The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) recently announced the addition of five new experts to the Culture of Health Prize Advisory Group, a diverse committee made up of 15 members who represent all backgrounds and sectors. Members range from the National Association of Counties to the American Heart Association, and all are committed to building healthy communities and a national Culture of Health. Bettina Byrd-Giles, a leader with the 2016 Culture of Health Leaders cohort, is amongst the group of experts invited to join the Advisory Group. A full list of committee members can be found here.

The Culture of Health Prize strives to recognize the impact of communities that have placed a priority on health, and are creating powerful partnerships and deep commitments to provide everyone, especially those facing the greatest challenges, with the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible. The advisory group works to inform the RWJF Culture of Health Prize program’s direction and priorities. The prize is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

“As the RWJF Culture of Health Prize network and program continues to grow in reach and influence, the Prize National Advisory Group serves a vital role,” said Necole S. Irvin, JD, MPH, RWJF Culture of Health Prize National Advisory Group chair and Blackwood Advisors principal. “We look forward to the contributions of our new advisory group members, whose unique perspectives, background, and expertise will be critical in our mission to elevate and honor communities that are improving health for all residents.”

Bettina Byrd-Giles is the CEO of the Bethesda Life Center in Birmingham, Ala, where she works to build healthy minds, bodies, and souls in her community. She is also the co-founder of Ensley Alive, a movement dedicated to supporting local creatives improve the health of the community through creative activity, murals, gardens, and filling vacant spaces.

For more information on Bettina’s work with Culture of Health Leaders, visit her profile page or read “Achieving What One Leader Can Not Do Alone: The Power of Collaboration Across Sectors, Professions, and Geographies.”