HAGERSTOWN – A community health initiative led by Meritus Health aimed at helping Washington County residents collectively lose 1 million pounds by 2030 is gaining national attention after being featured in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
A case study examining the “Go for Bold: Lose 1 Million Pounds” campaign will appear in the March edition of Population Health, Equity & Outcomes, a publication of the American Journal of Managed Care.
The study was authored by Remi Patel, program manager for Meritus anesthesia and neonatology services; Allen Twigg, chief operating officer of Brook Lane; and Maulik Joshi, president and CEO of Meritus Health.
Researchers highlighted the initiative as an example of how community partnerships can address obesity and chronic disease through coordinated public health strategies.
Launched in 2020 in partnership with Healthy Washington County, the campaign brings together employers, schools, nonprofits and civic leaders to encourage healthier lifestyles through three core pillars: physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being.
More than 55 organizations are participating in the effort, including the Washington County Health Department, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Volvo Group Trucks and CoreLife, according to the study.
As of late February, nearly 8,000 participants have collectively lost more than 214,000 pounds, tracked through an online weight-tracking system that allows residents to record progress while contributing to the countywide goal.
The study also noted measurable health improvements among Meritus patients between 2020 and 2024, including an increase in patients achieving healthier body mass index levels and higher rates of endocrinology patients attending annual visits — both indicators linked to reduced chronic disease risk.
Researchers concluded that the Go for Bold initiative could serve as a model for other rural and mid-sized communities seeking to improve population health through collaboration and ambitious community goals.
Meritus Health, based in Hagerstown, serves more than 200,000 residents across Western Maryland, southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and employs more than 4,000 people across its healthcare network.
More information about the study is available through the American Journal of Managed Care.
