Millcreek wants every resident to have an equal opportunity to be healthy. To achieve this, Millcreek established the Millcreek Promise Program to create a safer, healthier community for all. The Promise Program plans events and service projects to increase access to healthy food, de-stigmatize mental health, and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation. Millcreek installed a futsal court in a portion of the city home to lower-income, immigrant, and refugee populations. Millcreek also partnered with the IRC New Roots Program to promote local food production and incentivize growing culturally appropriate foods. The city website has a resource page to inform residents of opportunities for healthy eating, active living, and improving mental health.

HEALTH STRATEGIES

Collaboration

• A relationship with the local health department
• A resources page the city website to assist in accessing healthy food, physical activity, and mental health resources
• Health-related objectives in city's general plan
• A moderate income housing plan

Active Living

• Free and low-cost community sports/fitness programs for adults and children
• Conducted a walkability audit
• Connected walking and biking trails
• An active transportation plan
• An ordinance that requires new subdivisions to provide sidewalks and lights
• Wayfinding signage that promotes active transportation

Access to Healthy Food

• A farmers market that accepts SNAP benefits
• Provided financial incentives for a grocery store to locate in an underserved area
• A community garden

Mental Health

• At least one evidence-based program or initiative that provides education, awareness, and training to community members around mental health
• Promoted the use of the SafeUT app in schools and other community centers
• Medication disposal services, locations, or programs
• Gun locks available for free for community members

2024 Redesignation:

To be redesignated in Spring 2024, Millcreek continued to work hard to ensure that every resident has access to healthy food and mental health resources. The city partnered with Wasteless Solutions to launch a garden share program that distributes excess produce from residents’ gardens to organizations and food pantries that address hunger in the community. Millcreek also partnered with Housing Connect to host resource fairs that provide refugees and low-income residents with resources for education, health, and safety. This ensures that a strong foundation is in place for improved mental wellbeing.

HEALTH STRATEGIES

Access to Healthy Food

• Host a community program to promote healthy eating

Mental Health

• Host a community event to support a vulnerable demographic