The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute has announced the winners of the 2024 Mayors Wellness Campaign "Healthy Town" awards, recognizing municipalities that have made significant strides in promoting health and wellness through community-driven programs.
The program honors cities and towns for initiatives that address physical fitness, mental health, food security, and overall well-being. This year, 31 municipalities received the "Healthy Town" designation, while 14 were recognized as "Healthy Towns to Watch" and seven as "Healthy Towns Up-and-Coming."
Belleville, Bernards Township, and Bernardsville Borough were among the municipalities that advanced from previous designations to earn the "Healthy Town" title in 2024. Belleville strengthened its community partnerships with Clara Maass Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health to provide free health screenings and vaccination clinics. Bernards Township launched its Mayor's Fall Festival, which included a 5K run, yoga sessions, and social events promoting mental health awareness.
The city of Plainfield received its seventh consecutive Healthy Town designation, maintaining its commitment to expanding vaccination efforts, supporting emergency food programs, and improving health literacy. Paterson earned the honor for the fifth year in a row, with initiatives like RealFix, an opioid withdrawal support service, and a mobile health unit providing screenings and education.
Newcomers to the list include Deerfield Township and Long Branch, which received the designation for the first time. Deerfield focused on community engagement and accessibility to wellness programming, while Long Branch launched new senior wellness programs and expanded free citywide health events.
In addition to the top awards, several municipalities were named "Healthy Towns to Watch", including Atlantic City, Hawthorne, and Elizabeth. These towns were recognized for their growing commitment to wellness programs, such as Atlantic City's 75-Day Health & Wellness Program and Hawthorne's expanded Mayor's Walk for Wellness.
Among the "Healthy Towns Up-and-Coming," Merchantville, Nutley, and Linden were honored for launching new initiatives in 2024. Nutley, earning its first designation since 2010, focused on chronic disease prevention and mental health outreach.
"These communities have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the health and well-being of their residents," said a spokesperson for the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. "Through innovative programming and strong partnerships, they are fostering environments where people can thrive."
The Mayors Wellness Campaign, launched in 2007, is a statewide initiative aimed at helping municipalities implement policies and programs that encourage healthier lifestyles. The Quality Institute partners with mayors and local leaders to create sustainable community wellness initiatives that address public health challenges across New Jersey.