From phasing out heavy polluters near schools to improving access to fresh foods, National City is receiving national recognition for its efforts to improve the health of the community.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected the South Bay city as a finalist, along with seven other cities across the nation, for “working at the forefront of advancing health, opportunity and equity for all,” read a statement from the foundation, which funds programs that aim to improve the health of all Americans.
“National City, I feel, oftentimes gets overlooked as we’re sandwiched between the city of San Diego and Chula Vista,” said Claire Groebner, director of development at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, a nonprofit that offers nutrition and environmental education programs for students in the South Bay. “We’re a fairly small city but to be able to have that recognition is a pretty big deal and we’re very honored.”
Among South Bay cities, National City has had the highest percentage of deaths due to chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
