NEWS: Blue Zones Project Fort Worth Wins Prestigious National Award

Blue Zones Project Fort Worth received the prestigious American Hospital Association 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.

Blue Zones Project Fort Worth has created collaborative partnerships and programs to address the needs of their communities during these challenging and unprecedented times. Click To Tweet

Whether through health care, economic, or social initiatives, the award recognizes health systems that have taken collaborative and innovative strides towards improving community health for all who live there.

Blue Zones Project started working in Fort Worth in late 2014. During that time, Blue Zones Project in Fort Worth has worked with city leaders, neighborhoods, employers, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and faith-based organizations to optimize the environment for well-being — making it easier for people to move naturally, eat better, develop healthy social circles, and live with purpose, among other areas of focus.

Fort Worth Mayor biking

The success and strength of Blue Zones Project in Fort Worth is a result of strong leadership by former Mayor Betsy Price, visionary providers and sponsors like Texas Health Resources and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, a strategic and committed local team, and engaged businesses and thousands of community volunteers. Efforts to achieve these objectives raised Fort Worth’s ranking in the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index from 185th out of 190 metro areas to 31st (tied) out of 156 metro areas by 2018.

The city’s 2020 well-being score was unchanged in the midst of the pandemic, and Fort Worth held steady on the dramatic well-being increases made since Blue Zones Project began efforts.

When COVID-19 hit, Blue Zones Project Fort Worth pivoted from programming to supporting community partners in responding to food insecurity. Collaborations 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.

Blue Zones Project Fort Worth is a Certified Blue Zones Community. Read more about the award here.