For Immediate Release Contact:
Carol Ann Campbell
cacampbell@njhcqi.org
(973-567-1901)
Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign Launches Mental Health Initiative Funding Opportunity, Immediate Call for Proposals from New Jersey Towns and Cities
Walmart Provides Funding to Support Initiative
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 funding opportunity for communities working to address local mental health needs. The MWC is inviting New Jersey towns and cities to submit proposals for programs or initiatives that help address local issues with mental health, substance use, and stigma. New Jersey communities that are part of or join the MWC can apply for funding amounts of $10,000, $15,000, or $25,000 for up to 15 awards totaling $127,500. Funding for this comes from Walmart.org. “Walmart’s pharmacy and vision center healthcare teams provide access and convenient care services to New Jersey customers every day.”, said Joseph Michael, market health and wellness director over the Jersey Shore. “To further increase access to healthcare services and resources, Walmart is proud to work with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities to help fund programs that reach those underserved and to help communities become healthier and more resilient.”
The MWC supports municipalities in creating and implementing programs that improve the health and wellness of their communities. Each year the MWC holds focus groups in every county across the state and mental health was identified as a top health concern for the last three years. This funding opportunity will support municipalities looking to develop or expand local initiatives that address mental health, substance use, or reduce stigma around this critical topic.
“We are excited to launch this mental health funding opportunity and to work with our MWC partners, in collaboration with the League and Walmart,” said Linda Schwimmer, President and CEO of the Quality Institute. “This initiative will empower municipalities to address the mental health needs of their communities, particularly focusing on underserved and marginalized groups.”
Municipalities unsure of their MWC status or wishing to sign up can reach out to the Quality Institute’s Director of Community Health, Julie DeSimone, at jdesimone@njhcqi.org for assistance.
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 to plan, develop, and implement programs
• Focus on underserved and marginalized populations
• Community education about mental health, substance use, and 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 July 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. Any questions can be directed to Julie DeSimone at jdesimone@njhcqi.org.
About the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC)
The MWC is a statewide community health initiative of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The MWC provides evidence-based tools and guidance to mayors and community leaders to help their residents achieve more active, healthier lifestyles and to improve the health and wellness of their communities. Over the past 147 years, the MWC has grown to include 430 participating communities with more joining each year. About the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
At the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute our mission is to improve the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for everyone. Our vision is to create a world where all people receive safe, equitable, and affordable health care and live their healthiest lives.
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.