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A culture of health is where everyone has a fair, just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Is your community creating a Culture of Health?
If so, apply for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize! The contest provides $25,000 to communities that unite neighborhood, school, and business partners to improve health for all residents.
Read about 2018 Winners
In 2018, two majority-Latino communities earned two of the four prize winners.
RWJF chose San Antonio, Texas (63.6% Latino) and Cicero, Ill. (88.8% Latino) from about 200 applicants. Eatonville, Fla., and Klamath County, Ore., also won.
Salud America!, our national network to promote Latino health equity and healthy change led by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, is excited to be stationed at UT Health San Antonio.
Resident-driven efforts focus on factors that impact health. This includes approving funding for city-wide pre-K and expanding Internet connectivity among public housing residents. The city’s strong data-driven collective action shows up in efforts like SA2020.
The ¡Por Vida! program works with restaurants to make eating out healthier in San Antonio. Fitness in the Park and FitPass help people stay physically fit.
“These inspiring places are engaging community members in decision making to give all residents the opportunity to live well, no matter where they live, how much money they make, or the color of their skin,” said Dr. Richard Besser, RWJF president and CEO.
Read about 2017 Winners
In 2017, two majority-Latino communities earned two of the eight prizes.
RWJF chose Chelsea, MA (62% Latino) and San Pablo, CA (55% Latino) from 200 applicants.
Chelsea opened the city’s waterfront. They also served vulnerable populations, and engaged youth in food justice projects.
San Pablo created job training programs. They also built a community center and established a youth commission.
“San Pablo has become a regional model for how to strengthen the overall health of a community,” said City Manager Matt Rodriguez. “Winning a RWJF Culture of Health Prize will help our efforts to continue integrating national best practice models into our community.”
How to Apply for the Prize
To win the RWJF Culture of Health Prize, communities must excel in six key areas:
- Defining health in the broadest possible terms.
- Committing to sustainable systems of changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions.
- Creating conditions that give everyone a fair, just opportunity for good health.
- Harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members.
- Securing and making the most available resources.
- Measuring and sharing progress and results.
The prize application deadline is Nov. 4, 2019. Up to 10 communities will be selected to win a cash prize of $25,000, along with national promotion of their efforts.
“The Prize elevates the compelling stories of community members who are working together to transform neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and more,” according to the prize website. “[These communities make it] so that the opportunity for better health flourishes for all.”
Winners will be announced in fall 2020.
By The Numbers
1
Supermarket
for every Latino neighborhood, compared to 3 for every non-Latino neighborhood
