ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Blue Zones Project Umpqua is being recognized by various health organizations for encouraging more people in the community to make healthier choices.

The Umpqua Valley is now considered a Blue Zones Certified Community by Oregon Healthiest State, Cambria Health Foundation, Share Care and Blue Zones National.

Since 2017, staff said they have worked on getting the certification through their engagement in the community. They said their work has helped with downtown business renewal, decreasing food insecurity, decreasing childhood obesity, increasing volunteerism and adding more smoke-free areas.

“We work in three pillar areas, so it’s policy, people, places,” said community engagement director Juliete Palenshus. “This designation means, you know, leaders, organizations, volunteers, residents have come together to create that cultural shift.”

Palenshus said staff will be celebrating their certification on Feb. 22 during a virtual event. She said it will be open to the public.