Long Beach, CA – The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) passed a resolution on Sunday, urging mayors to help residents in communities of all sizes improve their heart health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
USCM, a nonpartisan organization of more than 1,400 mayors, “encourages mayors to use programs such as Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) to raise awareness about heart-healthy goals, support mental well-being through social connection and physical activity, and promote flu vaccination for people at cardiovascular risk.”
The resolution notes that many of the biggest drivers of heart disease, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, chronic stress, and social isolation, can be reduced through simple, everyday actions. It also notes that reaching healthy cholesterol and blood pressure numbers lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) is a mayor-led initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention dedicated to improving community health and well-being.
More than 230 mayors in 39 states use MWTM to encourage active, healthy living through programs, policies, and infrastructure. They also use it to raise awareness about flu immunization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the initiative.
“This resolution reflects what mayors understand firsthand: healthier communities are built through everyday action,” said Jen Childress, National Forum Director of Programs and USCM Business Council Steering Committee member. “The strongest communities are those where people have opportunities to move, connect, and take charge of their health, and mayors are uniquely positioned to help make that happen.”
Research shows that social connections are vital to improving mental and physical well-being. According to a 2023 study, individuals who engage in regular social activities combined with physical exercise and adequate sleep are less likely to experience depression.
Supervisor Chris Barnett of Orion, Michigan, a member of USCM’s Children, Health, and Human Services Standing Committee, sponsored the resolution.
Resolution cosponsors include:
- Mayor Joy Cooper (Hallandale Beach, Fla.)
- Mayor Claudia Frometa (Downey, Calif.)
- Mayor Martha Guerrero (West Sacramento, Calif.)
- Mayor Christina Muryn (Findlay, Ohio)
- Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch (Michigan City, Ind.)
- Mayor Kim Norton (Rochester, Minn.)
- Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard (Mount Vernon, N.Y.)
- Mayor Daniel Rickenmann (Columbia, S.C.)
- Mayor Nancy Rotering (Highland Park, Ill.)
Passing the resolution makes it USCM policy.
About the United States Conference of Mayors
The United States Conference of Mayors is a nonpartisan organization representing cities with populations of 30,000 or more. With over 1,400 member cities across the country, each city’s chief official, typically the mayor, represents the voice of their respective city in the conference. The USCM advocates for the interests of cities and provides a platform for collaborative action and exchange of ideas. To learn more, visit usmayors.org.
About Move with the Mayor®
Mayors use Move with the Mayor®, an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. For 12 years and counting, mayors have used MWTM messaging, programs, policy, infrastructure recommendations, and other tools to empower and protect community members from health threats and improve cardiovascular and mental health for all. To learn more, visit natforum.org/mwtm.
