MEXICO – Dozens of people from business, faith, education, health care and social service spectrums are expected to convene at 4 p.m. Wednesday to identify area assets and determine what’s needed to overcome barriers to boosting the health and general well-being of its people.

The forum takes place at Mountain Valley Middle School and includes a free light supper. Anyone from the River Valley’s 10 towns is invited to attend and participate.

Scott Planting, pastor of three churches in Farmington, New Portland and North New Portland, and a social justice activist, will be keynote speaker. He will focus on the power people have when they work together toward a goal.

Patricia Duguay, director of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, said the assessment of community needs identifies assets and helps find ways to overcome barriers.

During this year’s forum, participants will focus on schools, neighborhoods and the environment.

“What will it take to have a healthy community in these areas? What will it take to accomplish that?” she said.

She said the forum will also serve to remind people of the area’s positives.

Following the keynote address at 4:15 p.m., participants will break into five groups focusing on neighborhoods and families, workplaces, environment, health care and education. Each will identify assets and barriers to providing better health and service.

Duguay said within a couple of months a list of top goals will be revealed and then volunteers will be needed to help achieve the goals.

Topics tackled following previous forums include tobacco prevention and smoking cessation programs, arts and culture inventory, and finding ways to prevent substance abuse.