Health Promotion Advocates

Health Promotion Advocates is a group of committed health promotion professionals who are working to integrate health promotion concepts into national health policy. The vision of Health Promotion Advocates is to promote healthy lifestyles among all Americans and thereby reduce medical costs and utilization, improve quality of life, and enhance productivity. Mari Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as the Interim Chair, Grassroots Advocacy.

Health Promotion Entrepreneur's Network

Health Promotion Entrepreneur's Network was founded by Mari Ryan in 2008 as a way to bring together entrepreneurs in the field of health promotion.

Community

Safe Routes to School Program, Watertown MA
Research has shown that a being physically active contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; and can reduce the risk of diseases. Encourage children to be physically active can establish life long habits. As a member of Watertown, MA’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, a citizen government group, Mari Ryan organized a Safe Routes to School program to encourage children to walk to school. Now in its second year, the program is currently funded by grants from WalkBoston and the Watertown Community Foundation. You can read about the program in a case study published by the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

Watertown Walks!
In 2005 a program was established by the Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety called “Watertown Walks”. The program sponsors monthly group walks to promote walking for fun, fitness and a healthier community. Mari Ryan serves as the program coordinator and frequent walk leader. She was recently recognized by the Watertown Historical Commission with a “Community Spirit Award” for her efforts in leading this program.