Washtenaw Optimal Wellness is working toward bringing a Blue Zones® Project to Washtenaw County.
To bring a project takes a valiant effort with a groundswell of support and substantial funding.
Blue Zones ® Projects are about extending life expectancy in a community by creating an environment where people live longer, better lives, benefit from lower healthcare costs and improved productivity, and enjoy national recognition as a great place to live, work, and play.
WOW’s long-term goal is to bring a Blue Zones® Project to Washtenaw County. Our organization believes it is important to meet the needs where the needs are greatest and focus our impact on marginalized communities.
Let’s face it, Ann Arbor does well in healthy behaviors and life expectancy, but other communities do not fare as well. Income disparities are the main driver of health disparities and poor health outcomes.
Most of Ann Arbor is above the national average for life expectancy, but almost all of Ypsilanti is below the national average for life expectancy, according to census tract data.
The Black population’s life expectancy is much lower than the White population in Washtenaw County. According to a 2017 report by the Washtenaw County Epidemiologist, Black residents in Washtenaw County have an average age of death of 56 to 71 years, and White residents have an average age of death of 72 to 85 years (Waller, 2017).
If we want to make an impact on life expectancy and health outcomes in Washtenaw County, it starts with a grassroots effort in Ypsilanti. This is currently our focus.
Read our President’s Ypsilanti Epidemiology Report.
Our grassroots effort in Ypsilanti currently includes our Walk With Friends programming and our Ypsilanti Healthy Living Pledge in conjunction with local food retailers.
These efforts are made possible by our funding partners, Karuna Foundation, and Franklin S. & Jennifer M. Moore Family Foundation.
If you are interested in participating in grassroots campaigns in your neighborhood, please contact us.
As a side note, we are aware that a Blue Zones® Project is an easy sell in Ann Arbor – because GO BLUE. If we really want to make a difference in our county, it starts in Ypsilanti, and we need your help to see this project through.
Please donate to make a Blue Zones® Project a reality.
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