Monterey County Becomes First County in California to Achieve Certified Blue Zones Community Status
Monterey County, California, has made a historic advancement by becoming the first county in the state to receive the Certified Blue Zones Community® designation. Announced on August 5, 2025, this milestone signifies a transformation in community well-being led by the collaborative efforts of various local organizations including Salinas Valley Health, Taylor Farms, and Montage Health.
The Blue Zones Project is a pioneering health initiative tailored to incorporate research-backed best practices aimed at enhancing community wellness through changes in the physical environment and public policy. It encourages positive social connections that contribute to healthier lifestyles. Earlier, Salinas, a city within Monterey County, achieved this certification in 2024, paving the way for the county's broader accomplishment.
Dr. Mike McDermott, the CEO of Montage Health, expressed pride in witnessing improvements that not only foster individual well-being but also elevate the overall societal health. He underscored the importance of enacting policies that promote healthy choices and public space enhancements. The initiative began in 2019 and has brought together a diverse network of local leaders and volunteers who have worked to cultivate improved health outcomes across the county.
According to the performance metrics, Monterey County saw a remarkable 3.7-point increase in its overall well-being score since the inception of the project. Each point in well-being correlates with substantial declines in emergency department visits and hospital usage, signifying both medical and economic benefits to the community. Some noteworthy outcomes include:
Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, articulated the company’s commitment to not only produce healthy food but also assist in building a vibrant community. Being a local sponsor of the Blue Zones Project, Taylor emphasized the collective strength of local organizations, businesses, and residents in fostering a healthier environment.
Through the Blue Zones Project, the county has successfully enhanced the ways in which residents can engage in healthier activities, construct supportive social networks, and live purposeful lives. The initiative has seen over 41,000 residents involved, with approximately 15% participating in various programs ranging from walking groups to healthy cooking demonstrations. Additionally, more than 4,000 community members volunteered as Blue Zones Ambassadors, dedicating their time to promote health initiatives.
The positive impact is evident in local workplaces, where 70 organizations representing over 14,000 employees have adopted new health policies. Schools are also making strides; 64 campuses across 14 districts have sought Blue Zones Project Approval by integrating well-being into their educational practices, developing gardens, and creating youth ambassador groups.
Restaurants and grocery stores have also participated, introducing healthier menu options and facilitating better access to nutritious foods. For instance, 62 eateries in the area received Blue Zones Project Approved designation by improving their offerings, while 14 grocery stores have assisted customers in choosing healthier products through promotional events and special checkout lanes for nutritious items.
Monterey County’s journey toward well-being has been supported by over 196 new community policies aimed at enhancing public health. This includes the formation of a Food System Coalition to pursue healthy food policies and the implementation of Complete Streets plans designed to improve community infrastructure.
Financially, the project has attracted over $133 million in grants to support health-enabling policies based on data derived from the Blue Zones initiative.
As various stakeholders celebrate this certification, Dr. Allen Radner, president of Salinas Valley Health, emphasized the future potential to expand on the collective healthcare efforts within the county. The county will soon be initiating a Blue Zones Celebration Week from September 8-16 to further engage residents in this well-being commitment.
The newly branded Blue Zones Project Monterey County serves as a blueprint aiming at making healthful living options more accessible and achievable for populations. By building on the practices established, Monterey County offers an inclusive model for other regions to adopt on their journey toward health improvement and sustainable community living. For more updates and information, community members are encouraged to visit montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com.
The Blue Zones Project is a pioneering health initiative tailored to incorporate research-backed best practices aimed at enhancing community wellness through changes in the physical environment and public policy. It encourages positive social connections that contribute to healthier lifestyles. Earlier, Salinas, a city within Monterey County, achieved this certification in 2024, paving the way for the county's broader accomplishment.
Dr. Mike McDermott, the CEO of Montage Health, expressed pride in witnessing improvements that not only foster individual well-being but also elevate the overall societal health. He underscored the importance of enacting policies that promote healthy choices and public space enhancements. The initiative began in 2019 and has brought together a diverse network of local leaders and volunteers who have worked to cultivate improved health outcomes across the county.
According to the performance metrics, Monterey County saw a remarkable 3.7-point increase in its overall well-being score since the inception of the project. Each point in well-being correlates with substantial declines in emergency department visits and hospital usage, signifying both medical and economic benefits to the community. Some noteworthy outcomes include:
- - A growth in the percentage of residents thriving in daily life from 58.6% to 66%.
- - A surge in physical activity, with 68.1% of individuals exercising for at least 30 minutes on three or more days a week, compared to 62% in 2019.
- - A significant 42% reduction in residents reporting high cholesterol.
- - Over $133 million garnered in grant funding.
- - A total of more than $392 million in healthcare and productivity costs averted during the past six years.
Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, articulated the company’s commitment to not only produce healthy food but also assist in building a vibrant community. Being a local sponsor of the Blue Zones Project, Taylor emphasized the collective strength of local organizations, businesses, and residents in fostering a healthier environment.
Through the Blue Zones Project, the county has successfully enhanced the ways in which residents can engage in healthier activities, construct supportive social networks, and live purposeful lives. The initiative has seen over 41,000 residents involved, with approximately 15% participating in various programs ranging from walking groups to healthy cooking demonstrations. Additionally, more than 4,000 community members volunteered as Blue Zones Ambassadors, dedicating their time to promote health initiatives.
The positive impact is evident in local workplaces, where 70 organizations representing over 14,000 employees have adopted new health policies. Schools are also making strides; 64 campuses across 14 districts have sought Blue Zones Project Approval by integrating well-being into their educational practices, developing gardens, and creating youth ambassador groups.
Restaurants and grocery stores have also participated, introducing healthier menu options and facilitating better access to nutritious foods. For instance, 62 eateries in the area received Blue Zones Project Approved designation by improving their offerings, while 14 grocery stores have assisted customers in choosing healthier products through promotional events and special checkout lanes for nutritious items.
Monterey County’s journey toward well-being has been supported by over 196 new community policies aimed at enhancing public health. This includes the formation of a Food System Coalition to pursue healthy food policies and the implementation of Complete Streets plans designed to improve community infrastructure.
Financially, the project has attracted over $133 million in grants to support health-enabling policies based on data derived from the Blue Zones initiative.
As various stakeholders celebrate this certification, Dr. Allen Radner, president of Salinas Valley Health, emphasized the future potential to expand on the collective healthcare efforts within the county. The county will soon be initiating a Blue Zones Celebration Week from September 8-16 to further engage residents in this well-being commitment.
The newly branded Blue Zones Project Monterey County serves as a blueprint aiming at making healthful living options more accessible and achievable for populations. By building on the practices established, Monterey County offers an inclusive model for other regions to adopt on their journey toward health improvement and sustainable community living. For more updates and information, community members are encouraged to visit montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com.
Topics Health）
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