December 13, 2021
Midway welcomed the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) on December 13, 2021. The community of 421 residents in Bullock County is one of fifteen across the state participating in ENI. The program will equip neighbors and community partners to address the pandemic-related issues of today while building capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow.
The Midway Nutrition Center hosted the lively ENI kickoff celebration. Several local leaders, citizens, and ENI representatives gathered for the event. The kickoff featured welcome remarks, a motivational message, and refreshments.
Mayor Mildred K. Whittington opened the kickoff by expressing her enthusiasm for ENI. “Midway is proud to be an ENI recipient. We are dedicated to being proactive in meeting the uncertain futures of personal health and environment. We hope that our community involvement with [ENI] will result in a beneficial plan that can be shared with our community, county, and others.”
Midway residents will join ENI’s Midway Advisory Group and Youth Community Council. Together, the groups will work to improve health outcomes for their town. Among other projects, they will draft a health equity plan. They will also create a “healing zone” in the community. “Healing zones” are natural and recreation spaces for improving physical and mental health.
“We are so excited to have Midway as part of this initiative,” said ENI’s project leader Dr. Arturo Menefee, echoing Mayor Whittington’s enthusiasm. “Midway is a wonderful and unique community. We are proud to partner with them as they continue to work for the betterment of their residents.”
Dr. Earl Suttle of Leadership Success International fired up Midway residents in attendance. His motivational message encouraged Midway residents to “master stress for better success.” His remarks aimed to empower residents to strengthen their physical and mental health.
Connect with us to learn more about what Midway residents of all ages achieve through ENI. Follow along on the ENI blog and social media pages to learn more. We can’t wait to learn alongside this wonderful community!
If you’re interested in connecting with ENI, email Midway’s regional director Candace Johnson Beers at candace.c.johnson@ua.edu.