For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Ann Campbell
cacampbell@njhcqi.org (973-567-1901)
Walmart Provides Funding for Mental Health Programming Throughout New Jersey
PRINCETON, New Jersey — The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (“League”), has announced a second year of funding for communities working to address local mental health needs. The Quality Institute is inviting New Jersey towns and cities to submit proposals for programs targeted to address local mental health, substance use, intimate partner violence, and reducing stigma around mental health.
New Jersey communities that are part of or that join the MWC can apply for funding amounts of $10,000, $15,000, or $25,000. The funding is provided by Walmart grant of $150,000.
“Walmart is committed to supporting communities across New Jersey in addressing local mental health needs,” said Jennifer Hoehn, Walmart’s Director of Public Affairs. “Partnering with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities on their Mayor’s Wellness Program, we are appreciative of this opportunity to back multiple initiatives focused on community education and mental health, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence.”
The MWC supports municipalities in creating and implementing programs that improve the health and wellness of their communities. To identify top health concerns, each year the MWC holds focus groups in 21 counties across the state. New Jersey communities have identified mental health as a top health concern for the last five years. The funding opportunity will support municipalities looking to develop or expand local initiatives that address mental health, substance use, intimate partner violence, or reducing stigma around this critical topic.
“This funding empowers municipalities to address the mental health needs of their communities, with a special focus on underserved and marginalized groups,” said Linda Schwimmer, President and CEO of the Quality Institute. “We are pleased to continue this important initiative for a second year in collaboration with the League and Walmart.”
Mike Cerra, President of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, said municipal leaders are eager to address community mental health needs.
“In partnership with the Quality Institute, and with the support of Walmart, we are providing resources to help municipalities develop needed programs on mental health, including substance use, intimate partner violence, and stigma reduction,” he said.
The MWC encourages applicants to use the MWC Mental Health Toolkit, which provides valuable examples of community programming options. Programs that incorporate the following aspects will be of particular interest:
- Use of the MWC resources to plan, develop, and implement programs
- Focus on underserved and historically marginalized populations
- Community education about mental health, substance use, intimate partner violence and/or stigma
- Promotion and increase of access to healthy coping strategies in times of stress and crisis
- Promotion of a sense of belonging among community members
- Holistic approaches that promote health and well-being
- Increased access to affordable mental health services
Interested municipalities can learn more about the application process here. There will be a technical assistance webinar on August 20, 2024, at 12pm. Municipalities with questions or anyone who is unsure of their MWC status or wishes to sign up can reach out to Quality Institute’s Community Health and Policy Associate, Katie Bisaha at kbisaha@njhcqi.org .
About Walmart in New Jersey
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In New Jersey we serve customers at 70 retail units and online through Walmart.com and our family of brands. We are proud to employ 24,030 associates in New Jersey. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $15.3 billion with New Jersey suppliers in FYE23 and supporting 98,161 New Jersey supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY22, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $7.2 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in New Jersey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels.