Building a Culture of Health in Klamath County [Video]

The Healthy Klamath Coalition applies for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.— Klamath County, Oregon is in the running for the prestigious Culture of Health Prize through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a population health institute and the nation’s largest health focused philanthropy organization. The Healthy Klamath Coalition applied for this prize on behalf of the community. Healthy Klamath is a group comprised of dedicated community members and agencies working across sectors to improve the health of our community.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) website the “Culture of Health Prize recognizes communities that have placed a priority on health and are creating powerful partnerships and deep commitments that will enable everyone, especially those facing the greatest barriers to good health, the opportunity to live well. A Culture of Health recognizes that health and well-being are greatly influenced by where we live, learn, work, and play; the safety of our surroundings; and the relationships we have in our families and communities. The Prize elevates the compelling stories of local leaders and community members who together are transforming neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and more—so that better health flourishes everywhere”.

The Culture of Health prize application is a three-phase process. In phase one, 190 communities from across the nation applied. After the initial review of applications, only 38 applicants moved on to Phase II, including Klamath County. The application process provides an opportunity to share community accomplishments towards building a culture of health. As part of the Phase II application, a community video submission was required. In the video, community members talked about what they loved about Klamath. Common sentiments included the natural beauty and the many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, the small-town feel, and the kind and caring people within Klamath. Community members were also asked what they were excited about moving forward, and champions spoke to the collaboration among many community members and groups towards making Klamath a happier and healthier place. The positive energy in the air is tangible, and for many, there has never been a more exciting time to live in Klamath. Healthy Klamath submitted the Phase II application mid-January and will be notified at the beginning of March if Klamath County is selected as a finalist. Watch the community video on the Healthy Klamath website at www.healthyklamath.org. [above]

The Healthy Klamath Coalition acknowledges that although Klamath is consistently ranked at the bottom of the RWJF County Health rankings, recent initiatives in the community are helping to stop the downward trend of poor health outcomes. This excitement and momentum is truly what is building a culture of health in our community and among residents. The Culture of Health Prize application was an opportunity to tell the story of the great work being done in Klamath County. We are building a strong community, and we can only get there together.

Press release from Healthy Klamath.