CityHealth awards Phoenix officials with the city’s Overall Bronze Medal. From left: Councilmember Jim Waring, Councilmember Laura Pastor, Councilmember Ann O’Brien, CityHealth’s Akeem Anderson, Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilmember Betty Guardadom Phoenix Public Health Advisor Yanitza Soto, and Councilmember Debra Stark.
Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix City Council and Office of Public Health Recognized for Advancing Health Policy
CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, will award the Phoenix City Council and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego with a Bronze Medal for the city’s accomplishment in advancing public policies – from Complete Streets to Healthy Food Purchasing – that support community health.
Phoenix received its medal immediately before the City Council convenes its policy meeting at 2:30 PM. Details about Phoenix’s Bronze Medal can be found here.
The medal ceremony will feature:
- Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix;
- Yanitza Soto, MPH, Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health; and
- Akeem Anderson, Government Affairs Director, CityHealth.
“The City of Phoenix is honored to be recognized for our commitment to policies that improve residents’ health and well-being,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “From our gold-standard parks and preserves, to using our purchasing power to promote eco-friendly products, we’re building a thriving, accessible city for all.”
“Phoenix is demonstrating what’s possible when local leaders use policy to improve health,” said CityHealth Executive Director Katrina Forrest, JD. “By investing in safer streets and accessible greenspace, they are fostering a more connected, vibrant city where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. CityHealth is proud to support and celebrate this progress.”
“Public Health is happening all around us every day—it’s influenced by the environment we live in and the choices available to us,” said Yanitza Soto, MPH, Public Health Advisor, Office of Public Health. “We are dedicated to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best health and participate in a flourishing community. CityHealth provides an essential framework for cities to achieve lasting impact through policy to improve health outcomes.”
WHEN: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 2:15–2:30 PM MST
WHERE: Phoenix City Hall, 200 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
RSVP: Please contact Tom Martin, CityHealth Communications Director, at tom@cityhealth.org.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: CityHealth Government Affairs Director Akeem Anderson will be available for interviews upon request to discuss more about Phoenix’s progress and the importance of policy action for health and well-being. To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact Tom Martin at tom@cityhealth.org.
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CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, advances a package of evidence-based policy solutions that will help millions of people live longer, better lives in vibrant, prosperous communities. Learn more at cityhealth.org.
