GAINESVILLE — Celebrate Healthy North Georgia, an initiative of District 2 Public Health and its partners, is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Green Street Banquet Hall.

District 2 Public Health covers a 13-county area of north Georgia, including Forsyth.

The event will recognize 21 organizations that have started programs to improve the health of residents.

Community leaders and champions who help determine policies, programs and practices that affect the health of residents are encouraged to attend.

The keynote speaker will be C.E. “Gus” Whalen, chairman of the Warren Featherbone Foundation.

Whalen will discuss the importance of embracing and adapting to change and the significance of community partnerships in improving the health of residents.

Following the address, five workshops will be conducted on topics that outline strategies for organizations and businesses to work with communities to improve health initiatives.

The workshop topics are aimed at businesses, the faith community, nonprofits, school systems and emergency preparedness.

Registration for the event is $25, which includes a healthy lunch.

To register or to get more information, go to www.celebratehealthynorthgeorgia.org or call (770) 535-5743 and ask for Anderson Flen or Angela Allen.

The banquet hall is at First Baptist Church, 751 Green St., N.W., Gainesville.