Fifty-four Iowa towns and cities have submitted applications to be among the first demonstration sites for the state’s Blue Zones Project, a cornerstone of the Healthiest State Initiative.  Demonstration sites are communities where Blue Zones principles will be applied with the assistance of national experts and will serve as models to other communities in Iowa.

In November, 58 communities were invited to submit applications based on previously submitted statements of interest indicating their desire to become a Blue Zones Project demonstration site. These communities were chosen based on a mixture of criteria, including civic structure and engagement and how many residents live and work within the community.  Collectively, the 54 communities that provided applications represent the geographic and demographic diversity of Iowa.

Hospitals continue to be key players and motivators in the Blue Zones process.

“Promoting healthier lives has always been the mission of Spencer Hospital and it’s really exciting to see such a great grassroots effort in our community working to achieve Blue Zones status,” commented Bill Bumgarner, CEO at Spencer Hospital. “Community members are already embracing health improvement initiatives and striving to live healthier.  We anticipate this movement continuing to grow with the potential support of the Blue Zones initiative.”

“Assuming an even greater accountability for the wellness of our community is an exciting and daunting challenge,” said Susan Thompson, CEO of Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.  “I am pleased the Fort Dodge community has embraced this opportunity and stepped forward in partnership. As the community hospital and leader in health promotion, we are very engaged in this process remaining hopeful while looking forward to be named a Blue Zone community.”

Teresa Newman, Trinity Regional’s healthy living manager, has been one of the leaders in Fort Dodge’s Blue Zones effort.  She said the application process was beneficial.

“Many of us on the committee were unaware of programs currently offered by various businesses in our community,” Newman said.   “This new-found awareness will allow us to work together to enhance and collaborate our current program offerings as well as develop new programs.  That was definitely an unexpected benefit of the Blue Zones application process.”

Upon assessment of the applications, up to 10 finalist communities will be announced on February 10.  These selected communities will host site visits from February 27-March 16.  This process will culminate with the selection of the demonstration sites in May.

Communities not chosen as demonstration sites will also benefit.  An Iowa “Blue Zones Institute” is being established this year to provide leadership training and tools to help leaders transform their communities, work places and home environments, using a self-directed approach to becoming a Blue Zones Community.  An online learning collaborative to showcase how communities have implemented Blue Zones principles as well as a suite of online tools is also being developed.

For more information in the Iowa Blue Zones Project, click here.