Latest news with #HealthySavannah
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Healthy Savannah celebrates 18th anniversary
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – On Tuesday, Healthy Savannah celebrated its 18th anniversary at the Charles H. Morris Center in Savannah. The non-profit organization is known locally and nationally for championing a culture of health in Savannah and Chatham County. During the breakfast event, Healthy Savannah bestowed its 2025 Health Innovation Award to St. Philip AME Church. 'We're long-time partners with St. Philip AME Church, and we constantly look for opportunities to collaborate more,' said Armand Turner, Healthy Savannah's executive director. 'They did a phenomenal job over the past year putting action to their FAN training program and we're proud they were selected for this award by the Healthy Savannah Board.' PAST HEALTH INNOVATION AWARDS RECIPIENTS:2023: Loop it Up Savannah2021: Nandi Marshall, PhD: Savannah H.O.P.E Project (Breastfeeding)2019: Everybody Eats Fresh Free Fridays2017: Savannah Bicycle Campaign – New Standard Cycles Program2015: Forsyth Farmers Market St Philip AME Church was founded in 1865. In 2019, its members and leadership established the Faith, Activity and Nutrition (FAN) Ministry. The church also hosts a growing number of health-focused events, including an annual health fair. These nominees for the 2025 Health Innovation Award were also recognized for their significant contributions to Healthy Savannah: Naturals2Go Memorial Health The Tiny Beet Dance Savannah Elite Healthy Savannah additionally presented the Dennis Hutton Spirit Award in support of a community or school garden to the Holly Heights Community Garden. Anthony Lonon, neighborhood president, received the award on behalf of the grassroots organization. 'Racial equity is not about excluding other groups, it is about transforming behaviors,' said Charles T. Brown, MPA, CPD, during his keynote address to the approximately 130 partners and advocates gathered for the event. 'Urban planning has been weaponized as a tool of oppression within society,' said Brown, noting a situation he calls 'highway robbery,' where historically Black communities have been divided by road construction projects, such as the I-16 flyover into downtown Savannah. Brown also pointed out how racial residential segregation continues to prevail in major cities such as Atlanta, Detroit and Washington D.C. but said this is the time to look at zoning and land use policies and do something about those disparities. 'History doesn't say goodbye,' Brown said. 'History says see you later. I came here because I believe in the collective power here, because I believe Savannah's future is different than its past.' Healthy Savannah was founded in 2007 as an initiative of the City of Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, PhD. The initiative has built a collaborative network of partnerships and led initiatives to create environments that make a healthy choice the easy choice. 'Healthy Savannah has broadened to include so many different things we didn't even think about when we were creating this organization,' said Johnson. 'It's just so wonderful after 18 years that it's going strong and growing.' Some of the milestones Healthy Savannah has championed or developed over the years include: 2011: Supported the 'Breathe Easy Savannah' campaign, which resulted in the passage of Savannah's Smoke-Free Air Act of 2010 ordinance, which prohibits smoking in restaurants and stores. This has led to a significant reduction in heart attacks reported in the community since the ordinance's implementation. 2014: After being awarded the Healthcare Georgia Foundation's Childhood Obesity Grant, supported healthier meals in local schools, recognizing that giving children a healthier start in life leads to better long-term health outcomes and a stronger, more vibrant community. 2014: Launched the Faith and Health Coalition to support Chatham County's faith-based organizations as they encourage a culture of health among their members and the community; began offering the annual Faith Walk in 2023, featuring health resources and giveaways, and fun games for kids. 2015: Supported the passing of the Complete Streets ordinances in Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County; partnering with Friends of the Tide to Town in support of Savannah and Chatham County's Urban Trail System; and championing the construction of the Truman Linear Park Trail, at the heart of Savannah and Chatham County's Urban Trail System. 2018 & 2023: With partners including the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, Healthy Savannah was awarded more than $9 million in grant funding for the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health grants by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to seek upstream solutions to public health challenges. 2020: Launched 'Healthy Walks' during the early days of COVID isolation. The popular walks continue to be a healthy way to explore parks and trails and meet new friends. 2021: Launched the Community Health Advocate program, which mobilizes members of the community to discuss and share information about adult vaccination in the neighborhoods, churches, jobs, and areas where they live, work, or volunteer. This nationally recognized flagship program has produced 100+ graduates and continues to grow in scope and outreach. 2022: Was awarded the CDC's REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity Challenge in recognition of Healthy Savannah's positive strides to make the healthy choice the easy choice in priority communities. