Mission
Our mission is to achieve positive health outcomes for the Lynchburg region through community partnerships that develop policies, systems, and environmental strategies.
Vision
Healthy Environments.
Healthy Lifestyles.
Healthy Lynchburg.
History
A Problem Addressed
Key local stakeholders gathered after the Healthways-Gallop Poll named Lynchburg as the 8th most obese metropolitcan area in the US. Mayor Joan Foster connects representatives from healthcare providers, public health, the chamber of commerce, United Way, and congregational health.
Let's Move
LHL began and was named a “Let’s Move” city, an initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation.
Seeds Planted
Through a grant from Centra Foundation, LHL facilitated the Downtown Community Market to accept SNAP (food stamps), initiated the GLTC Florida Avenue Grocery Route, and supported 8 community gardens in our community.
Mobile Market Begins
LHL obtained grant funding to support a mobile market for partner Lynchburg Grows to deliver fruits and veggies to food deserts in our community.
Support for Mothers
LHL created a Breastfeeding Friendly sticker that was distributed to 100+ local businesses to support mothers and ideal infant nutrition. We initiated a relationship with the Birchwood community with support from the Prayer of Faith Temple and helped them develop an after-school child care group.
Community Recognition
LHL was selected as the Community Organization of the Year by Horizon Behavioral Health. Lynchburg was awarded 5 Gold Stars within the “Let’s Move” program, one of only 78 communities in the USA to do so. Each star corresponds to specific healthy challenges related to creating a healthier America for children and families!
Continued Efforts
LHL became involved in the Lynchburg Poverty to Progress initiative and supported efforts by the Parks & Rec Dept to reopen the Downtown Skatepark.
Step by Step
LHL created a walkability subcommittee that was subsequently drafted to serve the city as the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and worked to create a standardized process to prioritize sidewalk and crosswalk improvement projects.
501c3
LHL was approved as a 501c3. We collaborated with Parkview Mission and Food for Thought which coordinates a backpack program to feed hungry students.
Future Impact
Lynchburg City Council announced in its Lynchburg Plan that it would officially “[U]tilize LHL in an advisory capacity regarding health policy and programs.”