Cambridge Receives Community Health Champion Award
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health presented the Community Health Champion Award to the City of Cambridge on Thursday (June 11) at the Association of Idaho Cities annual conference. The award includes a $5,000 grant that the city can use toward a program or project that promotes community health.
This is the third year the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health has offered the Community Health Champion Award. All incorporated Idaho cities were eligible to apply. Cambridge is a city of about 365 residents located in rural Washington County.
“Cambridge has shown what’s possible when a community unites around a shared vision for health that is woven into everyday life,” Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Program Officer Lisa Bearg said. “Their creativity, strong leadership, and commitment to residents of all ages makes Cambridge truly deserving of this recognition.”
Some examples of what Cambridge is doing to promote community health:
It maintains a community clinic that offers space for rotating medical and dental providers to deliver healthcare services.
The city is updating its comprehensive plan with a health focus. Each chapter of the plan includes a health highlight.
Youth-led wellness programs tied to the America250 celebration have encouraged residents to be physically active and volunteer.
Sidewalk projects keep the main streets in the city walkable and safe for all residents.
Several community partners, including the library, museum, and senior center, provide a variety of activities for people of all ages.
Cambridge Mayor Mark Loveland said he was honored by the recognition and being a healthy community is a priority.
“We’re focused on that at City Hall,” Loveland said. “We want the best for our community and try to share that message as best we can. I want our residents to view myself, our councilmembers, and staff as people who get things done but also people who are promoting health in our community.”
Cambridge joins the cities of Cascade (2024) and Malad City (2025) as recipients of the Community Health Champion Award. All three cities have participated in the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s Community Health Academy and Mayor’s Walking Challenge.
