Environmental health is not often the first thing that comes to mind when discussing economic development, workforce stability or business growth, yet it quietly shapes all of these outcomes. 

In Benton and Franklin counties, a growing effort is underway to better understand how environmental factors influence both community health and the long-term vitality of the local economy. 

Environmental conditions affect businesses in ways that are both direct and indirect. Air quality, for example, has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, which can contribute to increased absenteeism and healthcare costs among employees. 

According to Healthy People 2030, reducing exposure to pollutants in air, water and soil is a key strategy for preventing chronic disease and improving overall health outcomes. These health outcomes, in turn, affect workforce productivity and stability. 

Beyond the workforce, environmental quality plays a role in how communities attract and retain talent, investment and visitors.

Clean, well-maintained environments contribute to quality of life, which is increasingly a deciding factor for businesses and employees alike.

Tourism, too, is shaped by our environmental perception of parks, waterways and public spaces. At a global scale, the World Health Organization estimates that environmental risks contribute to approximately 12.6 million deaths each year, underscoring the magnitude of the connection between environment and health.

Recognizing these connections, the Benton-Franklin Health District has begun work on its first comprehensive environmental health assessment. This effort builds on the region’s 2025 Community Health Assessment, expanding the focus to better understand how environmental conditions impact daily life and the business environment.  

This community-wide environmental health survey covers air quality, drinking water, climate impacts, lead and pesticide exposure, waste management and the environments where people live, work and recreate. 

For businesses, this is more than a survey: It’s an opportunity to influence decisions that directly affect operations and growth.  Input from local businesses ensures that future policies and investments reflect real-world experience, not just data. 

Without that perspective, important impacts can be overlooked. Your voice helps create decisions that are practical, balanced and grounded in how businesses actually operate.

BFHD will combine survey results with existing data to produce a report in late 2026, guiding future recommendations and actions. The survey is open through July 2026.

This effort depends on hearing from people across the community. Whether you’re a business owner, employee or resident, your perspective matters. 

By taking a few minutes to share your experience, you can help shape decisions that support both community health and long-term economic well-being.  

Go to: bit.ly/bfhd-health.

Erin Hockaday is the director for surveillance and investigation at the Benton-Franklin Health District.