Bethlehem Selected as Finalist for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize

Bethlehem, PA - Bethlehem was chosen as a finalist for the RWJF Culture of Health Prize given by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. As a finalist, Bethlehem 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 making sure good health flourishes for all.
 
Bethlehem joins nine other finalist communities from across the country. Winners will be announced this fall. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) coordinated the application’s multiple phases which highlighted the collaborative work of Bethlehem partners such as Bethlehem Area School District, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Kellyn Foundation, New Bethany Ministries and Bethlehem Health Bureau.
 
“We are pleased to advance as a RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalist community. Collaboration is key in Bethlehem. We’re fortunate to work with so many dedicated partners who strive to create a stronger, healthier Lehigh Valley,” said UWGLV President David Lewis.  
 
The Prize is guided by the principle that every community has the potential to leverage its unique strengths and be a healthier place for residents to live and thrive. To earn finalist status, Bethlehem had to demonstrate how their efforts reflect the six Prize criteria:

• Defining health in the broadest possible terms.
• Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions.
• Creating conditions that give everyone a fair and just opportunity to reach their best possible 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.     

“Selected from nearly 200 applicants, these RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalists recognize what it takes to build a healthy community. They have set themselves apart with innovation grounded in evidence; partnerships across non-profit, education, business, and local government sectors, among others; and an unrelenting commitment to all residents having an opportunity to lead their healthiest lives” said Richard Besser, MD, RWJF president and CEO. “We now look forward to visiting these finalist communities to learn more about their work and to help spread their ideas and solutions throughout America.”
 
Prize winners will receive a $25,000 cash prize and a national platform to share their story and lessons learned with the country. The community will also be part of a national network of past Prize winners.
 
To learn about the work of the 35 previous Prize winners, visit www.rwjf.org/prize
 
The RWJF Culture of Health Prize is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.