North Texas Healthy Communities

North Texas Healthy Communities, a community outreach arm of Texas Health, is committed to delivering community benefit through well-being improvement initiatives. Their mission is centered around enhancing the health of the community at large. To accomplish this, the organization embarks on various projects that aim to positively impact the community as a whole. Since 2014, they have spearheaded improvements in Fort Worth through the implementation of Blue Zones Project, an initiative designed to enhance community health and wellness by introducing permanent changes to the built environment, policies, and social networks.

Following Fort Worth's certification as a Blue Zones Community in 2019, North Texas Healthy Communities (NTHC) fully assumed the responsibility of Blue Zones Project activities. Under their leadership, NTHC has continued to implement best practices and expand its initiatives across North Texas. They collaborate with under-resourced schools, faith communities, worksites, and neighborhoods, identified through Texas Health's Community Health Needs Assessment. The organization's focus includes creating equitable, affordable access to healthy foods and fresh produce, supporting mental health, and increasing literacy success. By integrating these three priority areas with existing initiatives, NTHC aims to positively impact social determinants of health. Some of their key programs include the Good For You Pantry, Double Up Food Bucks at farmers markets and grocers, Fresh Access fresh produce distribution in community centers, School Learning Gardens, and literacy support through Scholastic Book Fairs. They also offer mental health first aid training and various recess, playground, and movement initiatives in schools.