Austin Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council Award Winners Revealed

AUSTIN, TX — Mayor Steve Adler and the Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council on Friday announced the Mayor’s Healthiest Workplace and School Awards at a ceremony staged at Austin City Hall.

The awards and certifications highlight organizations that have implemented best practices to create workplace or school environments that promote health and well-being, the mayor explained in an emailed press advisory.

“Austin has always done big things in our own unique way, and this initiative is a shining example of how innovative approaches can move communities forward,” Adler said. “This is no small feat, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who puts in the hard work to help make Austin a healthier city.”

Workplaces and schools were also recognized for achieving Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council Partner Certification and Exemplary School status. For the first time ever, a new Neighborhood Health Champion award was presented to an individual making a positive impact on their neighborhood’s health.

“Neighborhood Health Champion awards recognize individuals that have had a sustained and significant impact on improving the health and well-being of the neighborhood or community in which they live," Maria Faria, MHFC board chair, added. “The person selected as Health Champion has demonstrated leadership, creativity, empowerment of others, and shows this by encouraging healthy eating, physical activity, well-being and tobacco-free living in Austin.”

Winners by category are:

Healthiest Workplace

(For-Profit or Non-Profit)
Under or Small (up to 249)
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Medium (250-499)
Foundation Communities
Large (500-4,999)
National Instruments
Extra Large (>5,000)
Ascension Seton
School District or Govt Organization
Capital Metro Transportation Authority
Most Innovative Wellness Program
Austin Independent School District
Healthiest Schools
Healthiest Elementary School
Highland Park Elementary School (PfISD)
Healthiest Elementary School
Maplewood Elementary School (AISD)
Healthiest Middle School
Parmer Lane Elementary School (PfISD)
Healthiest Middle School
John P. Ojeda Middle School
Neighborhood Health
Champion
Bo McCarver
All winners will receive a $1000 mini grant to support ongoing health and wellness initiatives. The Mayor's Health and Fitness Council (MHFC) Partner Certification Program currently includes businesses and schools of all types and sizes. It was created by the Austin Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council in 2004 to inspire nutrition, physical activity, tobacco-free living, mother-friendly and other health related policies and programs.

By achieving MHFC Partner Certification or MHFC Exemplary School status, organizations are recognized for having comprehensive health and wellness programs and policies addressing four pillars of health. This year, 35 workplaces were recognized by receiving MHFC Partner Certification and 101 schools achieved the MHFC Exemplary designation.

About the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council

Founded in 2004, The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The Council has a vision for Austin to be the fittest, healthiest community in America. Its mission is to support and inspire people to improve their health by encouraging physical activity, improved nutrition and tobacco-free living. The council is focused on providing community connections, building alliances and supporting the implementation of best practices and programs that truly affect positive change to healthy lifestyles.