BMVP - Engaging Communities

BMVP - Engaging Communities in Active Living

Billings Trail Net promotes a complete, community-wide trail system. According to the Yellowstone County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), 62% of adult residents made an attempt in the past year to increase their physical activity through changes to everyday behavior, such as taking the stairs, parking further from destinations, walking or biking instead of driving, etc., but only 29% of Yellowstone County adults regularly participate in adequate levels of both aerobic and strengthening activities.

The findings from the CHNA determined that among the factors negatively associated with adult physical activity were: low income; perception of great effort needed for exercise; lack of transportation to facilities; and cost of programs. The US Department of Health and Human Services calls for adults to do 150 minutes per week of moderate‑intensity physical activity, 75 minutes a week of vigorous‑intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination.

By increasing awareness, we are also increasing access to urban trails and promoting trail‑based physical activity, particularly among low‑income populations. Bolstering community usage of trails will reduce chronic disease while improving physical health; enhance mental health and social connections; reduce health care costs; overcome geographic or infrastructural barriers in low‑income neighborhoods; and improve community cohesion. This project will alleviate poverty by preventing chronic disease and reducing healthcare spending for individuals and families;

improving capacity to work; building networks of social capital and empowerment; enabling long‑term savings to public health systems; enhancing familiarity with trails and commuting facilities for those without vehicles; and catalyzing multiplier effects as improved health allows people to engage in more opportunities which can contribute to economic mobility.

Promote healthy lifestyles by developing accessible programs which foster urban trail usage in Billings, Montana! The overall goal of this project is to increase access to and use of urban trails among low‑income and underserved populations, improving their physical and mental health outcomes through organized walking and running programs, health education, and community events, while reducing health disparities and associated health care costs.

The VISTA member will conduct a community assessment to determine barriers to access; develop infrastructure for a volunteer network that supports trail‑based wellness programs and events; leverage financial resources to sustain community health and engagement programming; and develop sustainable programs that promote physical activity, health education, and community connection among low‑income residents.

• Relocation Allowance
• Training
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Living Allowance
• Health Coverage
• Choice of Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend

• Car recommended
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours

• Tribal
• Veterans
• Housing
• Community Outreach
• Community and Economic Development
• Health
• Neighborhood Revitalization
• Hunger
• Education
• Children/Youth
• Homelessness
• Public Safety

• Team Work
• General Skills
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Urban Planning
• Leadership
• Community Organization
• Public Speaking
• Conflict Resolution
• Writing/Editing
• Communications
• Public Health