Logo courtesy of Blue Zones

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - Yuba-Sutter has become one of more than 80 communities nationwide to earn Certified Blue Zones Community status, marking the completion of a five-year effort aimed at improving public health through changes in local policies, schools, businesses and public spaces.

The certification recognizes work that began in 2021 through the Blue Zones Project, a community health initiative sponsored locally by Adventist Health Rideout. During that time, local governments, employers, schools, restaurants and volunteers partnered on projects intended to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Blue Zones officials say the effort has coincided with measurable improvements in several areas. The organization reports community well-being increased by 2.8 points since 2022, cigarette use declined from 4% to 2.8% of the population and residents reporting that Yuba-Sutter is "the perfect place" for them increased by nearly 16%. The organization also estimates the initiative generated $8.8 million in health care and workforce productivity savings between 2021 and 2026.

"Supporting Blue Zones Project has been an incredibly rewarding journey for Adventist Health, and seeing Yuba-Sutter earn this official certification validates the remarkable dedication of our entire region," said Chris Champlin, president of Adventist Health Rideout and the Greater Sacramento Network.

The project involved more than 12,600 residents, according to Blue Zones, with volunteers contributing more than 2,700 hours through walking groups, cooking classes, workshops and other activities. The organization also worked with 15 employers, 19 school campuses, 10 restaurants and five grocery stores on health-focused programs and policy changes.

Shelly Trumbo, chief operating officer for Blue Zones, said the certification reflects the community's long-term commitment to improving health.

"More than 12,600 residents rolled up their sleeves for this work, and the results speak for themselves," Trumbo said. "Community well-being is up, tobacco use is down, $8.8 million was gained in savings, and over $6 million in grant funding was generated for the region."

Local officials said the designation is not the end of the effort. Dan Flores, a Sutter County supervisor and assistant city manager for Marysville, said the work has influenced planning decisions throughout the region.

"The Blue Zones Project has radically shifted how we look at urban planning and municipal policy, creating safer streets and more vibrant gathering spaces," Flores said. "This isn't a finish line for Yuba-Sutter. It is a solid foundation that we will continue to build upon."