By Westland Mayor William R. Wild
December 19, 2011

It is with much enthusiasm that I announce my new "Passport to a Healthy City" campaign and invite every Westland business to participate and help Westland become one of the healthiest cities in America, and help your bottom line, as well.

The "Passport to a Healthy City" campaign is a partnership between Westland and St. Mary Mercy Hospital that promotes healthy, active lifestyles for all of Westland's residents through the development of fun, convenient programs created through strong public/private partnerships between the city, local businesses and its residents.

The overall health of a community plays a major role in the viability of cities as healthier people statistically live longer, less stressful and happier lives. With that said, I am putting forth a challenge to Westland businesses to sign up as a participating business in the "Passport to a Healthy City" campaign by offering a program, event, or participating in any way that promotes a healthy lifestyle while benefitting your business as well.

Residents obtain a passport and receive stamps for attending a campaign approved or sponsored event, participating in an eligible activity, or making a health conscious purchase at a one of the participating businesses, which are listed at www.cityofwestland.com/healthycity. Participants who complete a passport (sixteen stamps) can then register to earn prizes, coupons and discounts from local businesses and retailers.

Current partnerships vary from Best Buy stamping passports for shoppers who make purchases from their Health and Wellness Department, several restaurants are stamping passports for diners who select offerings from the Healthy Options on their menu, Henry Ford OptimEyes will be stamping for eye exams, Planet Fitness for memberships or the Vitamin Shoppe for qualifying purchases.

If you are interested in participating or have questions about this FREE program, contact my office.