Way to Wellville, a program founded by tech investor Esther Dyson, was created to initiate community health solutions that address root causes of illness and encourage action beyond an individual level.
Way to Wellville does not simply fund programs but initiates partnerships between sponsors and communities to ensure long-term success. The program selected five communities as incubators for these solutions.
Three years later, Muskegon, Mich., is finally beginning to see results. Muskegeon partnered with Colgate to improve oral health in the town, and the company provided local medical professionals with the education to give dental screenings at a local care center.
Another action initiate by Way to Wellville was the reintroduction of Muskegon's local farmer's market, which will now accept government subsidized SNAP benefits to pay for healthy food options.
After three of participation in the program, the town's community health ratings are beginning to climb, with inventive solutions enabling residents to maintain healthier lifestyles.
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