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Liberty’s LCHAT honored statewide for decade-long public‑health partnerships
Summary
Liberty Community Health Action Team (LCHAT), led by Liberty Parks & Recreation and Clay County Public Health, received a Missouri Parks and Recreation Association award for its wellness-weekend program that provided produce tokens, community outreach and partner coordination to residents.
The Liberty Community Health Action Team, known as LCHAT, was honored by the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association for a decade of coordinated community health work that the group’s leaders say expands access to nutrition and wellness resources.
The recognition, presented at the March 24 Liberty City Council meeting, highlights LCHAT’s monthly “wellness weekend” events at the Liberty Farmers Market that provide $5 produce tokens to participating families, partners said.
LCHAT’s work “demonstrates the power of partnership by uniting public entities, private organizations, and community stakeholders,” said a presentation read to the council. Heather Borchert, who brought the award to the meeting, told the council, “I brought our award, with us. We’re very proud of the award. This is our fourth year, of participating in the wellness weekend.”
Daryl Meineke, director of public health for Clay County and chair of LCHAT, thanked the city for its role: “I just wanna say thank you on behalf of our board for the partnership that Liberty provides.” Borchert and Meineke described a network of partners that includes Liberty Parks and Recreation, Clay County Public Health, Liberty Schools, Liberty Hospital and private organizations such as the Farmers Market, Hy‑Vee and Serenity on the Square.
Council members and community volunteers noted measurable reach: program organizers reported that in 2024 more than 900 families received the produce tokens, and the program is supported by roughly $5,000 in annual partner contributions and in‑kind resources.
“Partnerships with organizations such as the Farmers Market, Hy Vee, Serenity on the Square, and local schools exemplify the inclusivity and innovation that LCHAT brings,” the presentation said. Organizers described the program as a model for other communities seeking to coordinate public health outreach and to avoid duplication of services among providers.
Organizers asked the council to help publicize the return of wellness weekends; Borchert said the events will again run on the first weekend of each month and encouraged residents to attend.
The council recognized the award during the meeting’s ceremonial portion; no formal council action was required or taken on the program itself.