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals and entities whose work has contributed to advancing health equity. 2023: Redeveloped and then relaunched the Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council to educate Chatham County residents, shape public policy, and bring the community together. 2024: Through a one-year grant provided by CHC: Creating Healthier Communities to elevate awareness of the HPV vaccine and its prevention interventions for certain cancers, Healthy Savannah focused on public education, offering numerous public listening sessions, round table discussions and training opportunities in HPV awareness methodologies. Funding from the grant also allowed vaccines to be administered to patients at no cost. 2025: Launched 'Breastfeeding Welcome Here,' a program to recognize breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, medical offices and retail spaces. The non-profit also announced its new slate of executive board members: Joining Chairman Bullock are: Nick Deffley, MS, vice chair Pastor Yolonda Roberson, treasurer Cheri Dean, secretary Tiffoni Buckle-McCartney, member at large The organization additionally welcomed new board members Jennifer Davenport and Mary Arocha. It recognized Dr. Blake Caldwell for her leadership as the outgoing chair of the organization, along with retiring board members Krystal McGee, Rev. Marvin Lloyd, and Keon Green. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Healthy Savannah celebrates 5 years of active walks
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Healthy Savannah has been helping our community stay active for years, and today they're celebrating a milestone. It's all about encouraging folks to move more and live healthier lives, one step at a time. Today is the perfect reminder of how something as simple as walking every day can make a huge difference in your health. On Tuesday at the Scarborough Sports Complex, Healthy Savannah is kicking off its fifth anniversary of Healthy Walks… just minutes after the sunrise today. 'Healthy walks started from us just trying to find a way out of the pandemic to, you know, stay together and still be able to socially distance. And, you know, five years later, it's really blossomed into something really cool for the community,' said Armand Turner, the Executive Director of Healthy Savannah. Everyone is welcome to join Healthy Savannah's Walk this morning. The program began during the pandemic five years ago as a way to keep residents active and it's since grown into a key community event. Every Tuesday – participants gather for a low-impact walk – which makes physical activity fun and accessible for everyone. Studies show walks can reduce stress and reduce the risk of a stroke by more than 35%. Whether you're looking to improve sleep or simply get moving… walking is an effective and simple way to take care of your health. 'Because physical activity is not just you know lifting weights. You can walk and talk with the community members. You can learn something new,' said Devin Frails, the Physical Activity Program Manager for Healthy Savannah. The walk is designed to be low-impact and open to all fitness levels, helping people of all ages get moving. It will kick off at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Scarborough Sports Complex. Participants will walk one mile towards Derenne and then walk back. This makes a total of two miles for this anniversary's Healthy Walk. Can't make it today? Join future walks, like Tybee on April 1st. Just grab a good pair of shoes—walking regularly can add years to your life! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Otis Johnson reflects on honor as Savannah Arts Center renamed
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — He's a man who has dedicated his life to Savannah… shaping its future and inspiring generations. To the city he is known as Dr. Johnson, to close colleagues he's Dr. J… but back at home he is called Otis. Dr. Johnson has lived in Savannah for the majority of his life… being born at the Georgia Infirmary Hospital in 1942. 'It was one of two hospitals that blacks were able to enter at the time,' said Dr. Johnson. Since then, his accomplishments and dedication to public service never stopped. In his 82 years of life Dr. Johnson has positively paved the path for future generations to come to Savannah. Now the city is giving back. Later today – leaders will honor former Mayor Otis Johnson and recognize his legacy. The building off Montgomery Street will take on a new name Friday – one that carries decades of leadership and dedication to Savannah. This renamed building not only celebrates Dr. Johnson's legacy but cements his impact forever. The city is officially renaming the Savannah Cultural Arts Center as the Otis S. Johnson PhD. Cultural Arts Center. 'It is a huge deal and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. Never in my life or during my active career did I ever imagine something like that would happen,' said Dr. Otis Johnson. A Savannah native – Johnson's journey began in the very neighborhoods he later worked to uplift. He was the second black mayor in the city's history, and a champion for social change. Johnson was the first African American to attend Georgia Southern University's Armstrong campus. He served more than 5 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve and served as Savannah's 64th Mayor from 2004 to 2012. Under his leadership… Savannah launched initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and increasing opportunities for young people. 