It was a cold and rainy day in Tijuana, but that didn’t dampen the energy of such a momentous event - the first international designation for Live Well San Diego - which took place on April 7, 2016 at the Centro de Rehabilitación e Inclusión Infantil Teletón Baja California (CRIT Baja California).

Dr. Héctor Zepeda Cisneros, City of Tijuana Public Health Officer and delegate to the Border Health Commission, kicked off the event which featured several guest speakers. One speaker included Senior Policy and Outreach Specialist of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bonnie Preston, who discussed the work that her region has done to reduce health disparities and applauded the County of San Diego and United States-Mexico Border Health Commission for their work to improve the lives of its residents. Director of Central & South Regions at the County of San Diego, Barbara Jiménez, then took the podium to emphasize the importance of working together to achieve the Live Well San Diego vision. 

“The binational, county-wide action is needed to improve the health of all residents. Collective impact is what makes communities thrive,” said Jiménez. “Thanks to the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Mexico Section for their efforts in improving the health of their communities and for supporting the Live Well San Diego vision.”

Chairman Ron Roberts then presented the Live Well San Diego designation to the Commission.

“CRIT Baja California is a very special place because it is dedicated to the children of Tijuana,” said Roberts. “Working across borders is critical for the binational population, and the collaborative effort of the County of San Diego and Mexico has helped to make campaigns such as Love Your Heart a major success as well.”

In 2016, the Love Your Heart event expanded to the six Border States in Mexico. In Mexico alone, over 13,700 blood pressure screenings took place.

During the designation, the Vive Bien México logo was unveiled and received with great applause by those in attendance. Chairman Ron Roberts presented the proclamation and officially designated the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, Mexico Section as the first Vive Bien México partner.