Blue Zones Project Application Commitment LettersMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO Michael C Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist
DATE December 27, 2011
SUBJECT Blue Zones Project Application
Dubuque
had
NI- America City
'I 1 1 I'
2007
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides letters of support for Dubuque's Blue Zones Project application
BACKGROUND
One of the centerpieces of the Governor's Healthiest State Initiative is the Blue Zones Project, a collaboration of Wellmark
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Healthways Blue Zones are geographically defined areas around the world where people
reach age 100 at rates ten times greater than in the United States The Blue Zones Project supports a community movement
to improve the well-being of citizens of Iowa communities through the application of !earnings from the Blue Zones and
Healthways research from the Gallup Healthways Well -being Index Wellrnark Blue Cross and Blue Shield have developed a
grant application process to bring national experts to ten Iowa communities over the next five years These experts will work
alongside local leaders to implement a roadmap to change their communities so that their residents may live longer, healthier
and more productive lives More information on the Blue Zones, specifically, can be found at http / /www bluezones com/
DISCUSSION
The Dubuque County Wellness Coalition and its subcommittee, the Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee, expressed
interest in the City of Dubuque applying to become a Blue Zones community The Blue Zones Projects also aligns with newly
adopted Dubuque County Heakh Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan (CHNA -HIP) The Blue Zones Projects
are specifically aimed at cities through grassroots efforts and community -wide support
Atotal of 84 Iowa communities submitted the required "letter of interest" in October 2011 The city of Dubuque was one of 58
communities selected to complete the entire Blue Zones application This selection was based on completing the letter of
interest and having greater than 50% of the people that work in the community, live in the community The Live Healthy
Dubuque Steering Committee has secured community partners, support and resources, and completed the narrative
application, with assistance from City staff The Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee consists of the following
members
Michelle Malone, Finley Hospital
Jan Friedman, Finley Hospital
Kristine Thielen, Elements Accupuncture
Jean Daoud,fitness instructor,citizen volunteer
Pat Fisher, Hy -Vee Locust St
Megan Horstmann, Hy -Vee Asubry Rd
Andy Gillip,Dubuque Community Y
Janna Beau, City of Dubuque Leisure Services Dept
Mary Rose Corrigan, City of Dubuque Health Services Dept
Deb Sazama, Loras College
This committee has lead the Live Heakhy Dubuque challenge for the past five years Part of the Live Healthy Iowa
Challenge, this 100 day program encourages individual and team participation to improve physical activity, good nutrtion and
weight loss Last year, 1504 participants lost 6515 pounds and logged 50301 minutes of physical activity
The Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee will become the Local Leadership team for this project, and expand to
engage more partners, representing other community institutions and organizations
The Blue Zones application requires commitment letters from various organizations within the community, including the City,
school district, businesses, media etc The City must have letters signed by the Mayor, City Council members, City Manager
and the Public Health Department (see attached letters) Dubuque already has many Blue Zones principles in place and
could gain from a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to implementing the Blue Zones concepts Even if
Dubuque is not selected as a final applicant, the Dubuque County Wellness Coalition and the Live Healthy Dubuque Steering
Committee want to utilize the Blue Zones Project principles in their health and wellness efforts More information on the Blue
Zones Project can be found at www iowahealthieststate com /bluezones
In addition to the letters of committment, the application also requires a Power 9 Advisory Board The purpose of this group is
to provide guidance in developing the community -wide well -being improvement blueprint, while acting as a sounding board
for the blueprint planning team They also serve to help break -down barriers and make connections with key people in the
community to facilitate implementation of the blueprint Some board members may be asked to help resolve specific conflicts
on an as needed basis
Power 9 Advisory Board consists of key civic leaders (non- elected /public officials) that represent the community These are
the "wise -men and wise- women" of the community who have played active roles in the community over a number of years
and understand how to get things done in the community Because there are so many varied interests, it is expected that the
team include people with different areas of expertise, including local governement officials Its expected there will be
approximately two, two -hour meetings per month for the first five months, as the community works through training, planning
and implementation This will eventually change to a monthly meeting after that There may also be an occasional meeting
around a specific focus area for a sub -set of the group as well as opportunities to help drive specific initiatives based on
interests, skills and availability If selected as a Blue Zone Community, the leadership team may approach the city for
representation on the Power 9 Advisory Board
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Mayor, the City Council members, City Manager and Public Health Specialist to sign the attached commitment
letters for the Blue Zones Project The application also requests signatures of individual City Council members
PROJECT COST - BUDGET IMPACT
The City is not required to committ financial assistance to the Blue Zones application and will not be designating any
budgeted funds for this project However, we will be providing in -kind resources through staff assistance and leadership,
meeting space, etc The planning team anticipates a budget of $50,000 to fund the required staff Possible sources for
raising the funds include
$5,000 seed money from Live Healthy Dubuque
$2,000 - 4,000, Grandview Gallop
Community Transformation Grant monies from Dubuque County Board of Health
Dubuque Community Y - Achieve Grant to be used for community training in keeping with the blue zone mission and $2,500
from Pepsico Grant
Hy -Vee - $10,000 through local business fundraising
Other funding opportunities that will be pursued
Dubuque Rotary
Grant opportunities from HealthwaysNVellmark
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
DRA Grant
Local business
Private donors
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Public Health Specialist sign attached letters of commitment
Prepared by
cc
Chris Johnson, Confidential Secretary
Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Blue Zones Project Application
DATE: December 29, 2011
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
One of the centerpieces of the Governor's Healthiest State Initiative is the Blue Zones
Project, a collaboration of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Healthways. Blue
Zones are geographically defined areas around the world where people reach age 100
at rates ten times greater than in the United States. The Blue Zones Project supports a
community movement to improve the well -being of citizens of Iowa communities through
the application of !earnings from the Blue Zones and Healthways research from the
Gallup Healthways Well -being Index. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield have
developed a grant application process to bring national experts to ten Iowa communities
over the next five years. These experts will work alongside local leaders to implement a
roadmap to change their communities so that their residents may live longer, healthier
and more productive lives.
