Five years ago, the Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) began annual focus groups in all 21 New Jersey counties to learn the top health concerns of our communities. Each year, mental health emerged as a critical issue, especially for adolescents and older adults.

In a partnership with the MWC, Walmart last year provided grants to cities and towns to support local programs that address mental health and the stigma that prevents people from seeking care. That funding enabled communities to create school-based community healing programs, mindfulness and yoga classes for underserved populations, Mental Health First Aid training and other initiatives.

We’re thankful to Walmart for once again providing funding — and we are now inviting local communities to submit proposals. We have resources to support their efforts. Meanwhile, we are asking you, our members, to think about ways you and your organizations can dedicate your time, perhaps your facilities or expertise, to partner with mayors on these initiatives.

I’ve been impressed by the creativity and resourcefulness of our towns and cities and how they used last years’ grants. Woodbridge Township now brings exercise classes such as yoga, Silver Sneakers, and Zumba, to the residents of six senior housing complexes for older adult residents of low to moderate income, reducing social isolation. The City of Plainfield has events to reduce stigma, such as exhibits by artists of all ages who have experienced mental health challenges.

As we launch the new grant year, we encourage local Mayors Wellness Campaigns to think about how they can address mental health in their communities and consider applying for these grants, which range from $10,000 to $25,000. The need is great, which is why we are seeking additional matching funds to expand the grant pool even further.

Interested municipalities can learn more about the application process here. There will be a technical assistance webinar on August 20 at noon. Anyone with questions can reach out to Quality Institute’s Community Health and Policy Associate, Katie Bisaha, at kbisaha@njhcqi.org. We’ve seen that community-based programs can make a difference.