Go for Bold: improving outcomes one pound at a time

In an effort to improve overall community health, in 2020, Meritus Health established an ambitious goal: engage individuals in Washington County, Maryland, to collectively lose 1 million lb by 2030. The goal acknowledges obesity as a significant population health challenge. and the goal is a way to unify the community. Goal implementation focused on leveraging existing resources, building partnerships, and engaging community members. Meritus collaborated with schools, employers, and government entities through its local health improvement coalition, Healthy Washington County. The campaign, launched in October 2020 as "Go for Bold," promotes 3 strategies: increasing physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and improving mental well-being. The campaign introduced a web-based weight tracker that allows users to enter their weight in a confidential account that records pounds lost over time. As of December 2024, more than 160,000 lb have been lost, with participation from 55 community partners and more than 7700 individuals. From 2020 to 2024, individuals have become healthier, reflected by a 6.05% increase in Meritus endocrinology patients achieving a body mass index of less than 27 and a 2.3% rise in Meritus patients overall meeting this target. Along the way, Meritus has learned several valuable lessons. First, setting a bold, measurable goal helps build a sense of shared purpose. Second, utilizing preexisting resources ensures sustainability. Next, engaging the community with strategic events and celebrations fosters sustained participation. The success of the Go for Bold campaign provides a replicable framework for others seeking to implement similar initiatives to advance population health in their communities.