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Mayors Wellness Campaign

About the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC)

The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a statewide community health initiative directed by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM). The MWC provides evidence-based tools and strategies to mayors and community leaders to help their residents achieve healthier lifestyles, as well as to improve the health and wellness of their communities. The MWC helps support and guide communities to identify pressing local health needs, track progress on wellness goals, and implement MWC programming. The goal of the MWC is to help New Jersians live healthier lifestyles and improve overall health and wellness within communities, and as part of the MWC, Scotch Plains works to promote a better lifestyle for their residents in the following four domains: physical health and nutrition, environment and health, education and health, and arts and health.”

Scotch Plains Named a Healthy Town for Fourth Consecutive Year

The Mayors Wellness Campaign has awarded Scotch Plains the title of a “Healthy Town” along with 13 other municipalities in the state. Scotch Plains has received this title since 2019, with 2022 extending the streak to its fourth year. Towns are awarded this title after compiling and outlining research they have done to identify their community health needs, programming they have enacted within the past year to make the town a better place to live for residents, as well as supporting their MWC committee. “There is a shared commitment among our entire team at town hall, as well as countless volunteers, to provide our residents with a wide variety of exciting programming that encourages healthy behaviors,” Mayor Losardo remarked. “For people of all ages, we remain firmly committed to offering active and passive recreational opportunities, as well as information about healthy living and eating.”

The town has displayed their dedication to the campaign over the years by hosting events and programs such as our 30 Minutes on the Green exercise classes, Pride in the Park, Patrick’s Annual Downtown Race to Summer 5k, Senior Nutrition Box Lunch Program every Tuesday, and more!”


Click Here for the latest Board Committee Appointments & Committee Guide

Click Here for The Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties Newsletter


Past Wellness Programming:

  • Dogust Celebration 2023.
  • NJ Sharing Network 5k: The 5k Celebration of Life is a healing and uplifting experience for those whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. 
  • Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer 5k: The race began in 2015, and raises money to support local charitable causes.
  • Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: Live music, balloon artist, mini golf, food trucks, vendors & more at Shady Rest Golf and Country Club.
  • Memorial Day Ruck to Remember: Residents joined American Legion Post 209 veterans to “ruck,” meaning walking with a backpack to symbolize the weight carried by soldiers on patrol.
  • Project BrOKen: A dance and visual art performance depicting the raw realities of those impacted by mental health issues, disabilities, and addiction, while simultaneously encouraging recovery and healing.
  • Pride in the Park: Residents gathered on the Village Green for the pride flag raising ceremony, live music, crafts, live mural art by Mustart, community groups, and other activities to celebrate pride. Click Here for photos.

Mental Health Resources

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Crisis Hotlines:

  • NJ Suicide Prevention-NJ Hope Line : 1 (855) 654-6735
  • National Suicide Hotline : 9-8-8
  • Substance Use Disorders- NJ Connect: 1 (855) 652-3737
  • Behavioral Health Information and Referral Mental Health Cares: 1 (866) 202-4357
  • Crisis Text Line: Text REASON to 741741
  • LGBTQ+ Hotline: 1 (888) 843-4564
  • Trevor Project (Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth): 1 (866) 488-7386

Union County has a dedicated screening service for psychiatric emergencies, crisis intervention, and information and referral.

Gene Tavera

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Services
Union County Department of Human Services
Division of Individual & Family Support Services
10 Elizabethtown Plaza 4th Floor
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4844
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Marilucy Lopes, LCSW

Mental Health Administrator
Dept. of Human Services
Division of Individual & Family Support Services
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4846
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.