65 Communities Partner to Promote a Healthier Florida in 2015

TALLAHASSEE - 2015 is the year to get healthy in Florida. This year, 65 local governments have already been recognized by the Florida Department of Health as Healthy Weight Community Champions—meaning they have implemented evidence-based policies that lead to residents increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. 60 of the designated local governments also submitted a proclamation signed by elected area officials. These resolutions demonstrate a community commitment to the Healthiest Weight Florida campaign and a dedication of local resources to implement healthier policies.

"Florida's county and municipal governments play a pivotal role in driving their communities to make healthy living the norm," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "When they create a proclamation, local governments are making a firm commitment to policies that increase physical activity and improve nutrition."

While all of the submissions presented a call to action, several communities made an additional pledge to initiate new community-wide health observances. Some of these included:

• The creation of a "Healthiest Weight Month" in the city of Plantation, city of Bradenton, Sarasota County and Hillsborough county;
• A celebration of National Public Health Week in the city of Lakeland; and
• A "Healthy Weight Community Champion Recognition Program Day" in the city of Fort Lauderdale.

The Healthy Weight Community Champions Program is part of the department's Healthiest Weight Florida initiative. To find out if your local government is supporting the 2015 Champion Communities and for a list of best practices check out HealthiestWeightFlorida.com/recognition.

Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.