Blue Zones Project - Assessment Report
October 25,2013
The city of Fort Worth would like to share some great news and update residents on the progress of the Blue Zones Project, a program that provides Fort Worth with an opportunity to create a blueprint for well-being that could be a model for cities around the country.
In a recent update, Mayor Betsy Price outlines the city's vision about the future of the project and offers a link to the full assessment report which can be found here.
"After dozens of meetings, hundreds of conversations, focus groups and city tours, the Blue Zones Project researchers have determined Fort Worth a viable location with the right support structure and leadership in place to transform well-being in our community. Communities that are chosen must demonstrate the social capital, civic leadership and public will to carry out a large-scale, community-wide initiative like a Blue Zones Project. It is a real testament to the leadership and the people of Fort Worth that the researchers see these attributes alive and well in our community.
The successes, challenges and opportunities identifi¬ed for each sector during the assessment are detailed in the full assessment report, which is available online at www.TexasHealth.org/bluezonesproject.com. You may also email us at bluezonesproject@texashealth.org to request that a PDF be e-mailed to you.
Next Steps: Over the next 60 days, we’ll begin having conversations with large employers, foundations and other key leaders in Fort Worth about how they might be able to help underwrite this privately funded project. Many of you will receive a phone call or an invitation to meet with us so there is an opportunity to be more closely connected to this project.
We propose the Project launch in early 2014, continuing for a ¬five year duration. Every neighborhood in the city will be engaged in the Blue Zones Project. To implement such an effort, there will be a variety of volunteer leadership roles available on various advisory and project committees. If you have an interest in serving or leading a neighborhood effort, please email bluezonesproject@texashealth.org.
All along this journey we will have the ability to track and reliably compare outcomes with other areas of the country. Blue Zones and Healthways have shown success employing evidenced-based ways to help people live longer better by impacting their environments where people live, work, and play. At ww.texashealth.org/well-being, there is specifi¬c information about the value proposition for the Blue Zones Project, methodology, science, and the tangible ways we will measure success.
We believe the Blue Zones Project teams and city and neighborhood leaders will help us create a city that is healthier and more walkable, bikeable, and socially engaged—and a place where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Through this
Project, we can ensure Fort Worth’s continued population growth is stimulated by superior well-being and economic competitiveness. All big wins for our city!
An endeavor like the Blue Zones Project is not only the right thing to do, it is one which will bene¬t generations to come and set Fort Worth apart.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to the City of Fort Worth. We look forward to working with you!"