Community Engagement
After a Gallup poll of 188 cities showed the Beach Cities scoring 176th in stress, 160th in anger and 178th in worry, the Beach Cities Health District decided it was time for a change. With support from citizens, the communities implemented Blue Zone’s methods and made a variety of changes throughout their environments.
Community Successes
• All three cities adopted the Livable Streets Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan, including construction of a pedestrian corridor along the main route people use for their work commute
• Smoking ban implemented at beaches and other outdoor areas, such as public parks, dining areas and parking lots
• 134 employers adapted their policies and programs to create a work environment where the healthier choice was the easier choice
• 42 restaurants optimized their menus to encourage people to eat better – mindlessly
• 10 schools instituted walking school buses, adult led groups of kids who walk to school daily
Citizens
• 150 Walking Moais formed, connecting 1,450 former strangers who now walk together weekly
• 466 people started volunteering and put in 850 volunteering hours since May 2011