Over the past few years, Butte County has shown what it means to rebuild together. In the wake of massive wildfires and the long shadow of COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC) formed in Summer 2022 to meet a clear need: improve the health and well-being of Butte County residents by preventing future mental and physical health disorders.
From the beginning, the work has been shaped by cross-sector leaders and grounded in evidence, drawing on local expertise alongside Blue Zones and World Health Organization insights. That blend of local wisdom and proven best practices will continue to guide every step.
Today, we are excited to share our next step: HCC is rebranding as Healthy Here.
Why the change? Because the work has always been bigger than an organization. Healthy Here is a community-facing name that feels like what this effort is meant to be: local, practical, and shared. It is a reminder that health is built in everyday places: at home, at school, at work, and in our neighborhoods. It also signals an open invitation to every resident, partner organization, and cross-sector leader who wants to help shape a healthier Butte County.
What is not changing is our focus. Healthy Here will continue to organize and invest in three connected priorities: Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Connection and Meaning.
These focus areas reflect what we know matters most for long-term well-being: access to nutritious food, daily movement, and a sense of belonging and purpose.
Our guiding principles remain the same: primary prevention, equity, innovation, data-informed decision-making, and sustainability. We use an equity lens to ensure all communities in Butte County have real opportunities to thrive, with inclusive, accessible strategies that reach people where they are.
So what can you expect next? You will see the Healthy Here name across our communications, partnerships, and tools.
You will also see more action-oriented initiatives, like Healthy Here at Work, supporting employers with playbooks, wellness coordinators, and workplace challenges that strengthen nutrition, physical activity, and social connection.
If you have been part of HCC, thank you. You helped build the foundation. If you are new, welcome. Healthy Here is for you.
Follow the blog, share this announcement, and consider joining an upcoming initiative or partner table as we keep turning plans into measurable, community-wide progress.