Lunch Keynote: Smart City Interventions to Build Community Resiliency and Health
August 9 – 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm
Main Sheraton Ballroom
We’ve got high speed access – how are we using it to improve quality of life and health in our low income neighborhoods? The Orchard Knob neighborhood in Chattanooga, a historically low income and predominantly African American community, has some of the worst health outcomes in the city. The community and a group of partners collaborated on and received a Connected Communities grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority to address social determinants of health in the neighborhood. Included in the grant are funds to provide energy upgrades, smart devices, air quality sensors (inside and out), free community hotspots, tech training, home access and devices, new HVAC systems/roofs, and 1000 free tele-health appointments. Participants will discuss the project and the prerequisites necessary to create a successful community collaboration focused on smart solutions and improved health outcomes for those who live in low income neighborhoods.
Speakers
Georgia Caruthers
Tennessee Valley Authority: Connected Communities Sr Project Lead
Evann Freeman
EPB: Director of Government Relations
Katherlyn L. Geter
The Enterprise Center: Program Manager
Marvene Noel
Chattanooga City Council: Chair of the Education and Innovation Committee