Florence 1 Schools Launches Health and Well Being Journey through the Nationally Recognized Blue Zone Initiative

Florence 1 Schools has initiated a partnership with local health care organizations and Blue Zones, LLC, to launch a transformative well-being journey to improve the health and happiness of students, school employees and members of the Florence Community.  

The blue zone initiative draws inspiration from regions around the world known as "Blue Zones" where people tend to live exceptionally long lives. Today's launch event held at The Farm at Florence 1 Schools, introduced the program designed to encourage residents to participate in adopting healthier habits like better diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

"Our region is at a wonderful advantage with the availability of healthcare resources, and we are pleased to partner with each of these entities--HopeHealth, McLeod Health, and MUSC Health Florence Medical Center to be the first school system in our nation to launch the Blue Zone initiative in the greater Florence community," said Dr. Richard O'Malley, Superintendent of Florence 1 Schools.

Over the next three years, Florence 1 Schools will partner with HopeHealth, McLeod and MUSC to implement a comprehensive well-being strategy designed to achieve Blue Zones® Worksite Certification.

"I'm excited to be part of Florence 1’s initiative to seek Blue Zone certification, " said Moore Middle School teacher Dr. Kathy Lee. " I believe it will increase our sense of community as we encourage each other and journey together to improve the overall quality of life of both employees and students.

Blue Zones is the nationally recognized leader in well-being transformation, and its Worksite Certification model draws upon 20 years of experience in community and longevity science to empower organizations to cultivate thriving work and community environments. The rigorous, multi-year commitment integrates the Blue Zones approach into the organization’s culture, aligning people, spaces, and policies to foster lasting change.

"HopeHealth is excited to partner with Florence 1 Schools, McLeod Health, MUSC Health, and Blue Zones, LLC in this important endeavor which brings to the district the world’s best thinking and approaches to worksite well-being," said Carl Humphries, CEO of HopeHealth.  "The Blue Zones® Worksite Certification model will foster an environment that prioritizes healthy habits, longevity, and community connection, which leads to a happier, healthier, and more resilient workforce."

Blue Zones focuses on creating surroundings and systems that default to healthier behaviors. The model is rooted in lessons learned from the world’s healthiest, longest-lived cultures in the original blue zones regions, where residents make healthy choices because those choices are easy—even unavoidable—in their surroundings. In the Worksite Certification model, Blue Zones works with employers to optimize working environments and sharpen policies so healthier choices are easier for their employees.

"I am excited to serve on the Blue Zones committee due to my passion for developing the next generation and my background in healthcare. This role allows me to blend my educational background with my previous healthcare experience, and I am eager to contribute to the positive impact Blue Zones will have on our schools and community,” said Meredith Borck, a volunteer blue zone leader participant."

As Florence 1 Schools and Blue Zones leaders work together to create a well-being strategy for the school district, noticeable changes impacting areas that include physical environments, employee policies, opportunities for social connection, well-being programming and food environment should take effect and are aimed at having community influence.

 “The mission of McLeod Health is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the people we serve and through the Blue Zone initiative partnership with Florence 1 Schools, we are furthering that mission," said Will McLeod CEO of McLeod Health. "The health of our young people is imperative. They are our future workforce, future caregivers, and our future leaders. Together, we can teach them how to live a healthier lifestyle by making healthy choices in life that will help them grow and prosper. Choices that they can teach others and carry with them for their entire lives. Our young people are a valuable resource in improving the health of our communities. They are the future.”

Blue Zones experts have been meeting with school volunteers and health care partners from HopeHealth, McLeod and MUSC.   Over the next several months, the experts will also complete a full assessment that will lead to a Blue Zones Blueprint that outlines strategy options for how Florence 1 Schools will enhance well-being for employees and make Florence 1 Schools a better place to work.  

“At MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, we are deeply committed to fostering a healthier future for our community. By supporting the Blue Zones Community Project in partnership with Florence 1 Schools, we’re investing in initiatives that empower students and families to make healthier choices that can transform their lives. MUSC Health’s contribution reflects our dedication to building a culture of wellness, resilience, and long-term health, starting with our youngest residents,” said Jay Hinesley, chief executive officer of MUSC Health Florence/Marion/Black River Medical Centers. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this program will bring to Florence and are proud to support our community in achieving a healthier tomorrow.”