City receives national health and wellness award based on resident feedback and community data

The City of Bloomington recently received the 2024 Voice of the People (VOP) Award in the category of Transformation in Health & Wellness from Polco and the International City/County Management Association.

The VOP Awards are the only national awards to honor local governments based on resident feedback and community data. A panel of judges reviewed the applications received in this category and selected winners and finalists.

In its award-winning application, the City highlighted high marks received through the National Community Survey and other surveys from residents for being an excellent place to live and work.

The City also provided examples of improvements in health and wellness services, particularly in its COVID-19 response, as well as in strategic tobacco prevention and mental health efforts. One result of this work is an innovative pilot program in the Police Department to match licensed therapists with students completing their clinical practice requirements. This partnership has helped individuals in crisis receive timely mental health support.

“Bloomington has always strived to be a place where people want to live,” said Assistant City Manager Kathy Hedin. “Polco has been an invaluable partner in understanding our community’s priorities and concerns. Their tools and insights have helped the City of Bloomington innovate and adapt our public health services to better serve the evolving needs of our community.”