impact health. More information is available at www.bcidahofoundation.org.