Healthy DuPage is a non-profit, regional-planning organization launched by individuals who care about the quality of life in our communities. Launched in 1997, an Initializing Committee was formed of representatives from various public, private and non-profit organizations.

This Initializing Committee reorganized itself into the current 20-member Healthy DuPage Board of Directors and its 2,500 community stakeholders. The Board has worked with the community stakeholders to link DuPage assets to a future envisioned by the community. Conversations have been held—visioning meetings around the community, sessions with community stakeholders, and within action teams—to determine:

• What are the social, environmental, and economic factors that contribute to the high quality of life in DuPage County?

• Building from these strengths, what do we need in DuPage County to make our quality of life better?

Through these conversations, the Board of Directors identified specific strategic themes that can substantively move the community towards an enhanced quality of life. From this rich and broad perspective, indicators were selected to measure our progress toward or away from our shared vision. These indicators can be used to create a culture of effective countywide planning, data collection, and analysis.

Healthy Communities Timeline

1986 -      World Health Organization focuses on health promotion and disease prevention.

1989-       US Healthy Cities Program formed.

1993-       First International Conference on Healthy Cities and Communities.

1997-       DuPage County explores creating a county-wide healthy communities effort.

1999-       Healthy DuPage Formed