[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Public Health and Human Services Adds Two Live Well Staff Members

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrea Waner
Public Information Officer
andrea.waner at como.gov
573-874-7632

Public Health and Human Services Adds Two Live Well Staff Members

COLUMBIA, MO (May 10, 2016) - (COLUMBIA) - The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services welcomes two new staff members to address community needs through the Live Well Boone County initiative.

Verna LaBoy will join the Live Well by Faith program as a health educator. Live Well by Faith is a wellness initiative for historically black churches aimed at reducing disparities in Boone County by decreasing the prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes among African Americans. Verna will work to create strong, sustainable health ministries in churches and supply them with the tools and skills necessary to address these areas. From her involvement with Youth Empowerment Zone and Living Large to the Worley Street Roundtable and Smithton Valley Neighborhood Association, Verna has extensive experience working with and building relationships in the Columbia community.

Lynn Bollinger, MSW, LCSW, will serve as a social services specialist with the Live Well Boone County initiative. She will assist Boone County adults in establishing regular medical care through outreach and education. Lynn will also provide case management and follow up with adults who have encountered obstacles that make the goal of finding a medical home difficult to achieve and maintain, such as cost transportation, cultural and language barriers, and lack of comprehensive insurance. Lynn, a long time Boone County resident, looks to encourage and empower people to increase their independence and confidence. Her extensive social work experience in the areas of child welfare and mental health will be essential as she addresses these complex issues.

Live Well Boone County is a long-term, community-owned plan outlining actions to be taken in order to improve the health of Boone County in five strategic issue areas: safe and healthy neighborhoods, healthy lifestyles, access to health care, disparities and behavioral health. Funding for this portion of Live Well Boone County was awarded through the Boone County Health fund. More information about the effort to obtain a vibrant, diverse, and caring community in which all individuals can achieve their optimum physical, mental, cultural, social, spiritual and economic health can be found at www.CoMo.gov/health/about-us/publications/.

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