POMEROY–The Garfield County Public Health District (GCPH) discussed the community health assessment, the Summer Market, and the Second Harvest mobile food bank at their meeting on June 20.

The final version of the community health assessment, conducted early this year, has been released. It includes data from the You Are Heard survey campaign as well as stating where the district has begun addressing concerns. Copies of the assessment will be available to the public from the GCPH office located at the Pomeroy Elementary School. “The goal is to keep the conversation going on how to improve the community,” said GCPH administrator Martha Lanman.

The Summer Market kicked off on June 14 with a Farmer’s Appreciation Day. GCPH paid for meal tickets that were provided to farmers and their families. Also provided to the farmers were vouchers to be spent at any Market vendor, paid for by donations from farming sponsors. Over 20 farmers attended the Appreciation Day. The Summer Market will be extended into September.

The mobile food bank from Second Harvest which came to Pomeroy earlier this month, provided food to 183 families at the First Christian Church. The Second Harvest will return July 5 and August 2, if GCPH can guarantee 15 volunteers to help. Anyone who wishes to volunteer can contact Martha Lanman or Shelly Slaybaugh. The mobile food bank was arranged for by the Southeast Washington Alliance for Health.

A Summer Garden Club, organized by GCPH employee Jessica Nelson, has had a large turnout. Participants cleaned out garden beds at their first meeting, as well as created thank you cards that were passed out to the farmers at the Appreciation Day.