The Indiana University School of Nursing was designated as a Collaborating Center in Healthy Cities in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Collaborating Center was formed and chaired by Beverly C. Flynn, PhD, FAAN, from 1991 to 2001, who laid the foundation for promoting healthy city programs, research and resources.

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Healthy Municipalities and Communities Movement is to strengthen the implementation of health promotion activities at the local level, placing health promotion at the highest priority of the political agenda; fostering the involvement of government authorities and the active participation of the community, supporting dialogue, sharing knowledge and experiences and stimulating collaboration among municipalities and countries. The movement seeks to build and strengthen multi-sectorial partnerships to improve the social and health conditions in the spaces where people live, advocating for the formulation of healthy public policy, maintaining healthy environments, and promoting healthy lifestyles.