Build Stronger Communities Together
Local Action Teams are community-based groups driven by local leaders to create economic development initiatives that strengthen their communities.
Local Action Teams
Each Local Action Team is tailored to their specific community's assets, needs, and aspirations. Teams work collaboratively on projects ranging from small business retention and growth to infrastructure improvements and quality-of-life enhancements.
Time Commitment
Regular team meetings, project work, and collaboration with RCP staff
Who It's For
Communities, municipalities, local organizations, and residents seeking coordinated economic development
Active Local Action Teams
Lauren Coover
GrowLabette
Brad Stroud
LiveWell Crawford
Dianne Gambill
LiveWell Crawford
Linda Follett
Montgomery LHEAT
Aura Brillhart
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
LHEAT Innovation Projects
Explore the impact of Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs) across Kansas. The $2,500 PHIG Innovation Funds represent one additional opportunity teams received to pilot creative solutions. These 4 highlighted community-led projects reached an estimated 3,000+ residents through innovative solutions addressing food security, health access, and community well-being.
Local Action Teams
Across Kansas Counties
Residents Reached
Through Innovation Projects
Total Innovation Funds
For Selected Counties
Bourbon County
"Barriers due to lack of vital documents"
Vital Records Assistance Program
Key Activities
Navigation, fee support, forms, outreach
Estimated Reach
20–25 residents
Outcomes & Metrics
Documents obtained; participant feedback
Crawford County
"Food access needs"
Arma Holiday Healthy Food Baskets
Key Activities
Identify families; coordinate resources for holiday support; assemble and distribute baskets
Estimated Reach
Families identified via schools/choir
Outcomes & Metrics
Number of families served; qualitative feedback
Labette County
"Nutrition skills + community identity & creativity needs"
Cooking Demonstrations & Library Murals
Key Activities
Cooking classes; incentives; student-designed murals
Estimated Reach
150–200 participants; full library audience
Outcomes & Metrics
Class surveys; visitor/community engagement
Montgomery County
"Limited nonprofit digital capacity"
Social media & Fundraising Capacity-Building
Key Activities
Build social media platforms; training; toolkit creation
Estimated Reach
Multi-organization reach; ~10k impressions goal
Outcomes & Metrics
Platform activity; toolkit use; engagement metrics
Download Complete Data
Get the full LHEAT Innovation Projects report with detailed information on all 12 teams and their community impact.
PDF Format • Updated December 2024
About Local Action Teams
Since 2021, Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs) across Kansas have each received annual budgets of $25,000 to implement community-driven projects that address local health and wellness priorities.
These teams have completed impactful projects including Laundry of Love programs, community greenhouses and gardens, transportation initiatives, health and wellness workshops, and much more. All designed and led by community members who understand their neighbors' needs best.
These projects demonstrate how flexible, locally controlled funds can catalyze practical solutions, deepen community partnerships, and advance health equity in ways that reflect community priorities and values.
Why Join a Team?
Community-tailored economic development
Collaborative project leadership
Technical support and expertise
Resource connection and funding guidance
Professional facilitation and coaching
Regional networking and cross-community learning
Ready to Join?
Starting a Local Action Team in your community is straightforward. Here's the process.
Express Interest
Email jody@hbcat.org to express your interest in joining or starting a team
Email Jody LoveInitial Conversation
We'll schedule a casual chat to discuss your goals and experience
Welcome Onboarding
Learn about program structure, expectations, and how to contribute
Engage & Collaborate
Start networking, sharing insights, and growing with fellow entrepreneurs
Ready to Get Involved?
Join a community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders transforming rural Southeast Kansas.
Get Involved