Blue Zones Project Monterey County is an effort sponsored by the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Montage Health, and Taylor Farms. TAMC has been very involved in this project:  the Executive Director serves on the Steering Committee, and staff serves on the Schools and Built Environment committees to support our safe routes to schools program  and our bicycle/pedestrian safety improvement activities. 

Phase 1 of the project has been focused on Salinas.   However, the sponsors’ intent was always to have the effort be countywide.   The national Blue Zones program is planning a site-assessment visit the week of February 24 for communities in South County and the Monterey Peninsula to determine interest and level of engagement, readiness, and to learn about successes as well as challenges.  Attached is a flyer on both sets of events. 

Dan Burden is a nationally recognized authority on walkability and bike-ability.  He leading the field visit to South County cities and the Monterey Peninsula, and will present information to the TAMC Board on the Blue Zones Project Monterey County activities, which include ideas for reducing pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities, and strategies for improving community health through active transportation. Attached is his bio.