United Way hosting discussion on health issues Jan. 5

The second of three Community Conversations will be next month.

The Community Conversations, hosted by United Way, each focus on a particular area of concern to the area. The event set for 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 5 will focus on health. It will be at the Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau.

The purpose of these events is to get input from the community on each topic and identify strengths and challenges, according to a news release from the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

The organization then will use the information collected to steer future programming and action plans, with the goal of reaching long-term solutions as it approaches its next three-year funding cycle next year. Once the series is completed, the United Way plans to share its findings.

"These community conversations are a forum to connect and share concerns, learn facts and identify skills and resources to keep our community healthy and safe," Melissa Stickel, director of operations and community impact, said in the release. "It's up to each of us to take steps in our own families, neighborhoods and collective communities that can together make a difference in tackling this problem."

The first event focused on education and was well-attended, Stickel said in an email.

A conversation on the topic of income will be scheduled for February.

Community Conversations are open to everyone, but registration is required. Those wishing to attend may register at unitedwayofsemo.org/communityconversation.

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3646

Pertinent address:

835 S. West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Mo.