Be Well™ Baytown proudly reflects on another year of impactful strides toward fostering a healthier community. With a steadfast commitment to engaging communities, fostering collaboration, and building organizational capacity, Be Well Baytown continues to make a difference in the lives of Baytown residents.

Be Well Baytown is an initiative of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center sponsored by ExxonMobil. It aims to mobilize the community to promote wellness and stop cancer before it starts. One of their primary objectives is to initiate an ongoing dialogue about the significance of adopting healthy behaviors. Throughout the fiscal year 2023, Be Well Baytown reached an impressive milestone by engaging 66% of the Baytown population. This accomplishment is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in promoting health and wellness. The Be Well Baytown Steering Committee, composed of representatives from 19 organizations, played a pivotal role in orchestrating these initiatives. Their collaborative efforts have yielded significant community reach and garnered overwhelming support for the sustainability of future collaborations. In a survey among Steering Committee members, 94% expressed confidence that community activities can be sustained over the long term.

Be Well Baytown remains committed to building the capacity of community-based organizations to implement evidence-based strategies targeting cancer risk reduction. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, the Be Well Communities™ team dedicated over 4,000 hours to providing capacity building, technical assistance, project management, and program evaluation support. This investment in organizational capacity is crucial for ensuring that community initiatives have a direct and lasting impact on reducing cancer risk in the Baytown area.

Recognizing the integral role of schools in community health, Be Well Baytown emphasizes the importance of investing in the health of students at these establishments. Research consistently demonstrates that healthy students are absent less often, more attentive in class, have fewer behavioral issues, and score better on standardized tests. Although not state mandated, Be Well Baytown is pleased to report that 80% of Goose Creek CISD elementary schools have taken the initiative to provide 15-20 minutes of daily recess. This proactive approach to promoting physical activity contributes to the overall well-being and academic success of students in the Baytown community.

As Be Well Baytown looks ahead, the initiative remains committed to building a healthier and more vibrant community. Through ongoing engagement, collaboration, and capacity building, Be Well Baytown continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Baytown residents.