Research shows the two most important factors in a person’s health is where they live and how they live. Therefore, Blue Zones works with communities to optimize public policies, social connections, and the places and spaces where people spend the most time (streets, parks, schools, workplaces, grocery stores, faith communities, homes) to help make healthy choices easy and more accessible to all. Participating communities have seen double-digit drops in obesity and smoking rates, economic investment in downtown corridors, grant funding awards to support policies and programs to improve health equity, and measurable savings in health care costs.
LVHN funded the initial Blue Zones assessment in 2023, during which the Blue Zones team did a deep dive into the region to determine if it was feasible to launch a community-wide initiative. “Working together with community leaders, and with results from the assessment, we feel the Lehigh Valley is an ideal place to continue this highly positive effort,” says Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, LVHN. “As stewards of public health and preventive medicine, LVHN has a responsibility to support improvements that will elevate the health of our community. This project will help the three largest municipalities in the Lehigh Valley become models for good health and longevity.”
The launch of Blue Zones Project and Blue Zones Activate in the Lehigh Valley represents the beginning of a multiyear collaborative effort that involves municipalities in the region working together toward one common goal – to support and build a culture of community health and well-being.
Local municipal leaders are on board and excited about the initiative.
“I am thankful to Lehigh Valley Health Network and City Center Group for bringing the Blue Zones program to the Lehigh Valley,” says Easton Mayor Salvatore J. Panto Jr. “I’m honored that they included the residents of Easton in this worthwhile community program that explores health and longevity.”
“Bethlehem is excited to join Allentown and Easton as part of this groundbreaking movement,” says Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds. “This is just another example of how the three cities work together to tackle issues on a regional level. Blue Zones Activate will build upon existing initiatives and collaborative partnerships to create environments that support healthy lifestyles.”
"From day one, my administration has focused on improving health outcomes for Allentown's residents,” Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk, says. “I'm so grateful to Lehigh Valley Health Network and to City Center Group for their commitment to partnering with Allentown to take this significant leap forward in health equity. Together, we can ensure that our city remains focused on resident well-being through social engagement, healthy activity and nutrition."
“The research-backed and evidence-based models of Blue Zones Project and Blue Zones Activate leads to healthier, happier and more productive communities,” says Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones and co-founder of Blue Zones Project. “In the Lehigh Valley, the right forward-thinking public and private sector leaders have come together to get things done for the good of the entire region, which positions us for a successful journey towards a healthier community."
