Each year at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference, our Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) booth and panel, Bringing Wellness to Your Community, bring together mayors and municipal leaders who care deeply about strengthening the health of their hometowns. No two MWCs are alike; each community must shape its wellness agenda around its residents’ needs and priorities. This year’s discussion showcased the creativity and commitment of local leaders working to advance wellness in towns across the state. Below is a recap of strategies and practical takeaways shared by this year’s panelists.
Mayor Doug Vitale of Point Pleasant Beach described how his team built a strong and diverse MWC committee from the very beginning, bringing together school leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, volunteers, and civic groups. His community prioritized intergenerational connection through programs where high school students helped older adults navigate smartphones and tablets. The town also introduced accessible walking programs, such as “Walk with the Mayor” events, which ended with behind-the-scenes tours of the Coast Guard Station and the First Aid Building, allowing residents to see how these important community centers function. Point Pleasant Beach integrated its MWC presence into existing community events, including library programs, food pantry volunteer days, and seasonal activities. The team also strengthened sustainability by partnering with internal committees, allowing local organizations to lead weekly summer camp activities, which led to reduced vendor costs while boosting community engagement. The key takeaway from Point Pleasant Beach is that a committed team and strong partnerships are the backbone of a successful MWC.
The Township of Montclair’s presentation, delivered by Health Educator Vanessa Dessources on behalf of Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville, reflected a long-standing commitment to public health and sustainability. The township runs quarterly MWC committee meetings that bring together municipal departments, non-profits, and hospital partners to coordinate planning. The town offers multiple free wellness activities each month: health screenings, mental health awareness walks, Conversation of Your Life (COYL) workshops, cancer screenings, and community health fairs. Communication is an important part of their MWC model, with information-sharing across platforms to ensure residents stay informed. Montclair’s approach to the MWC emphasizes that collaboration and consistent communication keep the MWC active and visible throughout the community.
Mayor Joe Jackson of Rockaway Township focused on wellness as a holistic, multi-step framework that includes physical activity, mental health, social connectedness, and financial well-being. This year, the township expanded its MWC presence, doubling its number of programs and tripling participation, with all programming completely free to residents. Effective initiatives included a popular Mayor’s Walking Challenge supported by weekly newsletters and prize incentives, as well as Tai Chi, “Healthy Bones,” and chronic disease prevention classes. Rockaway also organized donation drives for food, school supplies, and clothing; offered financial literacy workshops for older adults; and hosted seasonal “December De-Stressor” events for residents and municipal staff. The township even reintroduced printed community calendars for older adults, recognizing that each population might need different tools to meet their needs. Rockaway Township’s MWC highlighted that a broad, holistic approach, paired with consistent outreach, helps ensure programs reach every part of the community.
Shared lessons across presentations include forming MWCs with community-based committees, working with local organizations to expand impact, engaging diverse resident groups, and making programs accessible and free whenever possible. These takeaways demonstrate the creativity and dedication of municipal leaders throughout New Jersey who continually work to create healthier, more connected communities.
Additionally, the Quality Institute announced this year’s MWC grant recipients during the panel, awarding $85,000 to nine communities in New Jersey, generously supported by funding from Walmart. These grants will support initiatives that promote mental health, reduce stigma, and enhance wellness in local communities. Each awarded community is dedicated to creating lasting change, and we look forward to seeing how their efforts transform the health of the community. To learn more about the selected projects and communities, please read our full press release here.
If your town is interested in joining or strengthening its Mayors Wellness Campaign, please reach out to me at jdesimone@njhcqi.org or my colleague, Katie Bisaha, Program Officer, at kbisaha@njhcqi.org. Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for their support and commitment to community health.