Natchez — Southwest Mississippi Rural Health Coalition announces that Natchez is the “Community of the Year” for 2009.

A formal presentation will be conducted at 6 p.m. on May 25 during the Natchez Board of Aldermen meeting.

Selection is based on the community’s efforts to create a safe and healthy environment in order to improve the quality of life of the citizens.

Natchez follows the City of Port Gibson, the 2008 Community of the Year awardee. Presentation of the award will be made by Christian Trantham, coalition vice president and award committee chairperson with assistance from Ashley Junkin, coalition board member representing Adams County and area social worker with Sta-Home Health-care.

The coalition seeks to assist the 38 communities within the region with the goal of improving the quality of life of the citizens.