Author: Nicole McCullough

Garrett County Selected as Finalist for RWJF Culture of Health Prize Community Health Efforts Recognized as Garrett County Advances in Prize Selection Process  Garrett County was chosen as a finalist for the fifth annual RWJF Culture of Health Prize given by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. As a finalist, Garrett County is one step closer to the national Prize which honors communities that understand health is a shared value and everyone has a role to play in driving change. Selected from more than 200 communities across the country, Garrett County joins 10 other finalist communities. Winners will be announced over the summer. “We are pleased to advance as an RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalist community. To win this prize would be extraordinary for Garrett County; however, to even be considered as a finalist is an honor in itself,” said Mark Boucot, Garrett Regional Medical Center president and CEO.  “We believe our community has an approach to health that is holistic and tailored to the needs of the people who call Garrett County home. The people who live here work together to both make the most of our assets and address our challenges and I think that’s what is being recognized. We have an eye on the future, and it shows.” The process for selecting winners for this prize includes two preliminary phases and a site visit. Phase I is an application and essay submission process and Phase II involves a more detail narrative of the various aspects of healthcare in the community.  Finally, a team of representatives from RWJF will come for a two-day site visit.  During this time Garrett County will have the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and bring life and a voice to the original submissions.   Garrett Regional Medical Center has spearheaded the initiative as part of the hospital’s holistic approach to healthcare.  By partnering with other agencies GRMC is able to create an environment where access to healthcare is a priority for all members of the community. The initial applications received from over 200 communities where whittled down to 37 for the second phase, and eleven for the final phase. The Prize is guided by the principle that every community has the potential to improve and be a healthier place to live and thrive. To earn finalist status, Garrett County had to demonstrate how it excelled in the six Prize criteria: Defining health in the broadest possible terms. Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions. Cultivating a shared and deeply-held belief in the importance of equal opportunity for health. Harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members. Securing and making the most of available resources. Measuring and sharing progress and results. “The RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalists continue to show what’s possible when communities make health a high priority and bring diverse partners together,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, RWJF president and CEO. “Our team looks forward to visiting these communities to learn more about how they are leveraging their unique strengths to build a Culture of Health.” If selected as a Prize winner, Garrett County will be given a $25,000 cash prize and opportunities to share their story and lessons learned with the country. They will also join a national network of past winning communities. To learn about the work of the 27 previous Prize winners, visit www.rwjf.org/prize PRESS RELEASE DATE: March 8, 2017 CONTACT: Nicole McCullough, [email protected]