The Blue Zones Project Fort Worth is a community-led well-being improvement initiative that focuses on changing the environment to make healthier choices more accessible in everyday life.
While the program has been a success in Fort Worth since its inception in 2014, it is now getting national recognition.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) will honor Blue Zones Project Fort Worth with the AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award for hospital-led collaborative efforts that improve community health.
“The recipients of this year’s AHA Dick Davidson NOVA award have created collaborative partnerships and programs to address the needs of their communities during these challenging and unprecedented times,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.
The award recognizes hospitals and health systems for their collaborative efforts toward improving community health status, whether through health care, economic, or social initiatives.
Blue Zones Project got its roots when Fort Worth community leaders and volunteers, led by Texas Health Resources, the chamber of commerce, and the mayor’s office, committed to supporting “policy changes that helped create a more walkable, bikeable community; increase access to healthy foods, and reduce tobacco use.”
The Blue Zones Project found success as Fort Worth’s ranking in the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index went from 185th out of 190 metro areas to 31st out of 156 metro areas by 2018.
During the pandemic, Blue Zones Project Fort Worth pivoted from programming to supporting community partners to respond to community food insecurity.
Collaborations included providing meals, fresh foods, and pantry items, funding essential hygiene supplies, and providing books and supplies for schools, community centers, and homeless services.