August is National Wellness Month, making it an ideal time to explore evidence-based tips and tools for creating healthier environments at home, in the workplace, and within our communities. Nearly 100 nonprofit and chamber leaders gathered for the IE Vibrant Health Forum: A Community-Centric Approach to Health, on August 14, 2025, where they heard from local business, civic leaders and experts and staff from the Blue Zones Project in Riverside County.

Reuben Gonzales, Executive Director of the Banning Blue Zones Project, opened the event by discussing the history of the Blue Zones, the Power 9 principles and the current initiatives in Riverside County.

Followed by an informative and engaging discussion moderated by Erin Edwards, Executive Director of the Riverside Blue Zones Project, with city and business leaders, Rafael Guzman, Assistant City Manager of Riverside; Nicholas Adcock, President/CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; and Dominique Samario, Chief Strategic Partnerships & Communications Officer of the Riverside County Office of Education. They emphasized the importance of cross-sector partnerships for building healthier communities.

Throughout the event, we practiced what we preach by incorporating an exercise break led by an instructor from the IEHP Community Wellness Center.

Greg Bradbard, CEO of the IEHP Foundation, closed out the event with a vibrant discussion featuring local Blue Zones staff Rikki Hubbard, Organization and Wellbeing Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Riverside; Job Huerta, Organization and Wellbeing Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Coachella Valley; and Thomas Miranda, Public Policy Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Banning, on implementing practical tools and best practices to cultivate a healthier lifestyle within our communities.

The focus on implementing Blue Zones Power 9 Principles in our communities, workplaces, and homes to achieve sustainable and positive health outcomes resonated with many attendees.

One shared in the post-event survey: “The emphasis on creating an environment where healthy choices are easy and automatic truly resonated, as well as the need for purpose and community as part of a well-rounded life.”

If you weren’t able to attend the event, you can watch the recording of the event here.