BELLEVILLE, NJ – March 7, 2025 – The Township has once again been recognized by a statewide program for its continued efforts to improve the health and wellness of residents through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating and mental health education and awareness.

Belleville has been selected as a “2024 Healthy Town” – the highest designation awarded through the annual statewide Mayors Wellness Campaign, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute has announced.

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

The Healthy Town designation represents a significant step forward for Belleville, which earned the “Healthy Town to Watch” designation in 2023.

It was a busy year in Belleville in regards to wellness. For example, in partnership with Clara Maass Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health and local organizations, the Township provided free health screenings and vaccination clinics. In addition, a collaboration with Kean University in Union Township supported student mental health by integrating social-emotional learning and family resources into the community.

“The 2024 Healthy Town designation illustrates that Belleville continues to focus on programs that help keep our residents healthy and well,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said. “From growing fruits and vegetables in our community garden, to promoting active lifestyles by expanding our parks and open spaces, to expanding our annual Green Fair, we remain committed to identifying ways we can help Belleville residents live healthier and happier lives.”

Each year, communities participating in the campaign 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 campaign committee.

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

Gabrielle Bennett-Meany, the president of the Board of Education and Green Team, praised the townships Health and Wellness Committee, which is made up of dedicated municipal staff members representing the recreation, health, police, fire and public works departments as well as the Belleville Public School District and Student Health and Wellness Department.

“This group and the interaction they have with the community and residents of all ages is a testament that the township is deeply committed to public health and safety,” she said. “We will continue initiatives to raise awareness about healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices, creating a supportive environment, community engagement, and a focus on preventative health measures, all while addressing the needs of our diverse population and promoting sustainable practices across the town.”
In addition to a record-breaking 32 Healthy Town winners, another 16 towns were designated as 2024 Healthy Town to Watch and seven were designated as a “2024 Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.”

"It’s incredible to see the Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year,” said Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. “It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it. From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”