Following are six communities that have been nominated for developing programs to strengthen health care which resulted in positive economic impact in their communities.

Double Mountain, Stonewall County, Texas.

Stonewall County, Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Health Service Region 2/3 nominated Stonewall County and its Health Improvement Promotion committee to the NCFC Honor Roll. The citizens of Stonewall County are dedicated to providing a high quality of life in this small frontier community. With an aging and diminishing population (1,693 people as of the 2000 census, down from 2,013 in 1990; 26% over 65 in 2005) as well as insufficient health services, local stakeholders formed the Stonewall Health Improvement Promotion (HIP) committee in 2003 to provide additional health services. These stakeholders included the local hospital administrator, a local judge, and a librarian.

After conducting an initial assessment of health issues in the area, HIP has done a great deal with few resources. With the help of a small grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, they purchased exercise equipment, distributed health information literature, and began an exercise program with trained instructors at the local library.

Over the past four years HIP has demonstrated remarkable sustainability. With no major funding sources since their initial grant, they rely exclusively on donations. The exercise program has been such a success during the past three years of operation that a local Personal Trainer and Nutritionist was inspired to open Stonewall County's first fitness center.

For more about Stonewall County visit http://www.rootsweb.com/~txstonew/.

Bear Lake Memorial Hospital,
Montpelier, Idaho, 1950.

Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Montpelier, Idaho. Bear Lake Memorial Hospital proactively 'Grows' its own nurses. Partnering with the Idaho State University, the Hospital uses a combination of an on-campus Distance Learning Center, a hands-on mannequin lab and staff nurse trainers so nursing students can complete the main portion of their education in their home community. This program has resulted in five students graduating with nursing designations in 2005, nurses who will continue working for the Hospital. The Hospital also grants substantial scholarships for nursing students working to receive their LPN and RN licenses. This program has been in effect for several years and is making a serious impact on local nursing shortages.

For more information on Bear Lake Memorial Hospital visit http://www.blmhospital.com/index.html.

Aitkin County, Minnesota. About one-third of Aitkin County's 15,300 population is over the age of 60. In 2003 the community opened a new hospital and clinic. They operate a satellite clinic, collaborate with other area healthcare facilities to offer up-to-date surgical and specialty services by sharing surgeons, specialists, home care and by expanding telemedicine - making as many health care services as possible available close to home. As the largest employer and industry in Aitken County, Riverwood Healthcare Center is a major economic force in the area.

Aurora, Minnesota. Despite the closure of a major mining company in a nearby community that employed over 1000 people the local health care community has been able to expand. The number of physicians increased from two to four full-time with expanded outreach services. White Community Hospital was converted to a critical access hospital and the community continued to work on economic development.

Highland County, Virginia. The 2500 residents of Highland County, Virginia, one of four frontier counties in Virginia, have never let their small number deter them from providing access to health care to all county residents. Through strong community support that continues, the Highland Medical Center was able to open in 1996. Residents have an inclusive approach to community involvement that has enabled it to achieve many successes in spite of its small population.

Hot Springs, South Dakota. Hot Springs is a town of 4000 people in a frontier county. Four years ago the hospital closed. The community came together and was able to reopen the hospital and recruit several physicians.