Tacoma is Named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2023 Culture of Health Prize Winner
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~ The City of Tacoma has been named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2023 Culture of Health Prize Winner. The Prize celebrates communities across the country where people and organizations are collaborating to build positive solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and well-being.

Mayor Victoria Woodards said, "Every city has its challenges, and Tacoma is no different in that regard. What makes Tacoma special is the people who call it home and our partners who work every day to build a culture of health. Our strength comes from deep partnerships and a shared vision for a better future for Tacoma that drives all of us forward, together."

Dona Ponepinto, President and CEO of United Way of Pierce County, said, "The City of Tacoma has proven time and again to be an invaluable partner to further our mission at United Way. Together, we have embarked on initiatives such as Growing Resilience In Tacoma (GRIT), a guaranteed income research demonstration, and have collaborated seamlessly with the Center for Strong Families and South Sound 211. Our shared commitment to the well-being of our community shines brightly through these collaborations and, together, we are forging a path toward a stronger, more resilient Tacoma for all."

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Katie Condit, CEO of WorkForce Central said "Equity and access are at the heart of workforce development in Tacoma and Pierce County. We strive for our work to empower individuals from all walks of life to access 'earn while you learn' training and apprenticeship opportunities to gain job experience and certifications in high-demand industries. As we work in partnership with the City of Tacoma, we are building a future where every member of our community has an equal shot at success and the tools to make it happen."

The Prize is awarded to whole cities, towns, tribes, reservations, counties; joining eight other 2023 Prize winners including Austin Texas; Baltimore Maryland; Detroit Michigan; Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation; Houston Texas; Los Angeles County California; Ramsey County Minnesota; Zuni Pueblo.

Julie Morita MD RWJF executive vice president said "The work of our current and past Prize winners highlights the real staying power of community-born solutions, and their success inspires greater collaboration across public and private sectors. This year's winners demonstrate what's possible when we work in partnership and ensure that community members with lived experience take the lead to identify and dismantle barriers to health and well-being."

As a Prize winner Tacoma will receive $250 000 national promotion local promotion opportunities as well as other opportunities to expand its networks accelerate progress towards building a healthy community.

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