The Dubuque County Wellness Coalition and its subcommittee, the Live Healthy
Dubuque Steering Committee, expressed interest in the City of Dubuque applying to
become a Blue Zones community. The Blue Zones Projects also aligns with newly
adopted Dubuque County Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan
(CHNA -HIP). The Blue Zones Projects are specifically aimed at cities through
grassroots efforts and community -wide support.
A total of 84 Iowa communities submitted the required "letter of interest" in October
2011. The city of Dubuque was one of 58 communities selected to complete the entire
Blue Zones application. This selection was based on completing the letter of interest
and having greater than 50% of the people that work in the community, live in the
community. The Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee has secured community
partners, support and resources, and completed the narrative application, with
assistance from City staff. The Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee consists of
the following members:
Michelle Malone, Finley Hospital
Jan Friedman, Finley Hospital
Kristine Thielen, Elements Acupuncture
Jean Daoud, fitness instructor, citizen volunteer
Pat Fisher, Hy -Vee Locust St
Megan Horstmann, Hy -Vee Asbury Rd
Andy Gillip, Dubuque Community Y
Janna Beau, City of Dubuque Leisure Services Dept
Mary Rose Corrigan, City of Dubuque Health Services Dept
Deb Sazama, Loras College
This committee has lead the Live Healthy Dubuque challenge for the past five years.
Part of the Live Healthy Iowa Challenge, this 100 day program encourages individual
and team participation to improve physical activity, good nutrition and weight loss. Last
year, 1504 participants lost 6515 pounds and logged 50,301 minutes of physical activity.
The Live Healthy Dubuque Steering Committee will become the Local Leadership team
for this project, and expand to engage more partners, representing other community
institutions and organizations.
The Blue Zones application requires commitment letters from various organizations
within the community, including the City, school district, businesses, media etc. The
City must have letters signed by the Mayor, City Council Members, City Manager and
the Public Health Department.
In addition to the letters of commitment, the application also requires a Power 9
Advisory Board. The purpose of this group is to provide guidance in developing the
community -wide well -being improvement blueprint, while acting as a sounding board for
the blueprint planning team.
Power 9 Advisory Board consists of key civic leaders that represent the community. If
selected as a Blue Zone Community, the leadership team may approach the city for
representation on the Power 9 Advisory Board.
The City is not required to commit financial assistance to the Blue Zones application
and will not be designating any budgeted funds for this project. However, the City
would be providing in -kind resources through staff assistance and leadership, meeting
space, etc. The planning team anticipates a budget of $50,000 to fund the required
staff and they will raise the funds.
Public Health Specialist Mary Rose Corrigan is recommending that the Mayor, City
Council Members, City Manager and Public Health Specialist sign the attached
commitment letters for the Blue Zones Project.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
2
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
it/( e A r
(Signature)
Karla A. Braig
(Print Name)
12/19/11
(Date)
City Council Member City of Dubuque
(Title /Position) (Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
./
(Signat
Roy D. Buol
(Print Name)
Mayor
(Title /Position)
12/19/11
(Date)
City of Dubuque
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
6Y-14-44O—L4._—
Joyce E. Connors
(Print Name)
12/19/11
(Date)
City Council Member City of Dubuque
(Title /Position)
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
Ric W. Jones
(Print Name)
12/19/11
(Date)
City Council Member City of Dubuque
(Title /Position)
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
M
(Signat re)
Kevin J. Lynch
(Print Name)
12/19/11
(Date)
City Council Member City of Dubuque
(Title /Position) (Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
(4 �.
(S gp�ture)
Lynn V. Sutton
(Print Name)
City Council Member
(Title /Position)
12/19/11
(Date)
City of Dubuque
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
12/19/11
( ignature) (Date)
David T. Resnick
(Print Name)
City Council Member City of Dubuque
(Title /Position)
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application
Commitment Letter
FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL *, CITY MANAGER AND
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
By signing below, I agree to be an actively engaged leader in the Blue Zones Project. I am committed
to transforming my community into a place where some of the healthiest, happiest and most
productive people live. I believe that becoming a Blue Zones Community will positively engage and
impact my community.
I agree to commit to the following Roles and Responsibilities:
• Champion the effort to become a Blue Zones Community and make it a top priority of the
community /my organization.
• Support the Blue Zones Community leadership team with stakeholders from across the
community who will create and implement plans that will deliver sustainable environmental
changes designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Review work from the Blue Zones Community leadership team and take action on recommended
policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
• Participate in Blue Zones Community programs to deliver sustainable environmental changes
that support healthy behaviors.
12/19/11
(Signature) (Date)
Michael C. Van Milligen
(Print Name)
City Manager City of Dubuque
(Title /Position)
(Organization)
*75% of City Council members should sign this Commitment Letter
Step 2: Application