Healthy people lead to healthy communities, and the more opportunities available, the more likely we are to take advantage of those resources.
That’s why the City of Fishers named Ginny Zimmerman the first Culture of Health Ambassador.
Zimmerman has been working in the City of Fishers since 2018. She worked in the Parks & Recreation department, manned the COVID hotline for a time and spent a couple of years in marketing.
“When this role came about, it married my love for being physically active outdoors and the community engagement piece,” Zimmerman said. “It’s looking at how we can influence people in the community to get and stay healthy by using our parks, trails and other amenities.”
She describes her role as “the bridge” between the parks department and the health department, and in the past several months Zimmerman has spearheaded changes and new initiatives to inspire residents.
“One of our major events is the Geist Half Marathon,” she said. “The city took that over in 2023 from a nonprofit organization and we’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth. We brought back the 10K option from a few years ago, and last year we saw 2,500 people register for one of the three races available.”
She also created the city’s first Wellness Wander Walk. Similar to the Parks department’s Story Walk for children, signs are posted along the walking path that prompt mindfulness in nature. The walk is moved to different parks throughout the year. In February, visitors to Billericay Park can experience the new program.
“For example, the signs ask participants to listen to how many sounds they can hear in nature or to list how many colors they see,” Zimmerman said. “It’s tapping into those five senses. We are so busy with our screens, but evidence-based activities like our Wellness Wander Walk are known to slow down the heart rate and lead to a better focus on your mental health.”
Many communities have found ways to promote and support mental health awareness. They’re leading discussions, offering events and other opportunities to rid society of the stigma associated with mental health.
The City of Fishers recently partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, hosting the first Hamilton County International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
“There are more than 13 different events in Indiana, but the closest to us was in Anderson or downtown Indianapolis,” Zimmerman said. “We brought together people from all over Hamilton County and even Zionsville. The event was successful and we want to continue to provide more areas where people have the opportunity to connect with each other.”
In addition, she said many don’t realize the vast number of resources available on the Health Department’s website, such as the self-assessment in partnership with StigmaFree Fishers.
“The Credible Mind website offers a quick assessment if you’re feeling like something is off and you’re struggling,” Zimmerman said. “It will give you resources from YouTube videos and simple suggestions to connecting you to care in the Fishers area.”
In 2025 Zimmerman is excited to launch open-gym concepts in partnership with Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation and have National Fitness Campaign equipment installed at several local parks, among other initiatives.
“We want to look at the person’s whole health – mental, physical, financial – however we can best support them, not only for the betterment of the community, but for their own family,” Zimmerman said. “How do we create this culture? We’re going to help you with that. We’re going to build it and we ask that you come and try it out.”
Registration for the Geist Half Marathon is now open at fishersin.gov/our-city/geist-half-marathon.
Take the mental health assessment at fishers.crediblemind.com.
