Austell and South Cobb come together to promote
Eight Dimensions of Wellness on a community scale
Wellness can improve quality of life and increase life expectancy, especially for people with mental health and substance use disorders.
Since 2007, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has promoted observance of National Wellness Week every third week of September. This national effort is designed to provide local organizations with educational and advocacy tools that encourage individuals to become more proactive about their health and well-being.
Several organizations that serve the residents of Austell, Georgia and the South Cobb community joined forces to observe National Wellness Week in the city in a way that would engage and energize the entire community. “Wellness Day South Cobb” was staged at Collar Park in Austell on September 20, 2014. The all-day event was launched with an inaugural 5K Race and Walk that wound through some of Austell’s most picturesque neighborhoods and scenery.
Following the excellent lead set forth by the Mayor and Council for the City of Austell, as well as members from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, a broad spectrum of public, corporate, civic, ecumenical, and nonprofit organizations collaborated and elevated the promotion of wellness to a level that had never been seen or attained in this community. This event illustrates the results of that historic collaboration as well as the planning foundation for staging even greater Wellness Day events in coming years.
According to SAMSHA, “National Wellness Week is a way for us to improve our health while exploring our talents, skills, interests, social connections, and environment.” We, the organizers, Joining Hands in Wellness partners, are proud of what we’ve accomplished; we invite you to join with us in planning and building the success of this exciting community event in the years to come.