Published on NJ.com

BRIDGETON — Community leaders and public officials kicked off “Live Healthy Cumberland County” with support from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI) and a $550,000 partnership grant from United Health Foundation.

The effort aims to reduce chronic disease by increasing the number of healthy food items available at 27 local corner stores throughout Cumberland County and providing free health screenings for residents.

Live Healthy Cumberland County is part of a public-private partnership with local health care and community leaders working to improve health and quality of life in Cumberland County, Trenton and Jersey City.

The grant will support five organizations and their affiliates participating in the project. In Cumberland County, NJHCQI partners with the Cumberland County Health Department and Inspira Health Network. NJHCQI project partners in Jersey City are the Jersey City Department of Health and the Jersey City Medical Center. The Trenton Health Team is NJHCQI’s project partner in Trenton.

Live Healthy Cumberland County was created by the Cumberland/Salem/Gloucester Health and Wellness Alliance which includes representatives from more than 42 organizations. The goal of Live Healthy Cumberland County is to improve health outcomes throughout the region. Cumberland County Health Department is partnering with the Vineland Health Department and Vineland YMCA to implement Live Healthy Cumberland County.

Local elected officials, Cumberland County residents as well as representatives from the Cumberland County Health Department, Inspira Health Network, the Vineland Health Department, Vineland YMCA, NJHCQI, UnitedHealthcare and local corner-stores joined the kickoff event.

“This initiative addresses some of the biggest barriers to health care our neighbors face by improving access to healthy foods, creating safe spaces to relax and exercise, and supporting other essential community services,” said Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of NJHCQI.