Thursday, November 6, 2025
Mary Pollard and Greg Cochran of ALM present the Healthy Alabama Community Award to former Saraland Councilmember Veronica Hudson during a ceremony in Montgomery on October 30, 2025.
MONTGOMERY, AL – The city of Saraland was awarded the 2025 Healthy Alabama Community designation at the Alabama League of Municipalities’ annual Graduation and Awards Ceremonies at the Renaissance Hotel on October 30. This marks only the second time the award has been given in state history. The Healthy Alabama Communities program was developed in 2022 in partnership with Alabama Communities of Excellence, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Hospital Association and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to support communities and community leaders in identifying and implementing policy, system and environmental changes to improve the health of all community members.
The Healthy Alabama Community designation requires cities to complete at least five evidence-based recommendations in two or more priority areas identified in the Alabama Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan (ALPAN). Saraland exceeded these requirements through initiatives focused on physical activity, nutrition access and breastfeeding support.
“Earning the Healthy Alabama Community designation shows what is possible when our cities, schools, churches and community partners unite for the well-being of Alabama’s residents,” ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said. “Saraland has proven it is committed to building a community where health and happiness thrive for everyone.”
Saraland enhanced its community fitness opportunities through partnerships with the YMCA and its new 78,000-square-foot The Land Sportsplex to offer free or low-cost group fitness classes, including walking groups, senior aerobics and family-friendly boot camps. The city also improved accessibility and safety of walking and biking trails, conducting walkability assessments near schools and parks, upgrading signage and lighting and integrating these improvements into the 2025-2026 budget.
“This designation is more than an award – it is a reflection of the heart of Saraland,” Howard Rubenstein, immediate past mayor of Saraland, said. “Over the past 15 years, I have seen our city grow stronger not just in size, but in the way we care for one another. From our schools and neighborhoods to our parks and programs, this recognition shows what can happen when people come together for the common good. It has been the privilege of my life to serve as mayor, and I know Saraland will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Saraland partnered with local grocers, farmers, churches and community organizations to expand opportunities to fresh food and nutritious options. Additionally, local schools are promoting nutrition through Smart Snack guidelines and hydroponic gardening initiatives that teach children about healthy food choices and sustainability. Furthermore, as part of its public health initiatives, Saraland introduced nurturing rooms for breastfeeding mothers at the new city complex and The Land Sportsplex, ensuring privacy and comfort for nursing families during public events and recreation activities.
Veronica Hudson, who spearheaded the HAC initiative for Saraland during her tenure on the city council, said, “This recognition reflects the hard work of so many community partners and volunteers who have helped expand access to healthy food, create opportunities for active living and build programs that support the well-being of our neighbors.”
To learn more about the Healthy Alabama Communities program, visit healthyalcommunities.org.