Council agrees to send letter supporting Blue Zones readiness assessment

The Fayette County Council voted to prepare a letter of support for Healthy Fayette County’s request to engage Blue Zones for a phase‑1 readiness and assessment program.

Linda Fitzgerald, facilitator for Healthy Fayette County, asked the council to endorse the initiative and said the readiness phase lasts eight to nine months and brings public‑health expertise to review community systems, meeting educators and other stakeholders. "I'm not here to ask for money," Fitzgerald said. "I'm here to ask for a letter of support from the county council on behalf of Healthy Fayette County's initiative to engage the Blue Zones organization for the phase 1 project." She said the project will pursue outside grant funding and noted the Robert Wood Johnson–related grant application opens March 3; she also described a $50,000 grant opportunity that aligns with Blue Zones work.

Fitzgerald said Healthy Fayette County is organizing local partners, including Reed Health and the Fayette County School Corporation, and that the group recently secured nonprofit status and formed a board. "Blue Zones will help us do that," she said, arguing certification could boost economic development and tourism.

Council members asked clarifying questions about other counties and grant details. After a motion and a second, the council voted by voice to prepare the requested letter of support; the motion carried. The council clerk will provide the signed letter to Fitzgerald.

The request came during new business; council members also discussed scheduling and next steps for gathering any additional information staff might need to complete the letter and to support grant applications.