#United States #Blue Zones #Grand Forks #Altru Health

Grand Forks: A Model of Community Well-Being

In an inspiring achievement, Grand Forks, North Dakota has made history as the first community in its state to be designated a certified Blue Zones Community. This recognition, announced recently by Blue Zones, underscores Grand Forks' remarkable commitment to enhancing the well-being of its residents through a series of innovative, health-focused initiatives. The certification is a direct result of the diligent efforts carried out in the Near North neighborhood, part of the Blue Zones Project area, where evidence-based practices promoting health and social connection have been successfully implemented.

The initiative brought to life by Altru Health System, in collaboration with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, aims to optimize environments making healthy choices more accessible. This community-wide effort is about much more than just healthcare; it’s about nurturing a culture of vitality and well-being. As Kristi Hall-Jiran, Chief Partnership and Philanthropy Officer for Altru Health, states, “This work is about more than health care — it’s about community vitality.”

Since the project’s inception in 2022, a broad coalition of community leaders, volunteers, and organizations has been tirelessly working together towards this certification. The initial outcomes indicate a significant increase in well-being across five critical domains: community, social, purpose, physical, and financial well-being. Notably, the community well-being score in Grand Forks improved by 3.5 points post-implementation, which corresponds to a reduction in emergency department visits and overall healthcare costs.

Evidence of Success

The statistics tell a compelling story: 37.8% of residents report thriving in daily life; obesity rates have decreased by 17.7%, contrasting the trends observed across the Midwest. Additionally, 59.1% of residents engage in regular physical activity, showing a marked increase, alongside a significant 20.8% reduction in high cholesterol rates — a critical health risk factor. The initiative has also attracted substantial funding, with nearly $64 million awarded for Blue Zones Project-aligned initiatives, generating direct savings of over $1.8 million in three years from avoided medical costs and lost productivity.

A Community-Driven Approach

At the heart of this initiative lies robust community engagement. Over 4,245 residents, representing approximately one in six people in Grand Forks, have actively participated in Blue Zones programming, which includes invigorating activities such as walking groups, plant-based cooking classes, and workshops aimed at fostering a sense of purpose. Moreover, more than 1,950 volunteers took on the role of Blue Zones Ambassadors, contributing thousands of volunteer hours to promote this project throughout the community.

Local worksites and educational institutions have also played instrumental roles. Ten worksites, which encompass half of the largest employers in the area, have achieved Blue Zones Project Approval by establishing wellness programs and policies that promote employee health. Schools have also integrated the Blue Zones Power 9 principles — these include encouraging physical activity, providing healthier food options, and establishing school gardens, positively impacting over 1,300 students and 214 staff members.

Local restaurants and grocery stores have made strides as well, with five restaurants and one grocery store earning Blue Zones Project Approval. These establishments are now making healthy choices more visible and accessible, enhancing community dietary habits. Moreover, 39 policies have been adopted to improve walkability, bolster local food systems, and minimize tobacco exposure, all contributing to long-term community health.

A Vision for the Future

As Brianna Monahan, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services shares, Grand Forks' certification stands as a beacon of what a united community can achieve. This significant milestone reflects years of collaboration and innovation, setting a powerful precedent for a healthier, stronger, and more connected future.

Impact Beyond Numbers

Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones, remarks on the gravity of this certification, emphasizing that it signifies real, measurable health transformations across the community. The drop in obesity rates and the establishment of sustainable policies indicate a pathway toward holistic well-being that not only benefits individual residents but fosters economic vitality throughout the region.

Mayor Brandon Bochenski encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting that the certification as a Blue Zones Community transcends a mere milestone; it symbolizes a movement towards embedding well-being into the very fabric of Grand Forks.

With solid foundations laid for sustained well-being improvement, leaders are committed to ensuring Grand Forks remains a thriving community where residents can flourish now and for generations to come.