They say you can’t fight City Hall, and I agree. That’s why I asked City Hall to join me in a fight – a fight to rid the world of extreme poverty. Mayor Donnie Brown happily agreed and signed a proclamation today to make New Madrid a City of ONE. By doing so, he has given Missouri its first City of ONE and has officially joined an effort to end extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

Members of the community stood with me on Friday to watch as Mayor Brown signed the proclamation. As parents, nurses, business leaders and people of faith, we feel the need to do more around the world.

I look forward to working with others around the state to spread the message. So far, I’ve signed up 100 people after New Madrid’s City of ONE announcement. Missourians are beginning to see that we can get involved and save lives right here at home. I hope to see more Cities of ONE pop up around the state because this is a great way to get involved and shine light on important issues.

New Madrid now joins 109 cities, 10 states and three colleges that have been declared Cities, States and Colleges of ONE across the country. I want what Mayor Donnie Brown started to continue across the state – let’s lead the country with Cities of ONE!

-Cheryl White, CEO Semo Health Network