With the help of the Kansas Health Foundation’s Healthy Communities Initiative, AWARE NCK, located in Mitchell County, is implementing ways for community members to become physically active and lead a healthy life.

It all began when local leaders realized their health outcomes were declining in the area.

“Eight out of 10 deaths are linked to chronic disease,” said Stephanie Simmons, executive director of Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation.

In an effort to promote healthier lifestyles, AWARE NCK chose to focus on connecting the area with sidewalks and trails. This includes sidewalks that lead right up to Beloit Elementary School to encourage more students to walk or ride bicycles to school.

To learn more about what this organization is doing, please watch the video above.