DuPage County was one of 20 communities nationwide to receive a Roadmaps to Health Action Award. The Action Awards are designed to strengthen the capacity of communities to make effective and lasting change that builds on existing efforts to improve health.

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) applied for the Action Award, which is part of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Program, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. As a Roadmaps to Health Action Award community, DCHD, and several community partners, will receive a year of direct, customized support from a Roadmaps to Health community coach and be able to participate in a national learning network. Awardees also receive $10,000 to accelerate local health improvement efforts.

“This prestigious national award strengthens our resolve to improve the health of everyone living in DuPage County,” said Karen Ayala, Executive Director of DCHD, “It is an honor to be recognized for what we have accomplished and our plans to improve everyone’s health.”

“The Roadmaps to Health Action organizations are well-positioned to leverage the networking opportunities, coaching and this funding will help them build on their existing momentum,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, co-director of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program. “These organizations are committed to better health.”

The Roadmaps to Health Action Award was developed in collaboration with Chapel Hill, NC based Action Living By Design and is part of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program. The Rankings show communities where they can improve, and the Roadmaps show communities how to take action to expand opportunities for healthier choices.