Tyler ISD announced its commitment to the Blue Zones Project – Tyler as one of the initiative’s initial workplace partners, joining the Health Foundation of East Texas and other community organizations to help residents live healthier, happier lives.
As one of the community’s largest employers, Tyler ISD will pursue Blue Zones Worksite certification to support employee well-being and create workplace environments that make healthy choices easier. The district joins other school districts across the country working with Blue Zones to build healthier school communities.
“At Tyler ISD, we are committed to successful student outcomes, and that includes both academic achievement and their overall health and well-being,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “We’re proud to be part of the Blue Zones initiative and to work alongside the City of Tyler and our community health partners to help students develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. From addressing concerns like vaping and the impact of technology to encouraging physical activity and healthier choices, this partnership is another way we can support our students and families. We’re proud to be Tyler’s hometown school district and grateful to be part of an effort that strengthens our entire community.”
Students also took part in the event. Through their partnership with the City of Tyler, student council members from Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School attended, signed the pledge board at the event's conclusion, and toured City Hall. Their participation brought student voices into the community celebration and provided an opportunity to connect with local government officials.
Led locally by the Health Foundation of East Texas, the multi-year initiative extends beyond workplaces to the neighborhoods, schools, parks, and gathering places where residents spend their time. As an initial workplace partner, Tyler ISD will help advance this shared effort to improve the quality of life throughout Tyler.
About Blue Zones®
Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company’s work is rooted in explorations and research by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner into regions around the world where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The findings have been shared through Buettner’s bestselling books published by National Geographic and the Emmy Award-winning Netflix docuseries Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. Using original Blue Zones research, the company works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to everyday surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
About the Health Foundation of East Texas
The Health Foundation of East Texas is a private foundation that invests in solutions, initiatives, and partnerships that significantly improve community health and well-being in Smith County and surrounding communities.