Healthy Savannah, YMCA work to improve pedestrian safety as more students walk to school

Nearly 70% of Savannah’s paved streets lack sidewalks. On average, 168 pedestrians are hit by vehicles in the city every year due to the lack of pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are leading an initiative that will identify safety barriers such as a lack of sidewalks, cracked pavement, and inaccessible intersections in 12 communities.

“There are some places that are extremely walkable. If you’re downtown, you know how easy it is to get around,” said Armand Turner, physical activity program manager for Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

“But if you go to some of our other communities and neighborhoods, they don’t have that same infrastructure,” he added. “So for our youngsters who are walking or biking to school, we really want to make it safer for them.”

Healthy Savannah raises awareness about HPV

See the video on WTOC

Make It Local

On April 1, 2015, the Healthy Savannah coalition received a one-year Plan4Health grant from the CDC via the American Planning Association and American Public...Read More

Healthy Savannah to Host Sept. 16 Community Walk in Thunderbolt to Identify Barriers to Walking

Healthy Savannah has scheduled a Healthy Walk in Thunderbolt on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and is inviting community members to join local leaders from the...Read More

Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken

Prep time: 10 mins Servings: 4 Ingredients  3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon cumin Salt...Read More

GALLERY: Healthy Savannah annual breakfast

(WSAV) — Healthy Savannah held their annual breakfast, and Bunny Ware was there to capture every moment.

Healthy Savannah appoints new executive director

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Healthy Savannah has announced the appointment of its new executive director. Armand Turner will be taking over for Paula Kreissler....Read More

Chatham Co. Health Dept. Hosts Cervical Cancer Awareness Event Feb. 20

The Chatham County Health Department and Healthy Savannah are hosting a cervical cancer awareness and screening event on February 20. Eligible women can get...Read More

Paula Kreissler Receives Lifetime Leadership Award from The Creative Exchange Network

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Nov. 8, 2025) – Longtime public health leader Paula Kreissler was honored with the Lifetime Leadership Award by The Creative Exchange Network,...Read More

A fresh start for Healthy Savannah; New Director shares goals for future

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – New year, new leadership, and a fresh focus on health! Healthy Savannah is stepping into 2025 with a brand-new executive...Read More

Armand Turner elected as Friends of Tide to Town board president

March 29, 2023 – Friends of Tide To Town, Inc. (TTT) has announced the election of its 2023 board of directors. Chairman Armand Turner will...Read More

Community Corner: Healthy Savannah encourages donations of nutritious foods to support Coastal Georgia families

https://youtu.be/KsX45p939hc?si=XRnerub_wXbAX8HA Top 10 Healthy Foods to Donate Canned vegetables (low-sodium)Canned fruit (in juice or water, not syrup)Dried or canned beans and lentilsBrown rice and...Read More

Healthy Savannah and YMCA Encourage Savannah Stores to Provide Healthier Options at Checkout

In Chatham County, 17.6% of all residents are food insecure and 21.8% of children are food insecure, with the accessibility and affordability of healthy...Read More

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

One of our volunteer coordinators will reach out to you shortly

View our community impact

Thank you for your subscription!

We’ll add you to our list, and you’ll receive the next newsletter.

Browse past newsletters
;