Local Government Manatee County Healthy Initiatives Receives National Recognition

MANATEE COUNTY – Recognition for Manatee County Government’s commitment to promoting resident and employee health continue to pour in.

Last week the National Association of Counties awarded Manatee County with a First Place Prize (Suburban County Category) in the National County Government Month Award program for April’s month-long ”Healthy Counties, Healthy Communities“ celebration.

Manatee also fared well in One Bay’s Walk to the Moon Challenge that had teams from businesses, local governments and neighborhoods committed to covering a total of 238,857 miles in seven weeks from April 4 through May 23. For teams between 100 - 250 participants, Manatee County Government won for total miles walked (21,289 miles) and for highest average miles walked per participant (90 miles).

The events fall in line with Manatee County Commission’s unanimous vote to endorse a ”Culture of Health“ throughout Manatee County last September. The resolution touts a number of healthy measures Manatee County Government has taken to improve the wellness of its employees including encouraging employees to participate in educational wellness programs focused on nutrition and healthier eating. 

County employees took those efforts to the public in April as part of the region-wide One Bay Challenge. Throughout the month Manatee County Government, Manatee County Health Department and the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s office hosted more than 40 community events focusing on improving physical, social, behavioral, environmental and economic health. The month-long celebration culminated with the Spring into Health event at Bennett Park, April 26.

”These awards are a real testament to this organization’s dedication to healthier lifestyle choices and the profound buy-in we’ve had with our employees who are coming to work healthier than ever,“ said Deputy County Administrator Karen Windon, who spearheaded Healthy Counties Month. ”I’m also thrilled that everyone who participated in these events and I hope they achieve some gratification from these honors because everyone did a fantastic job.“

Manatee will be recognized during the NACo Annual Conference, July 13-17, in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh).

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.