Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

Pilot-testing traffic calming, bike lanes, and crosswalks at Romeo T. Flores Park in Zapata

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After attending the Youth Planning academy held this summer, youth health ambassadors from Zapata County saw the opportunity to make improvements to their local park. Working with the WOW-E team, the youth health ambassadors conducted a basic site inventory and observations. The group was able to pilot-test crosswalks, curb extensions, a bike lane, a protected walking lane, and wayfinding. Youth ambassadors, law enforcement, and local park-goers noticed a change in vehicle speed once the temporary infrastructure was in place. Next, the health youth ambassadors will work with the WOW-E team to create a report to present to the county commissioner’s court.

The health youth ambassadors pilot-test was featured in the Zapata County News.

Grant Opportunity: (RISE) Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant

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What does this program do?

The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program offers grant assistance to create and augment high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, support industry clusters and maximize the use of local productive assets in eligible low-income rural areas.

Who may apply?

Eligible applicants are rural jobs accelerator partnerships with expertise in delivering economic and job training programs, consisting of the following:

  • Non-profit entities
  • State entities
  • Tribal entities
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Public bodies

To learn more/apply visit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants

Rio Grande City Comprehensive Planning Public Meetings

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The Working on Wellness Environments team is working with the City of Rio Grande City and Texas Target Communities to begin its comprehensive planning process. The groups, with the help of the local task force known as team ¡Adelante Rio Grande!, have conducted 3 public meetings with members of the local community to gather input. Citizens highlighted needed improvements in active and healthy infrastructure, pollution, preservation, and more. This is the first of many feedback opportunities that will help guide and create the city’s comprehensive plan. For more information on how we can support your community with healthy planning and engagement, visit wowe.tamu.edu.

The Comprehensive Planning Process was featured in the Rio Review, the City of Rio Grande City’s official newsletter, highlighting what a comprehensive plan is and the phases needed to complete the plan. Click here to read the feature.

Grant Opportunity: Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program

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The purpose of this program is to expand public health capacity by supporting health care job development, training and placement in rural and tribal communities. The expected impact of this program is to enhance clinical and operational capacity in order to adequately address the population health needs of rural communities affected by COVID-19, including those dealing with the effects of long COVID1. The RPHWTN program addresses the ongoing critical need in health care facilities for trained public health professionals serving rural communities.

Eligible Applicants include:

  • Special district governments
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • County governments
  • Independent school districts
  • City or township governments
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • State governments
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Learn more/apply at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336038

Happy Holidays

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Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.

– The WOW-E Team