Today more than 100 businesses joined community leaders in Denver for the first Health Means Business forum. The forum, cohosted with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, was the first of 10 discussions that will focus on the links between health and economic opportunity.
Business of all sizes can have a significant impact in the health of a community. The Better Health through Economic Opportunity campaign works to further engage the business community in community wellness.
Marc DeCourcey, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center, believes Denver was the ideal first location for the forums. “We’re pleased to hold the ‘Health Means Business’ campaign’s first regional forum at Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce with a cross-section of participants. Business can play a critical role in creating economic opportunities that will enable better health outcomes for people and their communities, resulting in a healthier workforce. These self-reinforcing activities will create an upward spiral of a healthier and more prosperous population; one where everyone can win.”
Today’s forum brought together businesses of all sizes to join with other stakeholders to showcase what’s working, what gaps may exist, and how to make these communities healthier and more prosperous. It featured leaders from the Denver Metro Chamber, Western Union, the City of Denver, and more.
Kelly Brough, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Denver metro area is regularly recognized for its fit, active residents, and we’re proud that RWJF ranks Denver in the 90th percentile for eight different health-related categories, including adult obesity, access to exercise opportunities, and availability of primary care physicians,” she said.
Luella Chavez D’Angelo, Chief Communications Officer at Western Union and the forum’s keynote speaker, discussed steps taken by Western Union to empower and improve the health of its more than 10,000 employees worldwide. “We feel it is our responsibility to invest in our employees, which in return yields untold dividends for us as well in a number of areas. Western Union is a global force — and we look forward to being a part of this vital discussion about community health and related factors.”
Paul Washington, Executive Director of the Denver Office of Economic Development, called the audience to action. “Progress starts at the individual level. If we all put in the effort, we can greatly affect our health and the health of future generations on a national level.”
Denver’s forum will be followed by regional forums in nine other American cities, including Memphis, TN (July 21), Orlando, FL (Sept. 10), Oklahoma City, OK (Sept. 29), and Forth Worth, TX (Nov.12) over the next two years. The campaign will run through 2016 and culminate with a National Summit in Washington, D.C., highlighting campaign lessons. The summit will include the Healthy 10 Awards Gala, recognizing ten local cross-sector partnerships that are working to create a healthier community.
Click here to learn more about Health Means Business.
[Photos by Evan Semón]