Congratulations to Durham County for being named one of six winners of the 2014 RWJF Culture of Health Prize awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation!
The award honors communities that are harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners and stakeholders to help residents live healthier lives, and Durham County received a cash prize of $25,000 for its commitment to building a culture of health. Durham was recognized for its innovative strategies to improve health, including collaboration between organizations to increase access to medical care, coordinated planning to create a healthier environment, and a focus on education and poverty in addition to disease as factors that impact health.
The RWJF award specifically recognizes the work of our partners at the East Durham Children’s Initiative (EDCI), whose programs aim to create a pipeline from cradle to college or career for children in East Durham. Through a broad range of neighborhood-based programs, EDCI promotes education, parent support, job training, and high quality child care among underserved populations, which in turn supports improved health outcomes.
“Our community has worked tirelessly and collaboratively for many years to improve health in Durham County and now, our efforts are being recognized on a national level,” said Gayle B. Harris, Durham County public health director. “As a lifelong resident of Durham, this is truly a monumental achievement and every resident, regardless of whether they live in the city or county, should be proud of. As we continue to work together as ‘One Durham,’ there is no health disparity that we can’t overcome.”
Building a Culture of Health means building a society where getting healthy and staying healthy is a fundamental and guiding social value that helps define American culture. The RWJF Culture of Health Prize honors communities which place a high priority on health and bring partners together to drive local change.
“The RWJF Culture of Health Prize winners are leading some of the nation’s most innovative efforts to build a national Culture of Health,” said Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, RWJF president and CEO. “These communities are inspiring examples of what is possible when all sectors work together so that every resident has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.”
Congratulations again to Durham County on a wonderful recognition of this great effort to help make our children and families healthier and happier!