'When I walk past that building in the future and see my name up there. It will hopefully encourage other young people that you can start with humble beginnings,' said Dr. Johnson. 'But that humble beginning does not determine what your end is going to be. To have a major public facility named after Otis Samuel Johnson is a testament to the fact that it isn't where you begin, but where you go in those matters.' The ceremony is open to the public and is happening at 3 p.m. today at 201 West Montgomery Street. It will include remarks from Johnson himself, along with community leaders. Dr. Johnson also helped launch Step-Up Savannah, and Healthy Savannah – programs still making a difference today. 'Public service is an honorable profession, and most public servants are paid less than what they could make in the private sector. But they do it because of their commitment to public service. And it's not all about the money, but the rewards are sometimes greater than money,' explained Dr. Johnson. A long list of accomplishments in his 82 years, and not a moment of rest. Once he retired in 2002, he immediately began preparing to run for Mayor of his hometown. When asked about his future goals, Dr. Johnson said he wants to stay as healthy as he can. 'I'm shooting for 90. I don't want to be greedy. If I make 90, then I'll shoot 100,' said Dr. Johnson with a laugh. Today's ceremony makes sure; Dr. Otis Johnson's impact is not forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cervical cancer screenings
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Healthy Savannah and the Chatham County Health Department are partnering to offer a cervical cancer awareness and screening event on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the health department clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Cervical cancer kills thousands of women each year, but many of these deaths can be prevented through vaccination and screening. In the United States, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and about 4,000 women die of this cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'The tragedy of cervical cancer is that its detrimental consequences are almost entirely preventable due to the accessibility and efficacy of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine,' said Krystal Sharp, Adult Health supervisor at Chatham County Health Department and community advisory board member for CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. 'But the stigma surrounding this topic from negative stereotypes and misconceptions about HPV can lead to fear of rejection, shame, and judgment causing some people to be less receptive to being vaccinated.' Healthy Savannah has also launched a campaign to help dispel the stigma surrounding the disease. The organization is encouraging prevention and early detection through vaccinations, regular screenings, and education about cervical health. Supported by CHC funding, Healthy Savannah will join with the Chatham County Health Department to present a health fair at its Eisenhower location from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The event will include door prizes, drawings and opportunities to learn about healthy living. A health clinic will also be available for those who wish to be screened for cervical cancer via pap smear or receive the HPV vaccine. The Health Department is located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406. NOTE: Community members interested in receiving a pap smear/cervical cancer screening should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. Please bring an unexpired photo ID. Screening is available for people aged 21 and older. Healthy Savannah has also developed a social media campaign and has placed informative signage on Chatham Area Transit buses, both of which encourage getting the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. 'Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented,' said Dr. Elsie Smalls, HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative Program manager. 'HPV causes more than 90% of cervical cancers, but the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing cancer and aids the body's immune system in recognizing and eliminating the virus. Screenings can also detect pre-cancerous cells, and early treatment can prevent the development of cervical cancer.' Healthy Savannah was awarded a CHC grant in February 2024 to elevate awareness of the HPV vaccine as a preventable measure against certain HPV related cancers, including cervical cancer, in Savannah/Chatham County. The goal is to provide prevention information related to HPV and increase the number of individuals who access the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of viral strands that most often cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and throat/mouth cancers. The CDC says HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9 up through age 26. The CDC says it is also possible for those up to age 45 to benefit from the vaccine after consulting with their doctor. The CDC also recommends that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. Pap smears and HPV co-testing can aid with early detection of cervical cancer and the screening can be performed in a doctor's office and most health clinics. For more information on Healthy Savannah's HPV Vaccination Equity Initiative, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
