Reducing Tobacco Litter to Reinforce Smoke-Free Environments
Elevate Kansas is excited to feature the success stories from our Mini Grant recipients. The 2026 Community Impact Mini Grants supported short-term, community-led projects focused on coalition capacity building, youth engagement, youth mental health and well-being, and tobacco prevention and cessation.
One community improvement initiative focused on promoting cleaner and healthier public spaces in Downtown Junction City.
Through support from the Elevate Kansas Community Impact Mini Grant, Live Well Geary County provided four collection receptacles to be installed near downtown storefronts to encourage cleanliness and support smoke-free environments within the community.
The project was completed through collaboration between Live Well Geary County and Junction City Main Street, reflecting a shared commitment to creating welcoming and well-maintained public spaces for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
By placing the receptacles in highly visible downtown areas, the initiative helps reduce cigarette litter and encourages responsible disposal practices while supporting broader tobacco prevention and community wellness efforts. The project also contributes to a cleaner and more inviting downtown environment for community members and visitors alike.
Organizers shared that even small environmental changes can have meaningful community impact by promoting healthier behaviors and improving the appearance and accessibility of shared public spaces.
Pictured in support of the initiative are Kalie Kipp, Chair of Live Well Geary County, and Jordan McCann, Director of Junction City Main Street, whose partnership helped bring the project to life.
Through community collaboration and prevention-focused environmental strategies, Live Well Geary County continues working to create healthier spaces and strengthen quality of life throughout Geary County.
To learn more about Live Well Geary County, check out their website and Facebook to keep up with updates.
Administered by Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Health Promotion, this program provided flexible funding to support prevention and health promotion efforts across Kansas. Twenty organizations were selected to receive $1,000 mini-grants to fund locally led activities aligned with these goals. These mini grants also support the broader purpose of Elevate Kansas: strengthening community health coalitions across the state by connecting leaders, sharing resources, and supporting locally driven solutions that improve the health of Kansans.