Local healthcare professionals say the proposed C&G Rail Trail would have many public health benefits.
They were among presenters at a public joint meeting of the C&G Rail Trail Coalition and North Mississippi Health Services on Thursday at the Eupora Depot. The coalition wants to convert the 92-mile portion of unused rail line between Greenwood and West Point to a bike/walking trail.
Eupora Mayor Blake McMullan, during his welcome and introduction of special guests, said the proposed trail would have economic benefits from tourism dollars and possible new businesses such as restaurants and bed and breakfast places. He also noted that Eupora is in the center of the corridor.
City Public Works Director Odie McMullan introduced public officials who were present and made brief remarks, including District 15 Sen. Bart Williams, representatives of U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Congressman Trent Kelly, and the president of the Mississippi State University Student Association, who was accompanied by other MSU students.
Comprising the NMHS panel were Dr. Craig Moffett of Maben Medical Clinic; Dr. Britney Williams of Eupora Pediatric Clinic; Steven Moore, physical therapist and director of rehab at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora; Nurse Practitioner Haley Murphy of Kilmichael Family Medical Clinic; and Administrator Robin Mixon of NMMC-Eupora.
All were advocates for funding of the rail trail — in general because it would offer the potential for increased physical activity for residents who live in communities along it. Williams said Mississippi has the fourth-highest obesity rate in America and an “epidemic” of pediatric obesity.
Murphy said she sees many patients with chronic illnesses, which can lead to depression. Pointing out that there’s a link between mental illness and lack of exercise, she said there’s no place to work out or safe place to walk in Kilmichael. If the rail trail comes to fruition, she said people could walk in groups on it.
“I think this trail would help with all the patients we treat,” she said.
Moore noted that walking is free, and said he could set up a walking program for people who are arthritic and could use the trail as part of their rehabilitation.
Mixon said the trail would be a recruiting tool for potential candidates for hire and help in retaining the current staff for the area NMHS facilities.
“There is nothing you can do for your health that is better than exercise,” said Moffett, who pointed out that the only gym in Webster County is NMMC-Eupora’s Wellness Center. He said the proposed trail would be safe and easily accessible for the small, underserved communities along it.
Also speaking were former state Rep. Cecil Simmons of Mathiston, a major proponent of the rail trail, and Richard Beattie of Greenwood, founder of Mississippi’s largest cycling event, Bikes, Bayous and Blues.
“My opinion is this is the chance of a lifetime,” said Simmons, who called the project a marathon.
He said the trail would provide improvements in health and economic development — “two things we need the most.” He also said the best healthcare is preventive medicine (such as exercise).
Beattie said the coalition is trying to build support for the trail at the grassroots level first. The meeting concluded with the showing of a short video on how the Tanglefoot Trail has benefited the Houston area.
