Belleville, Nutley Nail Down ‘Healthy Town’ Designations

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — Belleville and Nutley were recently selected by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute as two of the latest Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town” winners.

According to a news release, “Healthy Town” designations are awarded to cities and towns that demonstrate excellence in providing health and wellness initiatives in their respective communities by maintaining programs that “promote exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness in the community.”

Belleville and Nutley earned 2024 designations, which were announced last week. See the full list here.

Here's what the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute had to say about each town:

BELLEVILLE - "Belleville has earned the Healthy Town designation for 2024, advancing from its 2023 designation as a Healthy Town to Watch. In partnership with Clara Maass Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health, and local organizations, the township provided free health screenings and vaccination clinics. A collaboration with Kean University further supported student mental health by integrating social-emotional learning and family resources into the community."

NUTLEY - "After reinvigorating its MWC, the Township of Nutley has received its first designation since 2010, earning a Healthy Town Up and Coming award. Collaborations with local partners are key to the Township providing a wide range of health and wellness activities for residents."

The mayors of both towns said the designations were well-earned.

“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,” Melham said.

Nutley Mayor John Kelly III said he is proud of the latest news.

“This designation showcases our commitment to enhancing health and wellness for all Nutley residents through various initiatives supporting mental and physical health, community blood drives, health screenings, veterans mental and physical health, addiction recovery resources, resources for combating domestic violence, and economic stability for veterans and individuals with disabilities, just to name a few,” Kelly said.

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