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Application deadline: May 2
Do you know that mayors and city staff play a vital role in helping to create a healthy community? It’s because zip codes predict health more than genetic code. There are factors where we live, outside of healthcare, that influence health. The Community Health Academy gives city and community leaders a close look at many of these factors and provides actionable solutions that help build healthier communities.
Community Health Academy is a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program that provides opportunities for city and community leaders to explore how they can improve the health of their communities. The academy brings together leaders — mayors and city staff — from Idaho communities to learn from local and national experts, collaborate with each other, and activate a program or project in their community.
This isn’t your typical learning collaborative. Community Health Academy is a free program that combines important content, quality speakers, networking opportunities, and up to $20,000 in funding. This is truly a unique opportunity for Idaho communities.
Are you interested in learning how you can help improve the health of your community? Read the requirements and the FAQ, and if you are interested, please apply below.
I have worked for a government agency for 18 years and this is the best workshop I have ever been to.
Anonymous Survey Response2023 Community Health Academy
Topics
The 2025 Community Health Academy will include these sessions:
- Childcare & Early Education
- Civility
- Communications & Branding
- Community Health
- Designing Healthy Communities
- Housing
- Leadership
- Youth Behavioral Health
Dates
Participants must attend to receive grant funding (except informational webinar)
- April 16: Informational Webinar (1 p.m., MDT).
- June 20 (1-3 pm, Boise): Community Health, Leadership
- July 9: Civility Webinar
- August 5 (Boise): Youth Behavioral Heath, Housing
- September 17: Communications & Branding Webinar
- October 14-16 (regional sites): Designing Healthy Communities
Community Health Academy video
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Community Health Academy offered?
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing root causes that impact health. The Community Health Academy fosters learning and skill-building among mayors and city staff on how they can create a healthy community. The academy engages and mobilizes participants to enhance their leadership skills, provides them with community health resources and inspires them to influence policy, systems and built environment decisions. All of these actions lead to a healthier Idaho.
Who can apply to attend the Community Health Academy?
Mayors from incorporated Idaho cities and leaders from any of the five federally recognized Native American tribes in Idaho can apply. Those selected for the academy must include at least one additional staff member to participate.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications (see form below) must be completed by 3 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, May 2.
What do participants receive in the Community Health Academy?
The Community Health Academy will engage and mobilize participants to enhance their leadership skills, provide community health resources and inspire them to influence policy, systems and environmental changes. Participants engage in learning opportunities with regional and national experts with tools and actionable materials to take into their community. Those who successfully complete the academy earn a customized grant for their community worth up to $20,000.
What is the commitment required from participants?
Attendance at six sessions is required. There are three mandatory in-person sessions (June, August and October). Two of the in-person sessions will take place in Boise and a third session will be held regionally at sites to be determined once we know which cities are participating in Community Health Academy. There are also two mandatory virtual sessions (July and September) conducted via Zoom. Required homework (surveys, webinars, readings) can be up to an additional two hours per month.
What does the Community Health Academy cost?
There is no cost to attend. The Foundation will reimburse participants for expenses for in-person sessions. Cities will receive a lump sum for travel expenses such a flight/gas/hotel/meals based on your location and the federal reimbursement guidelines. The reimbursements will be paid in November 2025. If your city needs to be reimbursed before November, we will meet those needs.
What type of projects/programs can the grant fund?
Community Health Academy grant funding can be used toward physical projects or programs, evaluations or pilot efforts designed to improve the health of the community. After the academy concludes, the mayor will meet with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health to discuss the proposed project, and then funds will be distributed in late 2025. The mayor and city staffers must attend all meetings to be eligible for funding.
Where can I learn more about the Community Health Academy?
Email info@bcidahofoundation.org with any questions.
What cities have attended previous Community Health Academy cohorts?
There have been 48 attendees (listed alphabetically) American Falls, Ammon, Ashton, Bellevue, Blackfoot, Bonners Ferry, Bovill, Buhl, Caldwell, Carey, Cascade, Dayton, Driggs, Eagle, Firth, Glenns Ferry, Gooding, Grace, Hazelton, Homedale, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Ketchum, Lapwai, Lewiston, Malad, Marsing, Meridian, McCall, Mountain Home, Nampa, Newdale, New Meadows, Nezperce, Parma, Payette, Pocatello, Ponderay, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Rexburg, St. Anthony, Sandpoint, Stanley, Tetonia, Twin Falls, Weiser and Wendell.
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