Addison, Illinois Selected as Finalist for RWJF Culture of Health Prize

Community Improvement Efforts Recognized as Addison Advances in National Prize Selection Process

Addison was chosen as a finalist for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. As a 2020 finalist, Addison is one step closer to the national Prize which honors communities working at the forefront of advancing health and opportunity for all residents.

Addison joins seven other finalist communities from across the country. Winners will be announced this fall.

“Collaboration is at the heart of Addison agencies.  We strive to provide the best services to our residents and afford new opportunities to enhance their quality of life.  RWJF recognized this work and we are pleased to advance as a RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalist.” said Richard Veenstra, Mayor of Addison.

To get to this stage in the process, communities had to showcase the breadth of work and collaboration happening throughout sectors to improve health. Addison Early Childhood Collaborative, Addison Police Department, Addison Public Library, DuPage County Health Department, High School District 88, NEDFYS, and the Village of Addison came together to highlight teen health initiatives, CIT officers, the Mayor’s Workforce Development Committee, meal assistance programs, and Rock N’ Wheels.  To become a finalist, Addison had to demonstrate how its 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.

“Since 2013, Prize communities have shown the nation what is possible when leaders and residents join forces to remove barriers to health—from creating new jobs and improving high school graduation rates…,” said Richard Besser, MD, RWJF president and CEO. “We look forward to visiting each finalist community in the coming months to learn more about how they are expanding opportunities for people to thrive.”

If selected as a Prize winner, Addison will be given a $25,000 prize and a national platform to share their story and lessons learned with the country. The community will join with other national and community change leaders, including past Prize winners, through a national Prize Alumni Network.

To learn about the work of the 44 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.