Washington, D.C. – Mayors nationwide hosted over 100 events to raise awareness about the role of social connection and active living in promoting mental and physical health.
Throughout a one-month period, 47 mayors led their communities in the Move with the Mayor® Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge by encouraging daily movement while fostering social connectivity through group activities.
This initiative, facilitated by the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (National Forum) in partnership with the American Public Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aimed to combat the rising rates of mental health issues and physical inactivity in the United States.
“We are proud of the mayors who demonstrated their commitment to promoting mental and physical health in their communities,” said John Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “By encouraging social connections and physical activity, we have taken significant steps toward improving community health and resiliency nationwide.”
Mayors organized events, such as group walks, bike rides, dance classes, and yoga sessions, to encourage residents to get active and connect with others. They hosted educational events on mental health awareness and shared resources available in their communities.
The Move with the Mayor campaign also provided an opportunity for 10 mayors to record public service announcements to spread the message further. Additionally, 28 participating
mayors completed “Connect, Move, Thrive: A Roadmap for Active, Connected Communities,” with nine cities reaching the gold level.
Mayor Angela Caraway of Ansonville, North Carolina, a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor, shared her connection to the initiative.
“I was really excited about it because I thought about my own health issues and the fact that Anson County is listed as one of the 11th unhealthiest counties in the state of North Carolina,” said Caraway. “So, I thought this would be a great opportunity for the mayors to come together and to get our community in a better direction. I’m glad we did it. It was really neat to be part of a larger opportunity to get this country healthier.”
The Roadmap helps cities identify and strengthen programs, policies, and activities that help people become more connected through physical activity. The National Forum provided mayors with actionable strategies to foster environments that support active and socially connected lifestyles.
Caraway’s excitement about MWTM prompted her to contact Lilesville, North Carolina, Mayor Bernice Bennett about partnering.
“Our first Move with the Mayor® was the 5K in Morven, and we had such a wonderful time there,” said Bennett. “I’ve also encouraged the members of our council to come on board, and they agreed. Two of us are regulars at Hatcher Park in Lilesville. We walk every morning. I appreciate the opportunity that this platform has given us.”
For more information about Move with the Mayor, visit nationalforum.org/connect-with-mwtm.
About Move with the Mayor®
Mayors use Move with the Mayor®, an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. For 10 years and counting, mayors have been using MWTM messaging; program, policy, and infrastructure recommendations; and other tools to empower and protect community members from health threats and improve cardiovascular health and mental health for all. To learn more, visit nationalforum.org/mwtm.
Media Contact
Amanda Thomas
770-609-0674
amanda.thomas.ic@nationalforum.org
