Duarte : City Part of Health Project

Duarte has been selected by the state Department of Health Services as one of five California cities recognized as part of the 1989-90 California Healthy Cities Project.

Duarte was chosen for its proposal to produce a free, bilingual directory of health services available in and near the city. The directory, which will be distributed to every household in the community, will be the result of the yearlong project.

The directory will include listings on the Duarte fitness center classes and other recreational activities; local medical centers at Santa Teresita Hospital and the City of Hope; free health screenings; social-service agencies; health-oriented groups, such as the YMCA and Alcoholics Anonymous; restaurants that feature low-cholesterol meals; health food stores, and a first-aid section.

The city will receive technical assistance from the state, and city officials will attend meetings and conferences to share ideas and information with other project cities. The city can also use the project logo for advertising purposes.

The California Healthy Cities Project examines issues, such as crime, unemployment and the environment and their effect on people’s health. The Healthy Cities model encourages city leaders to make their communities healthier places in which to live.

Duarte was selected from among 70 cities in a competition that stressed resident involvement, public and private sector participation, and the city’s ability to organize and address specific community needs.

The other cities chosen for the project are: Arcata, Bell, Long Beach and Pasadena.