Kansas City, MO – The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) unanimously passed a resolution Sunday urging communities to prioritize social connectivity, physical activity, and mental health.
USCM, a nonpartisan organization of over 1,400 mayors, “urges mayors to engage members of their communities to be more physically active and socially connected to improve mental health and strengthen individual and community resilience, using programs such as Move with the Mayor®.”
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.
Over 200 mayors in 39 states use MWTM to encourage active, healthy living through programs, policies, and infrastructure. They also use the initiative to raise awareness about the importance of adult vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the initiative.
“This resolution marks a significant step towards prioritizing mental and physical health,” said John M. Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “By empowering individuals to lead healthier lifestyles and promoting social connections, we can create stronger, more resilient communities.”
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.
Mayor Martha Guerrero of West Sacramento, California, a licensed clinical social worker and member of USCM’s Children, Health, and Human Services Standing Committee, sponsored the resolution.
Resolution cosponsors include Mayor Acquanetta Warren of Fontana, California; Mayor Lily Mei of Fremont, California; Mayor Michelle Romero of Henderson, Nevada; Mayor Steve Williams of Huntington, WV; Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, Texas; Mayor Tishaura Jones of St. Louis, Missouri, and Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington.
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 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, programs, policy, 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/connect-with-mwtm.
