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

Blue Zones Activate, a health and well-being transformation initiative, has launched in Mason 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 Mason County will be led by Julie Knott, the new Executive Director, who will spearhead the local implementation. Julie comes into her new role with a wealth of experience in building coalitions among diverse groups to improve community health, education, and economic development. She has passion for rural communities, and her work and projects have received innovation awards. Julie was the regional director of the Emerald Coast Opportunity Zones, the executive director of Bayside Housing & Services, and served on the board of directors for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s Elwha Enterprises.

Knott commented: “I’m excited for the opportunity to partner with Mason County leaders and organizations as the community guides the work, and to come together to identify priorities and the steps forward necessary to help make healthy choices easier and more accessible in Mason County.

Eric C. Moll, the CEO of Mason Health, said: “As a healthcare provider serving the people of Mason County, Mason Health understands the importance of preventive care and the impact of lifestyle choices on overall health. We believe that the Blue Zones work will be a game-changer for our community, and we are enthusiastic about the potential benefits for our patients, staff, and community members.

We are thrilled to welcome the new executive director, Julie Knott, to Mason County. Julie brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident that she will be instrumental in the success of the Blue Zones campaign in Mason County.”

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.

David Windom, Mason County Public Health and Human Services Director, who was instrumental in bringing the Blue Zones model to the region as an evidence-based innovation, said: “Partnering with Blue Zones gives Mason County the ability to multiply the effectiveness of our efforts around healthy eating and active living. Using peer-reviewed, community-based approaches that have been shown to work in other communities will bring great value and help move the health of our community forward.”

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 https://www.bluezones.com/activate-ghlm/.