SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio was among four cities across the nation recognized on Tuesday for its improvements to health and well-being in the community.
The city received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize for its work to decriminalize truancy, pre-K all-day citywide and the establishment of Haven for Hope.
Other cities include Cicero, Illinois; Eatonville, Florida; and Kalamath County, Oregon.
The RWJF honors communities pursuing innovative ideas in physical and mental health.
According to a news release, city officials have been focused on crafting policies that reduce disparities among local communities, providing individuals experiencing mental health issues or a substance abuse problem with resources versus sending them to jail, and looking at data when creating educational platforms that reduce teen pregnancy and homelessness.
"For the first time, equity is the lodestar of public policy at City Hall,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “This recognition affirms that we are making real progress for the people of San Antonio, improving public health and expanding equal opportunity to all. We will continue our community collaboration to deliver data-informed results and better health outcomes.”
The honor comes with a $25,000 prize.
According to a news release, the city was evaluated on and excelled in the following areas:
- 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.