Complete Streets Program
Rosa Fernandez, director, Community Health and Volunteer Services commented, “Clinton Hospital became involved because Complete Streets addresses a priority in the Clinton community health improvement plan (CHIP, see page 3), healthier eating and active living. By improving our public access ways, people are more likely to go out to walk or ride a bike, and to be less isolated. From the hospital lens, the project also improves health care equity, making it easier for everyone to access our services.”
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MassDOT Complete Streets is a statewide funding initiative that improves the physical condition of sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths and roads to increase accessibility and safety for people of all ages and abilities. The town of Clinton, home to Clinton Hospital, received a Community Development Block Grant for the work, with priority given to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
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The hospital is part of a town advisory group that includes the schools, retail and other community stakeholders. As a result, more than a half-mile of sidewalk has been constructed in areas where the town’s network of pathways was disconnected. Pedestrian routes to the hospital have been identified as the 10th priority of 15 in the Complete Streets plan, and will be tackled in the coming years. “Another part of the project includes way finding,” said Amanda Curtis, community outreach specialist, HealthAlliance Hospital. “Existing signs point to the hospital, but they don’t always attract attention. They might blend in with signage for other town services, such as the police station and library, or may not be meaningful. The committee appreciates our perspective regarding easy-to-follow colors and symbols that will be well understood by the town’s culturally diverse population.”
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UMass Memorial Health Care
Clinton stakeholders participated in a program of way finding and sidewalk planning. Photo, top, left to right, Rosa Fernandez, Clinton Hospital; Phil Duffy, Town of Clinton; Ayn Yeagle, Growing Places; Amanda Curtis, HealthAlliance Hospital; Mary M. Smith, Growing Places.