Montgomery Township received welcome news this month when the township was announced as a 2024 Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town” winner.
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, which leads the Mayors Wellness Campaign in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, released a list of 32 municipalities who are winners of the “Heathy Town” status on March 6.
“We are so proud that Montgomery has earned the distinguished ‘Healthy Town’ designation for 2024, after becoming a ‘Healthy Town to Watch’ in 2023,” Mayor Neena Singh said.
“Joining the Mayors Wellness Campaign has helped us to study our town’s needs and then start up or improve initiatives that support our community’s physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness.”
Montgomery provides programming each month to improve health and wellness within the community. Planning is currently underway to continue those efforts throughout 2025, officials said.
The designation recognizes the municipalities across the state who have gone beyond what is expected to improve their community’s health and wellness through programs and initiatives in 2024.
For New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, the 2024 year broke a record for the organization when they designated 32 municipalities as Healthy Town winners. There were also 16 municipalities designated as “Healthy Towns to Watch” in addition to seven municipalities designated as a “Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.”
Every year municipalities who seek to earn these designations have to outline research they had conducted to identify their community health needs when they complete a comprehensive healthy town application.
Additionally, municipalities such as Montgomery have to explain how they organize their Mayors Wellness Campaign Committee and show the actions that have been taken to make the township community a healthier place.
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute noted Montgomery’s initiative of partnering with the municipal alliance on substance abuse prevention programs, vaccine clinics, wellness walks and health education actives as helping the township earn the healthy town designation.
The township collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department and Health Department aided the township health and wellness efforts.
“It’s incredible to see the Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year,” said Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. “It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it.
“From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”
Montgomery launched its Mayors Wellness Campaign in 2024. A pledge signed by Singh, who had announced the measure after being elected mayor that year.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a community health initiative providing tools and strategies for mayors and community leaders to improve overall health, achieve healthier lifestyles, and improve wellness in communities across the state.
There are currently more than 400 communities participating in the campaign. The campaign launched in 2006 and was in response to an Institute of Medicine Report in 2004 about preventing childhood obesity.
Residents browse community resources at the Health & Wellness Resource Fair with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Members of the Mayors Wellness Campaign team pose at the finish line following the Run with Rotary race and receiving the Community Spirit Award.
Residents perform at Montgomery’s Spring Fling celebrating the beginning of warmer weather and opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
