In a remarkable show of unity, current Memphis Mayor Paul Young has teamed up with former Memphis mayors Jim Strickland, A C Wharton, and Willie Herenton in an unprecedented call for Memphians to shed 1 million pounds.
It’s part of Methodist Le Bonheur’s Healthier 901 initiative. The groundbreaking community effort seeks to change the trajectory of health and wellness across the Mid-South by tackling obesity, a condition that significantly increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease—two leading causes of death in Desoto and Shelby counties.
The upcoming Healthier 901 Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shelby Farms Park, serves as a centerpiece for this initiative.
The family-friendly, free event will feature a “Find Your Fit Zone,” cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs, complimentary health screenings provided by the Cigna Healthcare Wellness in Motion mobile clinic, and much more. In addition, attendees can enter to win a pair of Nike sneakers by creating a free Healthier 901 account, with daily giveaways running through August 31.
The mayors teamed up for a video clip promoting the initiative and the festival.
“Creating better health outcomes for our residents has the power to significantly improve our city, from workforce benefits to healthcare costs, to community engagement and quality of life,” said Mayor Paul Young. “I love walking, so I am excited to add my daily steps to the millions of steps already logged by my fellow community members. We all play a part in building a healthier tomorrow for our friends, families, and neighbors.”
“It’s a bold plan to help us lose one million pounds across our community within three years,” Wharton said in the video. “And I applaud Methodis Le Bonheur Healthcare for its vision to improve the health and well being of our community.”
Healthier 901, launched last year, challenges the Mid-South community to lose one million pounds over the course of three years. The initiative is inclusive, offering opportunities for individuals of all mobility levels to improve their nutrition, increase physical activity, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
“On behalf of our healthcare system, I extend our deepest gratitude to our current and former mayors for their leadership and unwavering support of Healthier 901,” said Methodist Le Bonheur President and CEO Michael Ugwueke, DHA, FACHE. “Together through Healthier 901, we are creating a foundation for a healthier, stronger, and more active Mid-South for generations to come.”
Former Mayor Willie Herenton, reflected on the challenges and resilience of the Memphis community.
“As a former mayor of the great city of Memphis, I have witnessed the challenges our community faces with maintaining their health and well-being. I also know first-hand that ours is a community of great resilience and strength,” he said.
“(Healthier 901 provides) the leadership, dedication, and innovation our community needs to tackle health challenges,” Herenton said in the clip. “Because the harsh reality is that more than a third of our neighbors are obese, increasing their risk of cancer and heart disease. And I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of chronic health conditions that rob our citizens of their quality of life.”
Healthier 901 represents more than just a weight-loss challenge; it is a call to action for the entire community to adopt healthier habits and build a better future. The collaboration between past and present city leadership highlights the importance of collective effort in addressing the health challenges facing Memphis and the Mid-South.
Jim Strickland, Young’s immediate predecessor, issued a direct call to action for this weekend.
“Healthier 901 challenges us to exercise more and eat healthier,” said Strickland. “Download the Healthier 901 app and for a day of healthy fun for everyone, join us at Healthier 901 Fest, August 31st at Shelby Farms.
“You don’t have to do it alone.”
For more information on the initiative and to join the movement, visit Healthier901.com.
