Klamath County, OR Selected as Finalist for RWJF Culture of Health Prize

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Community Health Efforts Recognized as Klamath County Advances in Prize Selection Process

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath County was chosen as a finalist for the RWJF Culture of Health Prize given by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). As a finalist, Klamath County is one step closer to the national Prize which honors communities that understand health is a shared value and everyone has a role to play in making sure good health flourishes for all.

Klamath County joins nine other finalist communities from across the country. Winners will be announced this fall.

“We are excited to advance as a RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalist community thanks to the efforts of the Healthy Klamath Leadership team” said Public Health Director Courtney Vanbragt. “We will continue to prioritize our commitment to improving the health of Klamath County residents, ultimately boosting our RWJF County Health Ranking.”

The Prize is guided by the principle that every community has the potential to leverage its unique strengths and be a healthier place for residents to live and thrive. To earn finalist status, Klamath County had to demonstrate how their efforts reflect the six Prize criteria:

  • Defining health in the broadest possible terms.
  • Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions.
  • Creating conditions that give everyone a fair and just opportunity to reach their best possible health.
  • Harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members.
  • Securing and making the most of available resources.
  • Measuring and sharing progress and results.

“Selected from nearly 200 applicants, these RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalists recognize what it takes to build a healthy community. They have set themselves apart with innovation grounded in evidence; partnerships across non-profit, education, business, and local government sectors, among others; and an unrelenting commitment to all residents having an opportunity to lead their healthiest lives” said Richard Besser, MD, RWJF president and CEO. “We now look forward to visiting these finalist communities to learn more about their work and to help spread their ideas and solutions throughout America.”

If selected as a Prize winner, Klamath County will be given a $25,000 cash prize and a national platform to share their story and lessons learned with the country. The community will also be part of a national network of past Prize winners.

To learn about the work of the 35 previous Prize winners, visit www.rwjf.org/prize

The RWJF Culture of Health Prize is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Press release provided by Klamath County Public Health.