Next event, Underhill Park cleanup and block party, Apr. 21

For more information contact, Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer, (509) 324-1539
 
SPOKANE, Wash. – April 19, 2012 – This Sat., Apr. 21, 2012, Spokane Regional Health District’s Neighborhoods Matter program will host a cleanup day for Underhill Park, 700 S. Fiske, in Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Immediately following, from noon until 1:30 p.m., the program will host a free block party at East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone.
 
Community members are invited to come help clean up the park and then celebrate with free food, a coloring contest for kids and prizes, a free raffle for prizes, and an opportunity to paint the East Central neighborhood bus. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and make new friends!
 
The event aligns with the program’s overall strategy to utilize a community-based approach to reducing disparities that impact maternal, child and family health in the neighborhood.
 
“We believe in connecting neighbors and strengthening communities,” said SRHD Neighborhoods Matter program manager, Rowena Pineda. “We focus on the assets present in communities, particularly the commitment and dedication of residents.”
 
Neighborhoods Matter has three overarching goals:

1. Expand neighborhood capacity to address root causes of health issues
2. Create connectivity among neighborhood residents
3. Create sustainability

The program’s governance council, composed of residents and stakeholders in East Central, identified events like the park cleanup and block party as activities to help meet program goals. Neighborhoods Matter is also hosting a number of free Play and Learn events in Spokane’s East Central neighborhood. There is a Play and Learn every Monday at the East Central Community Center, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Another Play and Learn occurs every Wednesday at the Emmanuel Family Life Center, 631 S. Richard Allen Court, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. These events not only foster relationships between parents and children, they are also a great opportunity for parents to get references for services and providers.
 
The program also hosts Community Kitchens, which are cooking programs for small groups of neighbors to prepare meals and take them home. The program also hosts Safety Community Café to address safety concerns in East Central.
 
For more information about the Underhill Park cleanup and block party or other community events, or about Neighborhoods Matter, call Rowena Pineda at (509) 324-1690, or visit the program’s Web site at srhd.org/services/nm.asp, or find them on Facebook at Spokane Neighborhoods Matter.
 
More information can also be found at www.srhd.org. SRHD’s website offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.