Four communities selected as Blue Zones communities

The first four Blue Zones Project demonstration sites in Iowa will be Cedar Falls, Mason City, Spencer and Waterloo.

The four communities, which were named Friday morning. will receive assistance from national experts to develop and implement a blueprint for making permanent environmental, social, and policy changes that transition people into healthier behaviors that can lead to longer, happier lives.

 The Blue Zones Project is the centerpiece of Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative, which aims to make the state the healthiest state in the country.  Ten communities will be chosen as demonstration sites and will receive assistance from national experts to develop and implement a blueprint for making permanent environment, policy and social network changes that transition people into healthier behaviors. An additional 10 communities will also receive expert assistance to assist them on the path toward adopting Blue Zones principles.
 
Decorah is one of the smaller communities in Iowa selected as a semifinalist in the program.