Kaiser Permanente Georgia has made a commitment to creating a culture of healthy eating and active living in neighborhoods throughout the state, which is evident in the organization's participation in a Neighborhood Summit hosted by two DeKalb County communities. The neighborhoods, which are located in the southeastern portion of the county, brought together nearly numerous residents and community stakeholders to discuss this important issue on April 4. The Kaiser insurance organization has long promoted the importance of preventative care, and programs such as this are an important part of that.

By participating in the Healthy Eating Active Living program (HEAL), Kaiser Permanente is encouraging local residents and policy makers to reduce health disparities associated with chronic illnesses. As part of the partnership between Kaiser Permanente Georgia and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and Belvedere, community stakeholders will also encourage environmental and policy changes that promote health in the area. The Healthy Belvedere initiative encourages many of the things that doctors are encouraging Kaiser insurance members to do. These will include community gardens, walking clubs, a HEAL summer camp, sidewalk improvements and more.

As another part of the commitment to preventative care and total health in the areas they serve, Kaiser Permanente is investing more than $1 million in Belvedere over five to seven years. The Community Foundation will manage the initiative as part of Healthy Belvedere's work in southeast DeKalb County. The neighborhoods included in this initiative stretch between Memorial Drive to the north, Columbia Drive to the east, Glenwood Road to the south and Candler Road to the west. Residents of these areas were able to enjoy a free lunch, childcare, transportation, t-shirt, bag and chance to win an iPod Shuffle when attending the summit.

Kaiser Permanente Georgia, as well as all other regional divisions of the national healthcare organization, has made a commitment to helping insurance members and local residents in the areas they serve become healthier and more active.