CONTACT:
Franchesca Forrer
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Celebrates Passion Church as First Faith-Based Blue Zones Approved Organization
PALM SPRINGS, CA. (July 8, 2026) — Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is inviting community to celebrate the recognition of Passion Church as the first faith-based Blue Zones Approved Organization in Palm Springs, on July 12, starting at 10 am, at 1696 El Cielo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264.
The Blue Ribbon Celebration will bring together Passion Church members, local leaders, Blue Zones Project Palm Springs partners, and community members to recognize the church’s commitment to fostering connection, purpose, belonging, and well-being for people of all ages. The celebration will also feature water slides, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for guests to connect, celebrate, and enjoy time together.
As a Blue Zones Approved Organization, Passion Church has taken steps to create an environment that supports healthier choices and stronger social connection. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping people live healthier, more meaningful, and more connected lives.
Faith-based organizations play a vital role in the well-being of a community. They create spaces where people can find belonging, build relationships, serve others, and connect with a sense of purpose. Through this partnership, Passion Church will help expand opportunities for residents to engage in activities and practices that support physical, social, and emotional well-being.
“For us, church has always been about more than gathering on Sundays,” said Pastor T.J. McCall of Passion Church. “It’s about walking alongside people through every season of life, helping them discover hope, purpose, and authentic community. We’re grateful to partner with Blue Zones Project Palm Springs because this work reflects what we believe deeply: people flourish when they are connected, supported, and given opportunities to live with purpose.”
“Palm Springs is strongest when people feel connected to one another and know they have a place in this community,” said Mayor Pro Tem David Ready. “Faith communities like Passion Church foster that connection every day through compassion, service, and fellowship. Passion Church becoming Palm Springs’ first faith-based Blue Zones Approved Organization is a meaningful milestone, and its leadership is helping build a city where more people feel supported, included, and able to thrive.”
“Passion Church understands that well-being is not only about physical health. It is also about knowing you belong, having people who care about you, finding purpose, and having opportunities to serve and grow,” said Mihai Patru, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Palm Springs. “This recognition honors the way Passion Church creates a genuine sense of community and reminds us that faith communities can be among the strongest partners in helping Palm Springs become healthier, more connected, and more welcoming for everyone.”
For more information about the event and ongoing initiatives, visit the Blue Zones Project Palm Springs official website: www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com
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About Blue Zones in Riverside County
Blue Zones Project® is brought to Riverside County by Blue Zones and leading organizations Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and Eisenhower Health. In collaboration with the County of Riverside and the Cities of Riverside, Banning, Palm Springs, and Coachella, this innovative partnership brings together private and public organizations under a shared vision to support, build, and measurably improve community well-being across the County. Blue Zones Projects have launched in Riverside, Banning, Coachella, and Palm Springs, while Mead Valley begins a policy-focused Blue Zones Activate. Over five years, local leadership and the local Blue Zones Project teams will implement the Blue Zones Life Radius® model to make healthy choices easier throughout the region through permanent and semi-permanent changes to the built environment, food environment, public policies, and social networks. www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com
