The Walla Walla Valley is a vibrant community committed to fostering a healthier and longer life for its residents. This dedication led them to join the Blue Zones Project, a global initiative inspired by the world’s longest-living populations.

Since its inception in 2016, Walla Walla Blue Zone has made significant strides in transforming the local landscape into a haven for well-being. Through collaborations with various stakeholders, the program has implemented impactful changes across various facets of life:

Healthy Environment:

• Walkable and Bikeable Communities: Increased walkability and bikeability through infrastructure improvements, encouraging active transportation.
• Healthy Food Options: Collaborated with restaurants and grocery stores to offer more healthy food choices, making the healthy option the easy option.
• Blue Zones Approved Products: Partnered with local businesses to develop and promote Blue Zones Approved products, ensuring access to healthier choices.

Social Connections:

• Moai Groups: Formed small, supportive social groups called “Moai” to foster community connection and belonging, a key factor in longevity.
• Purpose Circles: Created “Purpose Circles” where individuals explore their life purpose, contributing to a sense of meaning and fulfillment.

Movement and Well-being:

• Walk with Ease: Implemented the popular Walk with Ease program, encouraging regular walking for physical activity and community engagement.
• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Offered various workshops and resources on mindfulness practices and stress management, promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Community Transformation:

• Policy Changes: Worked with local policymakers to implement changes that support healthy choices, such as smoke-free policies and increased access to parks and recreation.
• Worksite Wellness: Partnered with businesses to develop and implement worksite wellness programs, encouraging healthy habits among employees.

The success of Walla Walla Blue Zone is evident in numerous ways. Studies have shown:

• Reductions in healthcare costs: A 15% decrease in healthcare costs per member in just three years.
• Improvements in life expectancy: An estimated 2.7 years added to the average life expectancy in the valley.
• Increased physical activity: A significant rise in the number of residents walking and biking for transportation and leisure.
• Enhanced well-being: A notable improvement in residents’ overall happiness and sense of well-being.

Walla Walla Blue Zone serves as a shining example of how communities can come together and create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life for all. Their commitment to implementing evidence-based practices and collaborating with various stakeholders has yielded remarkable results, paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

Policy Wins:

• Built Environment: 19 built environment policy priorities completed, including 4Bikes demonstration projects, Vision Zero policy, and renewed Transportation Benefit District.
• Food Policy: 14 initiatives completed, including updated Nutrition/Wellness policies in schools, school garden program at Davis Elementary, and Produce Rx program. 867 cans of unsweetened seltzer water served at city events instead of soda, saving 8,453.25 teaspoons of sugar.
• Tobacco Policy: 14 initiatives completed, including advocating for smoke-free Edith Carrie Park, updated community signage, and Red Ribbon Week support. Over 50 tobacco-free events held since the policy passed in College Place.

Places Wins:

• Worksites: 8 worksites achieved Blue Zones Project Approved status, with 2 more in the process.
• Schools: 6 Blue Zones Project Approved schools, with more working towards it. All elementary schools have launched Walking School Buses.
• Grocery Stores: 2 Blue Zones Project Approved stores, with Southgate Center Market recently achieving the distinction.
• Restaurants: 7 Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants, exceeding the original goal of 6.

People Wins:

• 6,406 people engaged: Attended Blue Zones Story Speeches, Purpose Workshops, Cooking Classes, Walking Moais, or other engagement activities. The goal is to engage 15% of the population (6,750 people).

Key Takeaways:

• Blue Zones Project Walla Walla Valley has driven significant changes in the community, making healthy choices the easier option.
• Policy changes, worksite and school initiatives, and individual engagement have all contributed to the positive outcomes.
• The project has reduced healthcare costs, increased life expectancy, and boosted physical activity and overall well-being.

Walla Walla Valley serves as an inspiring example for other communities looking to improve their residents’ health and happiness.