Mayor Taveras Establishes Healthy Communities Office
RISBJ Staff | Aug 29, 2012
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Angel Taveras has signed an executive order establishing the Healthy Communities Office. The office is charged with improving the health and wellness of Providence residents by improving nutrition and increasing access to healthy foods, promoting physical activity and recreation, and preventing substance abuse among young people, among other efforts. It will assume the responsibilities of the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council and be staffed by the existing employees of that office.
“I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Healthy Communities Office. This office will expand the scope of the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council. It will also broaden our attention on a wider array of issues threatening the health and wellness of our city’s residents, including chronic disease, obesity, addiction and tobacco use,” said Mayor Angel Taveras. “Healthy cities are strong cities. The Healthy Communities Office will make Providence a healthier and a stronger city.”
Peter Asen, director of the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council, will lead the Healthy Communities Office. The Healthy Communities Office will continue to convene the Mayor’s Substance Abuse Prevention Council’s substance abuse task force.
“I applaud Mayor Taveras’s leadership and vision to make healthy living a priority for Providence,” said Asen. “The Healthy Communities Office will better position Providence to compete for additional state and federal funding and grants from charitable trusts and foundations focused on the important work of creating healthier outcomes for more people.”
Providence has been recognized for its efforts to promote healthy living and address the public health challenges that all cities face. In October 2011, Providence was named one of the top 5 healthy cities for families by Parents Magazine. Prevention Magazine ranked Providence as the nation’s 14th most walkable city.
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