Eighty-four communities in Iowa have submitted a “statement of interest” to become one of 10 demonstration sites for the state’s Blue Zones Project.  Submission of the statement of interest is the first step of the application process for the Blue Zones Project.  About three-fourths of the 84 communities are home to at least one hospital – and hospitals have taken leadership roles to bring Blue Zones home. 

The Blue Zones Project is based upon findings from an eight-year worldwide longevity study to identify common elements of the world’s longest-lived cultures.  Blue Zones uses third-party research and direct studies to identify the world’s best practices in longevity and well-being. Working in collaboration with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, it uses this research to develop lifestyle management tools.  In 2009, Blue Zones led a 10-month pilot project in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where residents increased their projected life expectancy by 2.9 years.  In addition, employers in that city reported a decline in health care claims cost and a drop in absenteeism. 

“Iowans have sent a clear signal that they are eager to improve their well-being,” said Justin Smith, co-leader of the Blue Zones Project.  “During the road shows, we were impressed by the passion shown by communities throughout Iowa and we look forward to the next stage in this exciting journey together.” 

Blue Zones is tracking community interest in the project and one of the leaders from the start has been Grundy Center. There, Grundy County Memorial Hospital has been a highly active Blue Zones supporter and leader.  “For us, this is a very mission-driven project,” said hospital CEO Pam Delagardelle.  “The path to becoming a Blue Zones community aligns perfectly with our hospital’s mission of ‘improving the health of the communities we serve.’”  

“It’s a perfect time for our hospital to drive this initiative for our community – we have the local infrastructure in place with strategic partners like public health, the school district, and local businesses all actively involved in community health implementation.  The prospect of transforming our community’s well-being is exciting and energizing and our stakeholders are prepared to align efforts to accomplish the transformation.” 

Algona is another place that has received significant community support for its Blue Zones application and Kossuth Regional Health Center (KRHC) has led the way with several staff members joining in the community-wide effort.  “We know that lifestyle choices make a big impact on people’s overall health and see great value in investing in wellness opportunities for the community and on behalf of our own employees,” said KRHC CEO Scott Curtis.  

“We have encouraged staff from all areas of the hospital to get involved and have engaged physicians, public health nurses, business health staff and others in this effort so far.  In addition to working on plans and ideas for the overall community, at KRHC we have also started introducing Blue Zones concepts to our employees.” 

After the statements of interest are reviewed, select communities will be asked to submit a formal, detailed application to become one of 10 demonstration sites to receive assistance in developing and implementing a blueprint for making permanent environmental, policy and social network changes that transition people into healthier behaviors.  These communities will share their learnings with other communities in Iowa. 

The invitations to submit formal applications will be extended to communities by November 23, and the applications must be submitted by January 4, 2012.  Upon assessment of these applications, a group of finalist communities will then be selected to host a site visit between February 27, 2012 and March 16, 2012.  This process will culminate with the selection of the first group of lead communities in May of next year. 

Well-being improvement in the participating communities will be measured using the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the first-ever daily assessment of U.S. residents health and well-being.  Well-Being Index data reveals a significant opportunity in Iowa for improvement, particularly among healthy behaviors and work environments.  Iowa currently ranks 19^th on the index; the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, of which the Blue Zones Project is a centerpiece, aims to pull Iowa to the top of the index  by helping employers and communities achieve greater well-being, which should lead to lower health care costs, higher productivity and increased economic viability.