Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

Ralls County "Healthy Focus" Group
 

Date of next meeting: TBD

Location: New London Courthouse

MU Extension Project Coordinator:

Susan Johnson johnsonsu@missouri.edu

Ralls County Objectives:FY-09 Plan

Update on Objective Progress:  July 2009

Community Interaction Summary: 2009

Information:

Community Description:

Ralls County is a small, rural County of approximately 9,000 residents located in North East Missouri.  The County possesses many natural amenities that contribute to the beauty and tranquility of the County, keeping residents living in the area for generations. Mark Twain Lake is located on the western side of the County; the Salt River runs through the middle of the County and the Mississippi River borders the eastern side of the County. 

With a vast amount of open, productive land agriculture continues to be one of the top economic sectors in the County. The majority of County residents live in unincorporated areas, and over half of Ralls County residents commute outside the County to work.  Many residents travel to nearby Hannibal for services and amenities not available in New London, Center and Perry, the three small towns that provide services for County residents. 

County organizations and residents have a long history of collaboration, cooperation and determination.  Even though Ralls County is faced with many obstacles including declining population, decreasing tax base, failing infrastructure, and limited businesses and services, two of the three communities in the County have obtained funds for infrastructure improvements in the form of new sidewalks in the downtown and surrounding area.  With ongoing efforts to support a healthy lifestyle in Ralls County the Ralls County Healthy Focus Group will build upon the successes and assets of the County to make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice for all Ralls County residents.

Community Survey Results:

Adult (excel file)

Youth (excel file)