New Jersey Recognizes 45 Communities for Leading Health and Wellness Efforts in 2025
A new statewide recognition has highlighted dozens of communities across New Jersey for their strong commitment to improving public health and overall quality of life. The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute has officially announced the 2025 “Healthy Town” winners under its Mayors Wellness Campaign, honoring municipalities that are actively working to build healthier environments for their residents.
This year, a total of 45 communities received the “Healthy Town” designation. These towns were selected based on their efforts to promote physical activity, improve access to nutritious food, create safe public spaces, and support mental health resources. The recognition reflects a growing focus on community-level solutions to public health challenges across the state.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a partnership program between the Quality Institute and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. It encourages local governments to take a leadership role in addressing health concerns by developing targeted programs and initiatives. Each participating community must submit a detailed application outlining its approach, including research into local health needs, community planning strategies, and measurable actions taken to improve residents’ well-being.
According to officials involved in the program, the number of towns earning recognition this year marks a record, showing increased participation and stronger engagement from local leaders. Communities are not only identifying health challenges but also organizing dedicated wellness committees and launching programs that directly impact residents’ daily lives.
Julie DeSimone, Vice President of Community Health at the Quality Institute, emphasized the growing impact of the initiative, stating that each year the campaign continues to raise expectations for what local leadership can achieve in building healthier communities. The program evaluates how effectively towns are creating environments where people can live, work, and age with better health outcomes.
Alongside the main list of winners, the program also recognized additional municipalities in two special categories. Twelve communities were named “Healthy Town to Watch,” highlighting their promising efforts and potential for future recognition. Meanwhile, four towns earned the “Healthy Town Up-and-Coming” designation, acknowledging early-stage initiatives that are beginning to show meaningful progress.
The full list of 2025 Healthy Towns includes a wide range of municipalities such as Asbury Park, Bernards Township, Edison Township, Freehold Township, Livingston Township, the City of Elizabeth, the City of Paterson, the Township of Montclair, and the Village of Ridgewood, among many others. These communities represent a mix of cities, boroughs, and townships, reflecting a statewide commitment to improving public health at every level.
The “Healthy Towns to Watch” category includes places like the City of Trenton, West Windsor, and Warren Township, while the “Up-and-Coming” group features communities such as Borough of Hawthorne and Township of Lakewood.
Participation in the Mayors Wellness Campaign requires a structured and evidence-based approach. Municipalities must demonstrate how they identify health priorities, involve community members, and implement programs that address real needs. This includes initiatives focused on increasing exercise opportunities, improving access to healthy foods, enhancing public safety, and expanding mental health support services.
The recognition not only highlights current achievements but also encourages continued progress. By setting clear benchmarks and celebrating success, the program aims to inspire more communities to adopt similar strategies and invest in long-term health improvements.
As public health continues to be a major focus nationwide, programs like the Mayors Wellness Campaign show how local action can play a critical role. The 2025 results make it clear that many New Jersey communities are taking meaningful steps to create healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for their residents.
Sources:
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
Mayors Wellness Campaign Program Data
New Jersey State League of Municipalities
