Founded in 2007, Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson launched the ‘Healthy Savannah Initiative’, with the aim of making Savannah a healthier place to live.
Since then, the Initiative has grown into a dedicated coalition of over 200 partner organizations with whom we lead, collaborate, and innovate equitable solutions for the sustained health of all Savannahians.
We view our work through a lens of policy, systems, and environmental change. Our aim is to increase opportunities for citizens to seek physical activity, consume nutritious, balanced diets, and to thrive in a city that connects them with necessary goods and services for healthy living.
Mission Statement:
Lead and support a culture of health in the Savannah area by:
– Creating an environment that makes a healthy choice an easy choice
– Building a collaborative network that identifies and shares resources
– Collecting and disseminating information
– Promoting best practices and supporting innovative programs, and Advocating for effective policies
Vision Statement:
We are a community committed to supporting a culture of health.
Board of Directors & Staff:
Healthy Savannah is operated by a diverse group of dedicated volunteers. Meet our Board and Staff here.
Partners:
Healthy Savannah brings together a network of over 200 public and private community organizations. We are proud to work with each and every one. Find out who Our Partners are.
Logo:
Our Logo was designed by a very talented SCAD alum, Yamie Shah. Explore the brand evolution with our inspiration and philosophy, Here.
Awards:
Hover over an image to read a description. Click on an image to see a larger version.
Funding:
Over the last several years, Healthy Savannah has received grant funds from various public and private institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Invest Health, Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge, City of Savannah, Plan for Health, Voices for Healthy Kids, No Kid Hungry, and more.
Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health
In August 2023, Healthy Savannah & the YMCA of Coastal Georgia were awarded the five-year, $5.1-million collaborative Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a second round. During the first round of the REACH grant, from November 2018 through September 2023, Healthy Savannah worked toward improving access to nutritious food, systemic change to create safe places for physical activity, and easy access to local resources through the website HeroHelpMe.com. The work has expanded to breastfeeding and adult immunizations in this second round of the REACH grant. It will continue emphasizing the importance of policy, systems, and environmental change toward health equity.
The REACH Project was started by the CDC in 1999 to help reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest burden of chronic disease (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity) through culturally tailored interventions that address preventable risk behaviors, (i.e., poor nutrition, smoking, and physical inactivity).
The REACH team:
- Project Director: Paula Kreissler
- Deputy Director: Armand Turner
- Physical Activity Manager: Devin Frails
- Nutrition Manager: Ruby Castro
- Breastfeeding Manager: Elsie Smalls
- Adult Immunization Operations/Communication Manager: Nichele Hoskins
- Communications Manager: Alyssa Love-Archey
To learn more about this funding, visit “Healthy Savannah and YMCA Build on Health Equity Successes in Savannah Area with $5.1M in Continued CDC Funding.”
Intern with Us
At Healthy Savannah, we believe that fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are key to making Savannah a healthier, more vibrant community. As an intern with Healthy Savannah, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into impactful projects that shape our city’s future. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, we value the unique insights you bring and are committed to supporting your professional growth. Here, you won’t just gain experience—you’ll help lead, collaborate, and innovate alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice! You’ll also have the chance to connect with the community at public events, where you can share the important work we’re doing to create a healthier environment!
Why Intern with Us?
Interning with Healthy Savannah allows you to make a real impact in our community while gaining valuable experience in public health, policy, and advocacy. You can choose your focus from our four strategy areas: nutrition, physical activity, adult immunization, and breastfeeding. As part of our team, you’ll work on meaningful projects that promote healthy living, collaborate with a diverse network of over 200 partner organizations, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. We also offer flexible in-person, virtual, and hybrid options to ensure your experience fits your needs.
Ready to get started? Send your resume to armand@healthysavannah.org.
