Health is shaped not just by individual choices but by the communities people live in. In several Oregon cities — including Klamath Falls, The Dalles and Grants Pass — and the Umpqua region, limited access to nutritious food, health care and opportunities for physical activity has contributed to poorer health outcomes and lower overall well-being.
By supporting Blue Zones initiatives, OSU Extension helps communities across Oregon create environments that support healthy living.
To address these challenges, Oregon State University Extension Service supported efforts in these communities to become Blue Zones Project Demonstration Communities. Inspired by global regions where people live the longest, healthiest lives, the Blue Zones Project helps communities implement evidence-based strategies to make healthy living easier and more accessible.
The project brings together residents, schools, businesses and local leaders to improve food access, increase walkability, reduce tobacco use and build strong social connections. Extension faculty support these efforts by serving on committees, building partnerships and helping implement local strategies.
In 2015, Klamath Falls became Oregon’s first Blue Zones Project Demonstration Community. By 2020, the city achieved full certification — the first in the Pacific Northwest. In just a few years, Klamath Falls:
- Reduced smoking rates by 24%
- Adopted 20 policies supporting healthy food access and community design
- Reopened a local grocery store through county efforts
- Created an online farmers market that accepts food benefits
- Formed Moai walking groups with over 1,100 participants
- Secured $1.3 million in grant funding for food access and park improvements
- Won the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health Prize
By 2021, community surveys showed a 14% increase in residents’ sense of safety and security.
In the Umpqua region, now known as Thrive Umpqua, the community earned full Blue Zones certification. Impact data from a two-year evaluation showed:
- A 22% decrease in poor nutrition
- An 8% increase in physical activity
- A 24% improvement in quality-of-life scores
Thrive Umpqua also expanded Veggie Rx food access programs, launched mobile produce efforts and helped secure $2.2 million for Safe Routes to School and pedestrian infrastructure.
The Dalles has seen strong participation and positive trends. More than 1,400 residents have pledged to live healthier, longer lives, and over 3,000 community members have participated in clean-up events. Since 2017, pride in the community has increased by 20%.
In Grants Pass, over 2,600 individuals and 30 organizations have taken part in well-being programs. Eight schools joined the Walking School Bus program, and in 2023 the city council adopted a sustainability plan to transition city buildings and vehicles to renewable energy.
By supporting Blue Zones initiatives, OSU Extension helps communities across Oregon create environments that support healthy living, long-term well-being and stronger local connections. These efforts show what’s possible when communities work together for lasting change.