For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Ann Campbell
cacampbell@njhcqi.org (973-567-1901)
QUALITY INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES MAYORS WELLNESS CAMPAIGN
Find Out Which NJ Cities and Towns are Doing the Most to Improve Health and Wellness in Their Communities
Trenton, New Jersey — The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute today announced the Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town” winners for 2024. These cities and towns go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. In addition to a record-breaking thirty-two Healthy Town winners, another sixteen towns were designated as 2024 “Healthy Town to Watch,” and seven were designated as 2024 “Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.”
"It’s incredible to see the MWC Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year. It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it," said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. "From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”
Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC committee. The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, age, and play.
The City of Long Branch, 2024 Healthy Town
The City of Long Branch earned its first Healthy Town designation in 2024 with diverse, accessible programs focused on senior wellness, youth engagement, and multi-generational health. The MWC ensures accessibility through citywide events, translated materials, and UEZ funding for free programs. Expansions like Zumba at the Senior Center and an Alzheimer’s seminar saw strong participation, with thousands of residents engaging in wellness initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud that Long Branch has earned the designation of a “Healthy Town” in 2025. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of our community,” said Mayor John Pallon. “We remain dedicated to meeting our residents where they are, providing innovative opportunities for staying active and engaged. From our Senior Center and Recreation Department, special events, and the Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch is continuously offering fresh programs, resources, and essential health care services for individuals of all ages and abilities. Looking ahead, we’re excited to further invest in our future with the upcoming launch of the state-of-the-art Health, Wellness & Technology Center, slated to break ground this summer.”
For More Information
To learn more about the MWC, visit: http://www.njhcqi.org/MWC or contact Julie DeSimone at jdesimone@njhcqi.org.
About the Mayors Wellness Campaign
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a program of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The program empowers mayors across New Jersey with evidence-based tools, strategies, and support to champion health and wellness in their communities.
About the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s (Quality Institute) mission is to improve the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for everyone. Our membership comes from all stakeholders in health care. Together with our 100 plus members, we are working towards a world where all people receive safe, equitable, and affordable health care and live their healthiest lives.