Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign
Awards $127,500 To 11 New Jersey Towns
Funded By Walmart, Grants Support Mental Health Programs, Education
TRENTON, New Jersey — The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) has awarded a total of $127,500 in grants to 11 New Jersey communities to support community mental health initiatives and address intimate partner violence and substance use prevention. The MWC is a partnership with the NJ League of Municipalities and the grants were funded by Walmart.
The Quality Institute recognizes the need for mental health support and is grateful to Walmart for its continued partnership in bringing these initiatives to communities throughout the state.
“At Walmart, we believe in empowering communities to prioritize mental health,” said Lindsey Coulter, Walmart’s Director of Local Communications. “By funding initiatives that address mental health education, prevention, and support, we are investing in the well-being of individuals and families across New Jersey. This partnership is about creating accessible and sustainable resources that help residents lead healthier, more connected lives.”
The MWC grants will be awarded to Asbury Park, the City of Elizabeth, the City of Paterson, the City of Perth Amboy, the City of Plainfield, Cranbury Township, Fairview Borough, Livingston Township, the Township of West Orange, Wildwood Crest, and Woodlynne.
The grants will fund a diverse range of programs, including intimate partner violence prevention workshops, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings; support groups for older adults; and substance use treatment and prevention. The grants will enable the continuation of newer programs in the City of Paterson and the City of Plainfield, such as a community mental health ambassador program and an initiative to improve mental health literacy. Through these efforts, municipalities aim to enhance mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and build stronger support networks within their communities.
“These grants reflect a powerful commitment by New Jersey’s towns to prioritize mental wellness,” said Katie Bisaha, Community Health, and Policy Associate at the Quality Institute. “The projects funded through this initiative will help strengthen community bonds, provide crucial support, and improve mental health literacy. Each town has proposed meaningful initiatives that we are thrilled to help bring to life.”
Many of the funded initiatives specifically address the needs of underserved and marginalized populations, aiming to reduce disparities in access to mental health care.
The Quality Institute received 47 applications totaling over $845,000 in requests for the grants, an overwhelming response to the application announcement in August.
“The response was a resounding testament to the pressing need for mental health support in our communities,” Bisaha said. “The overwhelming number of applications shows just how deeply towns are dedicated to building healthier communities. It is inspiring to witness their creativity and passion in tackling mental health challenges.”
The applications were reviewed by a committee that included Katie Bisaha, Quality Institute; John Pepen, M.D., Commonwealth Health; Jaime Angelini, Statewide Director of Disaster Services and Special Projects, Mental Health Association in New Jersey; and Setu Patel, Pharm D., and Kathy Donelson, Regional Health & Wellness People Partner for Walmart.
The awarded grants will focus on the following projects:
- Asbury Park – Holistic Mental Health program, “Blue Bishops Living Well,” incorporating physical activity, healthy eating, social connection, and community-based support.
- City of Elizabeth – Expansion of “Mental Health is for Everyone” initiative providing mental health education, group therapy, and personal online therapy for youth, older adults and individuals with substance use challenges.
- City of Paterson –Continuation of community based Mental Health Ambassador program.
- City of Perth Amboy – Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings for underserved groups such as older adults and new American communities in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center.
- City of Plainfield –Ongoing community education and stigma reducing campaign focused on mental health literacy, creative expression, and physical activity for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and youth communities.
- Cranbury Township – Expansion of Teen MHFA for all 10th grade students.
- Fairview Borough – Intimate partner violence prevention campaign through workshops educating residents about healthy relationships, signs of abuse, and resources.
- Livingston Township – Mental health workshops, MHFA training for township staff, reducing social isolation for older adults and youth education with impaired driving simulator.
- Township of West Orange – Wellness support groups for older adults to reduce social isolation and promote well-being.
- Wildwood Crest – Wellness workshops utilizing the Breath for Change curriculum focusing on older adults and children.
- Woodlynne – Providing substance use treatment, prevention, and mental health support for residents 15+ using evidence-based techniques.
Mayors across New Jersey are eager to use the funds to make meaningful differences in their communities. “The League of Municipalities is proud to be part of this initiative, supporting towns in delivering mental health resources where they’re needed most,” said Timothy McDonough, Mayor of Hope and Past President of the League of Municipalities. “We are grateful to the Quality Institute for leading this work and to Walmart for recognizing the importance of mental wellness and funding this crucial work. This collaboration is creating supportive environments for all residents.”
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 tools, strategies and guidance to community leaders to help improve the health and wellness of their communities and make New Jersey towns healthier places to live, work, play and age. Since 2006, the MWC has grown to include over 430 participating communities with more joining each year.
About the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s mission is to improve the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for everyone. Our membership comes from all stakeholders in health care. Together with our 100 plus members, we are working towards 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.
About the New Jersey State League of Municipalities
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a non-partisan, non-profit voluntary association, founded in 1915, to further enhance the ability of New Jersey’s municipal governments to represent their constituents by:
- Acting as a forceful advocate for New Jersey’s municipalities before the State and federal governments.
- Serving as a definitive information clearinghouse and providing educational opportunities for elected and appointed officials.
- Providing networking opportunities and forums for discussions and sharing of mutual concerns.