Originally published in the Press Enterprise, Friday, June 26, part of the monthly Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
Palm Springs resident and business owner Dan Bjierke frequently wears his Blue Zones Project T-shirt, joking that he has become a walking billboard for the initiative. Following a cardiac event and through follow up care at Eisenhower Health, Bjierke discovered the local Blue Zones Project and the benefits of a plant-based diet and natural movement. While he recognized the importance of purpose and connection in his work as a therapist, participating as a patient was a fortunate experience.
“I am literally living the Blue Zones. I’ve lost 33 pounds and I feel more vital than ever,” Bjerke said. “I’ve helped form a weekly neighborhood ‘moai’ walking group called the Cool-Du Sacs and facilitate potlucks and card games with neighbors.”
Stories like Bjierke’s illustrate a broader trend in Riverside County, where the Blue Zones Project supports residents in adopting healthier daily habits.
Blue Zones is a community well-being initiative inspired by regions worldwide where people live longer, healthier lives. Research has identified nine lifestyle habits, known as the Power 9, such as moving naturally, eating a primarily plant-based diet, managing stress, maintaining close social circles and finding purpose.
The Riverside County initiative includes projects in the cities of Riverside, Palm Springs, Banning, and Coachella, as well as in the unincorporated area of Mead Valley. It is supported by a regional partnership led by Inland Empire Health Plan, IEHP Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Health, Eisenhower Health and Riverside University Health System. Now in its second year, each community has developed a detailed blueprint with goals for people, places and policies to improve health outcomes for residents.
In the first year, the local Blue Zones projects quickly got to work, engaging with the community and developing local initiatives including community gardens, Blue Zones-approved restaurants and grocery stores, and partnerships with local governments and businesses to promote healthier environments.
A sign of progress is the increasing number of moais, small groups of people committed to supporting each other for life through ups and downs. These groups participate in activities such as walking, cooking and board games, helping residents build community ties and adopt healthy habits. For Janie Haughn, a Banning resident, joining a local walking moai after her husband’s passing led to new relationships and inspired her to become an active Blue Zones project volunteer.
“I live my life with purpose. I try to eat healthy, and I love spending time with my family. I’m excited for this project, and I can’t wait to continue volunteering,” Haughn said.
Schools are also embracing new opportunities. In Palm Springs, teachers at Cielo Vista Charter School have found connection and purpose through Blue Zones Purpose Workshops and have asked for additional training. Banning has seen similar momentum, as teachers who completed workshops now share Blue Zones and Power 9 principles with their families and students.
“It’s so inspiring to see middle schools and elementary school students learning and identifying what they feel their purpose is,” shared Blue Zones Project Banning Executive Director Reuben Gonzalez.
Workplaces are also adopting Blue Zones principles to improve employee health. In Coachella, Ocean Mist Farms became the city’s first Blue Zones approved worksite by introducing health-monitoring equipment, walking routes and a personal pledge program.
The Boys and Girls Club of the San Gorgonio Pass became a designated Blue Zones workplace and established its Recharge Room, which encourages staff to pause, recharge and prioritize their well-being throughout the day. Additionally, the nonprofit implemented weekly team walks, chair yoga and wellness challenges.
“These efforts have strengthened relationships among staff, increased morale, and helped create a workplace where employees feel valued,” said Chief Operations Officer Megan Grisham. “This shift has improved club culture and the environment for both employees and the youth we serve.”
In addition to social and health benefits, Blue Zones Project Riverside Executive Director Erin Edwards notes significant economic impact.
The first year blueprint for Riverside included support for local farmers, particularly through the Inland Empire Food Hub. To sell locally grown food, the hub needed processing equipment to prepare ready-to-serve items such as guacamole and salsa. Blue Zones Riverside funded this equipment, generating $140,000 in revenue within seven months. The investment strengthened the local food economy and kept Riverside-grown produce in schools, universities, and businesses.
“A full year into the project, we are constantly thinking about other roadblocks that if quickly removed, would make all the difference, and that’s the magic of Blue Zones,” Edwards said.
A key factor in the Blue Zones Project’s success has been partnering with businesses and people who already lead healthy, purposeful lives but need support to expand their impact.
Nosotros Café in Banning opened two years ago to create a welcoming space for the community to gather, enjoy fresh food and feel at home, making it a natural Blue Zones partner.
“Being recognized as the first Blue Zones restaurant in the City of Banning has brought positive attention to our business, introduced new customers to our restaurant, and strengthened our commitment to serving food that nourishes both body and community,” Nosotros owners Edyth Flores and Maria La Borde said.
Now in year two, Blue Zones Projects across Riverside County are continuing to build momentum. Residents are coming together and living healthier through small incremental changes, workplaces are investing in wellness, schools are adopting purpose-driven programs, and local businesses are gaining visibility and community engagement.
To learn more about participating in a local Blue Zones Project or incorporating the Power 9 principles in your community or home, visit bluezones.com/bzprivco/