The National Vitality Center leadership team will host an open house next week to update residents about the healthy living initiatives taking place in the community.

The open house will be at 7 p.m. April 24 in the Albert Lea City Council Chambers.

“We continue to believe that making the healthy choice the easy choice is important for the long-term well-being of our community,” said Randy Kehr, chairman of the leadership team. “Whether it be in schools, the workplace, grocery stores or the built environment, policy change only comes about through advocacy.”

The committee formed after the completion of the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project in 2009. The project — in Albert Lea for 10 months — aimed to help residents live longer, healthier lives by making simple changes to their lifestyles. It also included environmental changes in the community, such as the addition of sidewalk around Fountain Lake.

The project has since spread to California and Iowa.

Kehr said the vitality team will present its sustainability plan about how the team hopes to continue efforts this spring and summer. It will take public input and suggestions on ways to improve.

The team will also share information about the inquiries it has received from other communities.