WALDORF, Md. — Charles County is taking a major step toward improving residents’ health and well-being with the launch of Blue Zones Ignite, an initiative designed to promote longer, healthier lives.
The Charles County Department of Health and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Hospital have partnered with Blue Zones, a global leader in longevity research, to assess and implement community-wide wellness strategies.
“Have you ever wondered why certain communities around the world have a high number of centenarians—people living vibrant lives well into their 100s? These regions, known as ‘Blue Zones,’ have been extensively studied for their longevity secrets,” said Jennifer Harris, chief of media, in the Charles County Now. (Blue Zones episode)
Blue Zones takes a research-based approach to community health, emphasizing environmental and policy changes that make healthy choices more accessible. The initiative is based on the work of National Geographic Fellow and bestselling author Dan Buettner, who identified global regions where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives.
The Charles County initiative will begin with a readiness and feasibility assessment to evaluate health trends and infrastructure.
Blue Zones projects have been credited with lowering obesity and smoking rates in other regions while fostering economic development and reducing health care costs.
As part of the launch, Charles County will host the Blue Zones Ignite Charles County Community Keynote Event on Tuesday, April 8, at St. Charles High School Auditorium. Margaret Brown, a Blue Zones spokesperson and vice president of business development, will present research on the world’s longest-lived populations and how those findings have been applied to U.S. communities. The event will explore how Charles County can integrate similar strategies for healthier living.
The Blue Zones team will collaborate with community organizations and local government to develop policies that support long-term health improvements. With a record of success in other cities and counties, the Blue Zones model is expected to enhance the quality of life for Charles County residents.
Blue Zones Ignite Charles County Community Keynote Event
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
4:30–6:30 p.m. EST
St. Charles High School Auditorium
For more information and to register for the keynote event, visit www.bluezones.com/ignite-charles-county/community-keynote-event/.
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