Our next and last Tuesday on the Square is quickly approaching on September 18th. Dallas became a HEAL city of Oregon a few years ago and, with that in mind, it is the inspiration for our next Tuesday on the Square.
The HEAL Cities campaign is a partnership between the League of Oregon Cities and the Oregon Public Health Institute, made possible with generous support from Kaiser Permanente.
Oregonians want to eat better, move more, and feel energized to do the things that they love. However, in many cities, wholesome food and opportunities for regular physical activity are out of reach for most or all of those who live or work there.
The HEAL Cities Campaign is a resource to help civic leaders create healthy communities. They know what works: city policies that expand options for every person to be physically active and to have affordable and convenient access to wholesome foods, as well as policies that build a culture of wellness for municipal employees. With generous funding from Kaiser Permanente, the HEAL Cities Campaign intends to invite every city to take the next step towards health and livability. Through their funding Dallas was able to install our new Pickle ball Courts, with plans for further additions in the future.
The Campaign has three components. First, it educates about the impact our built environment and food environment have on our health, emphasizing the status quo presents serious health risk to children.
Second, the Campaign offers alternatives. Campaign staff have compiled a library of model policies and best practices in use by cities around the country to create more options for active living, healthy eating, and workplace wellness. This policy menu is updated on a regular bases to provide as many options as possible.
Third, because each city is unique, the Campaign provides free technical assistance to help each city identify, adopt and implement the policies that are right for its community. Drawing on the expertise of Campaign partners the Oregon Public Health Institutes and the League of Oregon Cities, the Campaign is well-prepared to help Dallas expand the healthy options we offer.
Join us on the square Tuesday, September 18th as the city features our local gyms, studios, and all things health. Dallas works hard to ensure that its citizens are aware of what healthy options are available to the community. There will be food, and bouncy houses for children to enjoy as you explore what “the healthiest downtown in America” can offer.