SitemapYoungstown was selected as one of 50 midsize cities to receive funding for an “Invest Health” initiative to improve the health of those living in low-income communities.
The city will receive $60,000 from the Reinvestment Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, two organizations that focus on health issues. Youngstown is among 50 cities selected to receive grants from 170 that applied. Akron and Canton also were selected.
The grant, announced Tuesday, will focus on providing access to safe and affordable housing, and places to play and exercise.
The city team comprises representatives from Youngstown City Health District, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Youngstown State University Regional Economic Development Initiative, Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.
“Our cross-sector team is excited to continue our work to improve Youngstown neighborhoods and further enhance our strategies to improve health outcomes by strengthening neighborhood housing quality and infrastructure conditions,” said Ian Beniston, YNDC executive director.
The Invest Health team will work to reduce the number of occupied homes in serious disrepair with lead-hazard issues; reduce the number of abandoned properties littered with trash, debris and criminal activity; improve the safety and condition of sidewalks and streetscapes connecting residents to neighborhood assets; and enhance the condition of infrastructure in city parks and other public spaces, said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Cleveland Democrat.
“Youngstown will address health disparities linked to poor-quality housing and infrastructure by decreasing lead hazards in homes, reducing abandoned properties and enhancing public spaces,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th. “I am proud that Akron and Youngstown are using these innovative techniques to ensure that those in our communities are able to lead healthy, vibrant and secure lives.”
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