There’s another prestigious feather in Fort Worth’s wellness cap. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has recognized Blue Zones Project Fort Worth, under the direction of Texas Health Resources, with its esteemed Dick Davidson NOVA Award, which recognizes outstanding collaborative efforts of hospitals and health systems to improve community health.
Over the past seven years, people who live and work in Fort Worth have teamed with Blue Zones Project to make environmental changes that support longer, better lives. In selecting Blue Zones Project and Texas Health Resources for the 2021 NOVA Award, the AHA called out the commitment to community health at a time when hospitals and other community health resources are stretched to their limits. Blue Zones Project is one of just five NOVA Award recipients across the country this year—and project leaders say the pandemic has underlined the importance of making healthy choices easy for every segment of our community.
Since the project kicked off in 2015, Fort Worth has become a more walkable, bikeable city, one where there is increased access to healthier foods and reduced use of tobacco. From restaurants offering more plant-based menu items to workplaces creating “downshifting zones” to reduce stress, the differences are all around us. And every day, more than 200,000 people benefit from those changes. As a result, Fort Worth’s Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index score has soared. The city went from 185th in the nation in the Gallup Well-Being Index to a tie for 31st place in 2018, and a 2020 study showed Fort Worth holding steady on positive well-being, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
The cornerstone of Blue Zones Project’s work is to make healthy choices easier—and to do that local leaders, business owners, schools, and residents have all come together to transform Fort Worth into one of the healthiest cities in the country. During the pandemic, Blue Zones Project expanded its role and used those partnerships to help meet critical needs in Fort Worth. That included providing meals, fresh foods and pantry items through multiple community groups; funding essential hygiene supplies; and providing books and supplies for schools, community centers and homeless services.
And the work continues! Ready to get involved? Try the Power 9 principles to create your own plan for a healthier and happier life. Check out local restaurants, grocery stores, schools, churches and other businesses and groups working with Blue Zones Project. And find out how your organization can join the movement by contacting BlueZonesProject@texashealth.org