West Concord, Minnesota – October 24, 2025 – The City of West Concord has been awarded a $10,000 Small Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to support a new Community Health Initiative through the West Concord Fire and Ambulance Department.
Rural America faces a growing healthcare crisis. Although 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, only 10% of physicians serve these communities—and provider shortages are projected to worsen, potentially leaving up to 40,000 rural residents without adequate primary care by 2036. Hospital closures, long travel distances to medical facilities, and limited access to preventive services compound these challenges, leading to higher rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as increased reliance on emergency departments for non-emergency needs.
The West Concord Community Health Initiative aims to address these issues head-on by combining preventive care, health education, and emergency preparedness training to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
“Rural populations often face higher mortality from preventable causes and greater socioeconomic barriers to care,” said Paula Even Trenda, City Administrator. “By bringing resources and education directly to our community, we’re empowering residents with life-saving skills and building a healthier, more connected West Concord.”
The City plans to launch the Initiative during the Christmas in West Concord celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Small Town Grants support nonprofits and local government units that strengthen entrepreneurship, early childhood development, and community vitality across SMIF’s 20-county region.
About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 counties across south-central and southeastern Minnesota. Over the past 37 years, SMIF has provided more than $154 million in grants, loans, and programming throughout the region. SMIF’s key focus areas include entrepreneurship, early childhood development, and community vitality.
To learn more about SMIF’s work and mission, visit www.smifoundation.org.
West Concord is a city located in the northwest corner of Dodge County and home to approximately 850 residents. The West Concord Fire and Ambulance is a volunteer led service.
