Building a Healthier,
Stronger Joplin—Together
The Thrive Joplin Project is a four-year, community-driven initiative designed to unite local voices, identify barriers to better health and create lasting solutions for all who call Joplin home.
What is the Thrive Joplin Project?
The Thrive Joplin Project is a unifying action plan—developed by One Joplin in partnership with TEConomy and more than 150 local organizations—to improve physical, mental, social and economic health across our community.
Over four years, the Project will:
Identify the biggest barriers to health and wellness in Joplin
Bring diverse and underrepresented voices into the decision-making process
Develop data-driven, actionable strategies for lasting change
Position Joplin as a model for communities nationwide
Why Joplin Needs This Initiative
Joplin is a resilient community. But we continue to face challenges that affect families, schools and businesses alike.
- 18% of Jasper County residents live in poverty
- 16% of residents lack health insurance—60% above the U.S. average
- Nearly 1 in 5 residents lives with a disability
- Preventable hospital stays are nearly double the national rate
These numbers tell a story—but they don’t define us. By embracing the messaging and joining in the efforts outlined in the Project, sectors of influence (including businesses, churches, civic groups and others) can make a large-scale and lasting impact on the future health of Joplin.
Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more equitable Joplin for everyone.
Our Approach
The Project is taking a “Grasstop-to-Grassroots” approach, engaging both:
GRASSTOP
Community leaders, organizations and decision-makers with influence and resources
GRASSROOTs
Residents who experience challenges firsthand and bring lived experience to the table
This “grasstop-to-grassroots” model ensures that every solution is both credible and inclusive—driven by data, informed by real lives.
How The Thrive Joplin Project Works:
Phase 1 (2025–2026):
Understanding Our Community
- Surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to identify key barriers
- Creation of the Thrive Joplin Project document
- Launch of a community-wide Healthy Community Summit
Phase 2 (2026–2028):
Taking Action
- Champion Teams—diverse groups of residents and professionals—lead implementation of strategies
- Annual evaluations track progress and measure impact
- New partnerships form around shared priorities
Phase 3 (2028–2030):
Sustaining the Change
- Expand initiatives, identify new funding sources and ensure long-term sustainability
- Continue measuring outcomes and refining strategies to meet Joplin’s evolving needs
The Power of Partnership
The Thrive Joplin Project is powered by collaboration:
Community Champions
150+ Local
Partners
A Successful Project Means
Reduced rates of chronic illness & preventable hospital stays
Unified community efforts
Affordable healthcare access
Stronger workforce and economic opportunity
Increased equity in decision-making
Replicable model for other communities
How You Can Get Involved
Every voice matters. Every action counts. You can:
- Participate in community surveys, focus groups, and events
- Join a Healthy Community Champion Team
- Partner with local organizations to lead or support an initiative
- Share resources, expertise, or funding to help the effort grow
This is Joplin’s Moment.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Reach out to the One Joplin team to learn how you or your organization can contribute. Together, we can build a community where health and opportunity are within reach for everyone.