The Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition announced Friday it will partner with Van Buren County and the community of Manchester to launch a pilot program aimed at improving the health and vitality of rural communities. The Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition is a collaboration between the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, the Iowa Rural Development Council, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Under the partnership, the coalition will assess, plan, identify resources and implement strategies designed to help communities improve their overall economy as well as the quality of life, health and well-being of the community members, a news release said. The pilot communities are first undergoing an assessment and planning process using data and the Comprehensive Rural Wealth Framework. This framework is comprised of eight “wealth capitals” and was developed by the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) at the University of Iowa in collaboration with the Economic Research Service at USDA. It is based on work originating decades ago at Iowa State University by sociologists Jan and Cornelia Flora. “These communities were selected as pilots because of the wonderful things they’re already doing to create opportunities and address the ongoing challenges faced by rural Iowans,” said Mark Reinig, president of the Iowa Rural Development Council, in a prepared statement. “The strong leadership in Van Buren County and Manchester recognize the vital importance of improving quality of life and health – not just business – is the best path to rural vitality.” Learn more about the initiative on the Iowa State University website.