CHOICE Regional Health Network Launches Blue Zones Activate in Grays Harbor County, Announces Executive Director

Blue Zones Activate, a health and well-being transformation initiative, has launched in Grays Harbor County. Research shows that where people live significantly influences their health and life expectancy. Blue Zones uses evidence-based strategies to make it easier for people to make healthy choices in the communities in which they live.

Built on over 20 years of research, their innovative work in over 70 communities around the country has sparked transformations that enhance the well-being of all residents, improve employee and student productivity, and boost economic vitality and development.

Blue Zones Activate in Grays Harbor will be led by Chris Frye, the new Executive Director, who will spearhead the local implementation. Chris comes to Blue Zones Activate with over 20 years of experience in managing cross-functional teams, operations, and expanding markets. He previously worked at the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, in the Supply Corps for the U.S. Navy Reserves, and has been an adjunct professor and lecturer at Gonzaga University, Washington State University, and Grays Harbor College.

Frye commented, “I am looking forward to bringing the ‘movers and shakers’ of Grays Harbor County together to collaborate with the Blue Zones team and experts to bring positive change for all of our residents. By working together, we can create real change for our community, our neighbors, our families, and our grandchildren. It is ‘GO’ time in the harbor!”

Kyle Pauley, Cosmopolis Mayor and KXRO News Director and Morning Show Host,
commented: “Having someone like Chris Frye leading the charge on bringing in Blue Zones is a boon for the entire three-county region. A longtime Grays Harbor resident, Chris has an even longer history of work with athletics. This includes being a founding member of the Grays Harbor Sports Association, which works to bring fitness and sports activities for all individuals. His impressive work experience makes him ideally suited to bring us all into a healthier community.”

The Blue Zones approach to community transformation

Blue Zones focuses on the single largest determinant of our health: the place we live. The Blue Zones Life Radius approach is a systems-focused model to make healthy choices easier in all the places people spend the most time so that it is easier to move naturally, connect with others, eat wisely, and connect with one’s purpose. By focusing on the places where people live, work, learn, and play, Blue Zones has been able to move the needle in improving overall population health and happiness and reducing healthcare costs. Becoming a Blue Zones community is a three-phase process, and Blue Zones Activate (phase II) begins the foundational work of improving food environment and built environment policies immediately.

Josh A. Martin, CEO of the Summit Pacific Medical Center, was instrumental in bringing the Blue Zones model as an evidence-based innovation to the region. He said, “We are very excited to bring Blue Zones to Grays Harbor County and to have Chris Frye onboard as the Executive Director leading this work. Getting to this phase has been years in the making, and we are excited about the work ahead and building a healthier future together.”

The Blue Zones team is working with local leaders and citizens to optimize places and policies that drive lasting and sustainable change to benefit the entire community and future generations to follow. For more information on Blue Zones Activate Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Mason or to learn how to get involved, visit bluezones.com/activate-ghlm.