Princeton Earns Healthy Town Designation For 3rd Consecutive Year

PRINCETON, NJ – The Municipality of Princeton has earned the Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town” designation for 2024 from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. This is the third consecutive year Princeton has won the distinction.

Cities and towns that go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness, receive this distinction.

The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

Princeton won the recognition by offering community-driven events. The Municipality has seen an increase in participation in activities, especially the book talk series, which create a space for open dialogue and reflection on mental, physical, and social well-being.

This adaptable approach not only promotes reading but also strengthens community ties, making it a valuable addition to the wellness initiative.

“We are honored that Princeton has been recognized as a Healthy Town for the third year in a row, particularly for our commitment to harm reduction. This designation reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritize public health and safety through compassionate, evidence-based approaches. Over the past year, our harm reduction campaign has included community-wide Narcan training sessions, equipping residents with the tools to prevent overdose deaths, as well as educational book talks that have fostered important conversations about substance use, stigma, and recovery,” Mayor Mark Freda said.

“By expanding access to resources, strengthening partnerships, and promoting awareness, we are empowering our community to make informed, healthier choices. Princeton remains dedicated to leading with empathy and innovation to ensure that everyone has the support they need. Together, we continue to build a safer, stronger, and healthier Princeton.”

A record-breaking 23 towns were declared winners, another 16 were designated as 2024 Healthy Town to Watch, and seven were designated as 2024 Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.

"It’s incredible to see the MWC Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year. It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it," said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

"From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”

Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC committee.

The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, age, and play.

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