In the last few years, RiverStone has supported or implemented programs that encourage healthy behaviors in the community, specifically targeting physical activity and nutritious eating habits.

The Gardeners' Market at South Park, created by the Healthy By Design community coalition, was put together as an effort to give South Side residents easy access to fresh vegetables and fruit. The nearest grocery store to the South Side is an Albertsons on the far side of an underpass and busy intersection at Central Avenue and Sixth Avenue North.

The Gardeners' Market runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 5.

RiverStone has also partnered with Billings Parks and Recreation to launch Park Rx, an initiative that encourages people to get out and get active in the public spaces near their neighborhoods.

The initiative even includes support from veterinarians, who encourage their clients to take their pets out to a park or trail.

Some people simply won't get up and out of the house, "but if they know it's valuable to their pet, they'll do it," Oakley said.

One of the key components of the Robert Wood John Foundation study is an examination of state policy and its impact on public health.