Addressing issues that improve education, health, community, and financial security in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. We focus on strengthening communities and growing public and private partnerships that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Mid Southerners have made incredible contributions to literature, music, cinema and cuisine, among others. However, residents working in the cultural economy face low-incomes, seasonal employment and lack of insurance. Can a focus on promoting the talents and creativity of the region help improve outcomes for those in the creative class, while making vibrant communities in the process? Episode 2 takes a look into the creative economies of Mississippi and Louisiana.
The Foundation for the Mid South and its partners recently hosted the Healthy Southern Cities Summit which brought together 30 municipal leaders from small towns and large cities to address their roles in improving community health. The mayors shared ideas and worked as a cohort to address community health challenges. During the summit, Chris Crothers interviewed Mayor Chip Johnson from Hernando, Mississippi Michael Drake, Chief Service Officer for Little Rock, Arkansas and Jim Hunn from Kaboom!, Inc. to hear different examples of how policy, technology, partnerships and civic engagement can be used to encourage residents to change behavior and improve their health.