TCC is Fort Worth’s first higher education institution to become a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite
FORT WORTH, Texas (Jan. 28, 2016) – Making healthy choices easier is now all in a day’s work for employees of Tarrant County College, as all five TCC campus locations and the District office have become Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksites. Blue Zones Project®—a community-led well-being initiative—is partnering with TCC to create a culture that makes wellness a priority through changes to campus environment, policy and attitudes.
Blue Zones Project and TCC are hosting campus celebrations to mark the worksite designation and kick off the next phase of well-being efforts. The events culminate with the District office festivities, 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at TCC’s May Owen Center, 1500 Houston St., Fort Worth. Mayor Betsy Price will be present.
TCC—the 12th-largest higher education institution in the United States—is the first college to earn recognition by Blue Zones Project, Fort Worth. In order to achieve Blue Zones Project approval, worksites must fulfill the requirements of the Blue Zones Project Worksite Pledge. This includes implementing best practices in a variety of areas, including physical surroundings, employee engagement, policies and benefits, and leadership.
“Committing to well-being through Blue Zones Project was the right thing to do, for employees as well as the College,” said Ricardo Coronado, associate vice chancellor for human resources. “Staff who have strong well-being perform better and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We’ve had employees lose weight, go off medication, and completely change their outlook.”
Blue Zones Project is patterned after lifestyles in the world’s Blue Zones® areas, which have higher levels of contentment, reduced rates of chronic diseases, and greater numbers of people reaching age 100. Launched in August 2015, TCC’s worksite initiatives center on adding movement to employees’ routines, creating healthier and tastier campus food options, helping employees downshift, and building stronger connections among colleagues.
Last fall, TCC faculty and staff began participating in Blue Zones Project’s Walking Moias, small social groups that walk together each week while creating bonds with others who also support healthy behaviors. TCC is now kicking off Potluck Moias, groups that will gather over the course of the next ten weeks to share healthy, plant-based meals and fellowship.
As part of the Blue Zones Project Worksite Pledge, more than 25 percent of TCC employees signed the Blue Zones Project Personal Pledge. Individuals who take the personal pledge agree to adopt small changes that are proven to increase wellness, extend life expectancy, and reduce stress. Personal Pledge actions may include eliminating electronic distractions in the bedroom; building a social circle that supports positive behaviors; and designating a space in the home for quiet time, meditation, or prayer.
TCC joins an elite network of local Blue Zones Project Approved organizations in Fort Worth, including 20 restaurants, four grocery stores, and nine other area worksites.
About Blue Zones Project:
Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being initiative aimed at making healthier choices easier for people who live, work, and play in Fort Worth. Fort Worth is currently a Blue Zones Project Demonstration Site. Over the coming years, the city will implement environmental changes in six key areas, including worksites, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, individuals, and community policy. Once city-specific goals are met, Fort Worth will be certified as a Blue Zones Community®. For more information, visit https://fortworth.bluezonesproject.com/.
About Tarrant County College:
Tarrant County College is a public two-year college with campuses in Fort Worth and surrounding communities. TCC is the 12th-largest higher education institution in the United States based on annual enrollment, with more than 100,000 students in academic, career training and noncredit Community & lndustry Education programs. The College provides affordable, quality education in a welcoming and diverse atmosphere. TCC offers both on-campus and online learning, with a strong support system to help students from all backgrounds meet their academic and professional goals. Visit www.tccd.edu
