“As someone who exercises daily, I know the benefits of an active lifestyle,” said Mayor Curry. “Each day, I am striving to make better health choices that improve my ability to live well. I’m on a journey – a journey to lead our city to healthier outcomes for all citizens and all communities.”
 
Ranked 48 out of 67 Florida counties for quality health outcomes (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2016), Journey to One is Jacksonville’s unified effort to move that ranking to the number one position (St. Johns County currently maintains the number one position). The campaign addresses the well-being of citizens in two key areas, personal health and community health.
 
In support of personal health, an individual’s efforts in taking accountability for their own well-being, the initiative provides activities and programs that offer citizens tools to improve their health through exercise, nutrition and weight loss. The City of Jacksonville introduced the “Mayorthon,” an effort that encourages citizens to walk or run at least 26.2 miles a month to increase physical activity. Jacksonville is home to one of the largest, diverse, and unique urban park systems in the nation with over 400 park and recreational sites within the city limits. The City will host monthly walks at a different park to not only showcase the city’s diverse park offerings, but also promote an active lifestyle. Also announced today is the Mission One Million, an initiative led by the Mayor’s Council on Fitness & Well-being and the Duval County Medical Society Foundation. The challenge is for Jacksonville citizens to collectively lose one million pounds through a balance of exercise and proper nutrition. Additionally, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County’s 5-2-1-0 campaign equips Jacksonville families with resources and tips to lead healthy and active lives through four simple daily practices.
 
Journey to One’s community health focus offers citywide resources and programs that support our collective well-being. Health disparities are greatest in various Jacksonville communities. Farm to Faith is an initiative introduced earlier this year that brings fresh produce to local churches located in northwest Jacksonville, specifically Health Zone 1 (ZIP codes 32202, 32204, 32206, 32208, 32209, 32254), a community facing a number of health-related challenges, including food deserts - a geographic area where healthy, affordable food is hard to obtain. The City is also making efforts to combat blight and improve public safety, both factors that can lead to health risks. Journey to One promotes community gardening while cleaning up our neighborhoods and encouraging citizens to take pride in their neighborhood and surrounding communities by joining the effort.
 
Furthering citywide health monitoring resources, 58 local fire stations offer free blood pressure checks for citizens. Blood pressure is a key indicator of personal wellness; citizens are encouraged to visit these fire stations as another opportunity to take control of their health through awareness and prevention. As Journey to One continues to expand, the City and community partners will increase the availability and accessibility to free health screenings throughout Jacksonville.

The health and wellness of Jacksonville citizens is a top priority for Mayor Curry and his administration. Successful, thriving cities are often attributed to citizens that are physically and mentally content. While the first step occurred with today’s launch, plans are in place for Journey to One to expand as it continues to bolster and grow the tools, programs and partnerships designed to help residents live well.