Blue Zones Project in Iowa

As part of Iowa’s initiative to become the healthiest state in the nation by 2016, select communities are participating in a transformation process and becoming Blue Zones Communities, where people live longer, better.  Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue and Healthways co-sponsor this state-wide project, publically endorsed by the governor of Iowa.

Background
The cities of Cedar Falls, Mason City, Spencer and Waterloo made it through the intensive selection process and in May 2012 became the first Blue Zones Project demonstration sites.  The decision was based on both citizen and town leadership support.  Six additional communities will be selected as Blue Zones Project Demonstration sites in the next year.

Video Courtesy of Wellmark^®

Media
6 More Demonstration Sites Named in Iowa
4 Iowa Communities Selected for Blue Zones Project
11 Iowa Communities are Chosen to Become Blue Zones Finalists
Iowa Launches Blue Zones Project™

Resources
Blue Zones Project™
Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index