Healthy Communities of Clinton County is heading into summer with a rebuilt community garden, a new water safety program, several upcoming community events, and 13 grant applications submitted in under seven weeks — a stretch of activity that executive director Lorra Archibald described as one of the organization’s most intensive periods in recent memory.
Archibald outlined the efforts during an appearance on WILO 1570/96.9/102.7’s Party Line with Shan Sheridan. “We’ve had a lot going on,” Archibald said. “It’s been a really busy spring, and we’re not slowing down.”
Community Gardens Rebuilt and Expanding
The community garden at Healthy Communities’ headquarters had to be torn out entirely after a sewer line repair required excavating the site. The organization used the disruption as an opportunity to upgrade, installing new raised beds and an elevated design intended to address recurring flooding issues. Phillips Greenhouse donated vegetables for replanting.
A second garden at the organization’s Mulberry location, which serves the local soup pantry, has also been planted.
In all, four community gardens are now operating across Clinton County —
- Healthy Communities
- Mulberry
- 180 and
- WeCare.
The headquarters garden at 1234 Rossville Avenue in Frankfort is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and produce will be available free of charge once vegetables come in.
Mental Health Month Includes School and First Responder Focus
May is Mental Health Month and Healthy Communities has directed particular attention toward teachers and first responders — populations Archibald said are often overlooked when it comes to mental health resources. The teaching teams at Rossville and Clinton Prairie schools are receiving mental health support as part of that initiative, and the organization is assembling stress and serenity kits for distribution.
Archibald pointed to broader cultural forces driving mental health challenges. “Instant gratification and digital technology are really linked to a lot of what we’re seeing,” she said. “Teaching patience is one of the most important things a parent can do right now.”
Her practical recommendations included using built-in phone screen time controls, connecting with faith or a sense of purpose, and avoiding substances. She noted that nicotine, commonly assumed to reduce anxiety, actually increases it.
The organization’s “Let’s Taco About It” 5K and walk drew more than 600 participants earlier this spring, with NHK and Frito-Lay sponsoring free walking tacos centered on reducing mental health stigma. The Heroes of Hope event also reached hundreds of community members with health screenings and services.
Water Watcher Program Debuts at Sapphire Bay
With Sapphire Bay’s opening this Saturday, Healthy Communities is launching its Water Watcher program. Under the initiative, one designated adult wears a lanyard indicating they are the sole watcher — no phone, full attention on children in the water — and the responsibility rotates among adults in the group.
The program is rooted in a sobering statistic: drowning is the leading cause of death among children with autism, a population that has a natural attraction to water. “Most drownings happen at home,” Archibald said. “People don’t always think about that.”
Free sunscreen and UV bracelets will also be available at the Sapphire Bay opening.
A planned bike helmet giveaway has been delayed due to a back order; Archibald noted helmets must be fitted on each child individually and parents should bring their child when picking one up.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
A recovery family fishing event is scheduled for June 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the lagoons. The event is free, food and bait will be provided, and no fishing license is required — it falls on a free DNR day.
The Indiana School Health Network conference runs June 15–17 and is free for youth workers who register through a Healthy Communities link. Those interested can call the organization at 659-6063.
“There are so many ways people can get involved or get support,” Archibald said. “We just want people to know what’s available to them.”
The primary website for Healthy Communities is: www.healthyclintoncounty.org.
