Mayor Joan Hawkins is proud that Malad City embraces a holistic view of community health. The small city is the only incorporated city in rural Oneida County in Southeastern Idaho.

“Community health involves addressing the mental, physical, social, economic, and environmental aspects for citizens of a community,” Hawkins said. “It means working with local partners to see that all these areas are addressed for all citizens, from the youngest to the oldest.” 

For its efforts in building a healthy community, Malad City is the recipient of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s 2025 Community Health Champion Award. The award comes with a $5,000 grant that can be used for a program or project that promotes community health. The award was presented to Mayor Hawkins at the Association of Idaho Cities conference dinner on June 19 at the Boise Centre.

“It’s just an honor that we would be chosen because there are a lot of great cities in our state,” Mayor Hawkins said. “We have tried to address all aspects of community health, and for a small community, I think we have done well. Some things have worked, and others have not, but we continue trying.”

One shining example is the city’s efforts to address mental health issues. The city worked with several partner entities to create a Community Mental Health Committee that includes representation from schools, hospitals, public health district, mental health providers, the county, and senior center.

The committee launched an Oneida County Mental Health website and provided refrigerator magnets for every household in the county with the website address. An annual walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention will be held annually. The first walk was held last September to coincide with Suicide Awareness Month.

“We received an email from the University of Idaho stating they wanted to study mental health in rural communities and asked if we would be willing to participate,” Hawkins said. “I try to take advantage of everything that comes along. We’ve learned so much from this program and the small ways we can help. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Mental health is another health issue that needs to be addressed. I’ve had friends and family suffer from depression and didn’t realize how widespread that problem is. It’s important to address and get help.”

Some of the other community health efforts by the city include:

• The formation of a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. The student group has helped make food, clothing, hygiene items, and blankets available for those in need.
• Park improvements have helped make the city park the hub of the community. Located just a block from downtown, the park contains two walking paths that are busy from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. The path is lighted. There are activities for all ages in the park, including a splash pad and pickleball courts. The park is the site of the annual July 4 celebration and the Malad Valley Welsh Festival.
• A community garden is in the park.
• Malad City and Oneida County received the distinction of AARP Age Friendly. A livability assessment and action plan were developed, which includes communication improvements, transportation efforts such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage.
• Community engagement efforts to involve all residents in projects and decisions, supporting the sense of belonging that impacts health. That ties in with the city’s motto, “Everybody’s Hometown.”

“Those born and raised here love to still call Malad home no matter where they currently live,” Hawkins said. “We want everyone to feel that they belong here and love to call Malad their hometown,” she said.

Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Executive Director Courtney Frost said watching Malad City continue to address community health with the four Ps — partnerships, policies, programs and projects — is inspiring.

“Malad City shows how cities can positively impact the health of their communities,” Frost said. “It’s really impressive how much Malad prioritizes community input from its residents. The city is a great example of a community that works together, and I’m sure great things will continue to happen there.”