ASBURY PARK – The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) has awarded the 2020 Champion of Health award to Allison Cerco from the City of Asbury Park.

Mayor John Moor nominated Cerco, who has been a MWC Committee member since 2017 and serves as the Community Outreach Manager, for Hackensack Meridian Health.

Cerco consistently goes above and beyond in organizing and supplementing MWC programming. She has organized local events such as breast cancer awareness walks, fitness in the park, and a senior health fair, according to a health care quality institute press release.

She was also instrumental in bringing mobile health screening to MWC events, critical to a community such as Asbury Park, where access to health care is a concern.

“We’re proud to recognize community members such as Allison Cerco,” said Julie DeSimone, LSW, program officer for the MWC. “The success of the Mayors Wellness Campaigns relies on leaders in New Jersey towns and cities who step up and partner with us to share great programming to strengthen the health and wellbeing of their communities.”

Moor said Cerco’s dedication and positive attitude made her an instrumental part of the MWC.

“Allison represents an important partnership between municipalities and health systems throughout the state. It is through these partnerships that communities can improve access to quality care and education for residents,” said Moor.

The inaugural MWC award comes at a time when towns are facing unprecedented challenges with the global pandemic. Hospital staff, first responders, public health officers, and many others have been hard at work to combat the pandemic. The MWC municipal partners have worked to transform their MWC programs to respond to the pandemic.

“At the MWC, we know this work would not be possible without the dedication of the individuals moving the MWC and its initiatives forward in each community,” said DeSimone.

The MWC created the Champion of Health award to enable mayors to recognize the people who are critical drivers of health and wellness in their communities. Mayors through the state nominated community leaders who are passionate about improving the lives of residents.

The MWC also thanked 2020 sponsors that help to make the work of the MWC possible. To get involved with the MWC, contact Program Officer, Julie DeSimone at jdesimone@njhcqi.org.