Blue Zones Ignite sets Sussex kickoff Oct. 7

Partners for Wellbeing, United Way of Delaware and the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities are bringing the globally renowned Blue Zones to Sussex County to launch the Blue Zones Ignite readiness and feasibility assessment.

The effort begins with an in-depth assessment of the Sussex County area that will help determine how to make it a healthier place to live, work and thrive. 

“We are focused on creating a sustainable model with greater cross-sector collaboration that improves health and well-being for current and future generations,” said Rita Williams, Partners for Wellbeing co-founder. 

Community leaders and residents are invited to help launch the Blue Zones Ignite initiative in Sussex County at the kickoff event from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7, at the Sussex Academy elementary campus, 22051 Wilson Road, Georgetown.

“It is a perfect opportunity to actively combine public policy, and community health and well-being for all people, and it comes at exactly the right time as we strive for more evidence-based, effective solutions to address the increasing and evolving needs of our community,” said Melissa Smith, DSAAPD director.  

A proven solution, the Blue Zones model is based on research and principles developed by founder and National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner, who identified the cultures of the world – or blue zones – with the healthiest, longest-living populations. Instead of focusing on individual behavior change, Blue Zones helps communities make permanent and semi-permanent changes to a city's policies, systems, streets, surroundings and social networks so it’s easier for residents to eat wisely, move naturally and connect more with others as they progress through their day. By improving the life radius – the area close to home where most Americans spend 90% of their lives – Blue Zones transformations have been able to move the needle dramatically in improving overall population health and well-being, raising employee and student productivity, and boosting economic vitality and development. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use, and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs.

“This project is a beautiful example of the ‘Delaware Way,’ with diverse partners coming together focused on a common agenda for life-changing outcomes,” said Dan Cruce, United Way of Delaware COO.

DSAAPD is the primary sponsor supporting the first phase, Blue Zones Ignite. The Blue Zones team, comprising global experts in food systems, built environment and other sectors, will connect with select leaders, organizations and community members within Sussex County’s wide network to begin immediate work assessing the strengths, needs and challenges residents are facing today. Blue Zones experts will then work with local leaders and residents to build a plan for change.  

For more information, go to bluezones.com/ignite-sussex-county.