Equality Health Foundation, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona, and Valley of the Sun United Way, along with funding from Arizona’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act Funds and other community partners, today announced the launch of a new Blue Zones Activate effort. Blue Zones Activate, an evidence-based approach to make the healthy choice the easy choice in all the places people spend the most time, will begin with an in-depth assessment of the South Phoenix area that will help determine how to make it a healthier place to live, work, and thrive.

This initiative builds on the efforts of the One Community Initiative Against COVID-19 in partnership with Herzona Foundation and public-private partners. The pandemic has disproportionally impacted communities of color in South Phoenix and highlighted the need to address longstanding systemic inequities, health disparities and the social determinants of health. It’s time to sharpen our focus on recovering, building resiliency and well-being, and improving community preparedness. The Equality Health Foundation looks forward to engaging with community leaders and residents to learn more about South Phoenix and collaborate on building a plan for change.

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