(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah, in partnership with the Savannah Tree Foundation, held a special tree planting ceremony on January 17, 2026, to honor Dr. Otis Johnson, at the Scarborough Sports Complex in Savannah. The tribute drew community members, partners, and local officials to commemorate Johnson’s lasting influence on public health and wellness in Savannah.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson delivered remarks acknowledging Johnson’s legacy, followed by comments from Johnson and Healthy Savannah’s executive director, Armand Turner. After the ceremony, Healthy Savannah led attendees on a two-mile Healthy Walk along the Truman Linear Park Trail, also held in Johnson’s honor.
A former Savannah mayor and a distinguished leader in public service, Johnson launched Healthy Savannah in 2007 to address health disparities and improve well-being for residents across the community. Since then, the initiative has grown into a coalition of more than 200 collaborating partners advocating for active living, healthy eating, and equitable access to health resources.
“The tree planting ceremony served as a living tribute to Dr. Johnson’s legacy and a symbol of hope for generations to come,” said Devin Frails, Physical Activity Program Manager. “I would not be here, doing what I do, without his vision and dedication.”
The 15-gallon White Fringe tree planted in Johnson’s honor was provided by the Savannah Tree Foundation and funded by Ben Chaffee, a member of the Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council and local gardening enthusiast.
Turner noted that Johnson’s longtime support of trail expansion—including the Tide to Town urban trail system—continues to advance Healthy Savannah’s mission.
“Dr. Johnson has remained an active influence in elevating the health and well-being of Savannah’s priority populations,” said Turner. “His commitment to creating accessible outdoor spaces encourages walking, biking, and community connection for people of all ages.”
Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia continue to advance these goals through the CDC’s REACH grant, supporting policy, systems, and environmental changes that promote sustainable health equity throughout Savannah-Chatham County.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA / HEALTHY SAVANNAH REACH GRANT
In October 2025, Healthy Savannah announced continued funding of the CDC’s five-year, $3.8 million Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant, originally endowed in 2023. The funds, administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, support sustainable health equity initiatives benefiting racial and ethnic minority populations in low-wealth neighborhoods, with focus areas including nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding. Working with more than 200 partners, the Savannah/Chatham County team advances these goals through long-term, “upstream” solutions. Founded in 2007, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity in 2022.
healthysavannah.org | ymcaofcoastalga.org
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