FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 26, 2024
Media Contact
Amanda Thomas
(770) 609-0674
amanda.thomas.ic@nationalforum.org
White House Selects Move with the Mayor® for Healthy Communities Challenge
25×25 initiative to increase physical activity, reduce disparities
WASHINGTON, DC — The White House has selected a new Move with the Mayor®(MWTM) initiative to join its nationwide challenge to build healthy communities.
The 25×25 initiative is the newest campaign by MWTM, a project developed by the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention. The initiative is part of the White House’s efforts to end hunger, decrease diet-related diseases, and reduce disparities by 2030.
The National Forum joins other organizations around the country committed to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.
Through 25×25, the National Forum will collaborate with 25 cities or towns to implement at least one evidence-based program, policy or infrastructure change by 2025. These changes will empower community members to lead more physically active lives and make healthier choices.
“The National Forum is honored and gratified to be chosen by the White House for the Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities,” said Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, chair of the National Forum’s board of directors. “The 25×25 initiative will build on the strong foundation of more than 100 Republican, Democratic, and independent mayors already using Move with the Mayor® to deliver factual health information and lead programs and policies that improve community members’ health.”
Fontana, California, Mayor Acquanetta Warren expressed enthusiasm about participating in the initiative.
“Being part of Move with the Mayor® and answering the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities fits Fontana’s growth and sustainability strategy,” Warren said. “Without a healthy population, Fontana can’t be a healthy city.”
As part of the “25×25” initiative, the National Forum will offer technical assistance to mayors to help them implement interventions from the Community Guide. The guide is the gold standard for evidence-based programs, policies, and services that enhance population health.
John M. Clymer, the executive director of the National Forum, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting the challenge’s fourth pillar — physical activity for all. This includes offering more opportunities for physical activity in communities.
It also includes supporting comprehensive physical activity programs in schools.
“Through our Move with the Mayor® program, the National Forum is helping mayors improve the health of their residents by creating more active communities,” Clymer said. “We are proud to be a part of this challenge and look forward to collaborating with mayors across the country to create healthier communities for all.”
About Move with the Mayor(R) (MWTM)
Move with the Mayor(R) (MWTM) is an initiative that works with mayors nationwide to challenge their communities to be more physically active by encouraging active, healthy living and strengthening resilience. Mayors use MWTM messaging, along with programmatic, policy, and infrastructure recommendations, to empower and safeguard community members against health threats. These efforts aim to enhance cardiovascular health and mental well-being for all. For more information about MWTM, visit nationalforum.org/mwtm.
About the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities
In March 2023, the White House announced the Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. It calls on stakeholders across all of society to make bold commitments to advance the goal of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030 — all while reducing disparities. The challenge builds on the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022, where President Biden released a national strategy, announcing over $8 billion of external commitments to achieve his bold goal. Learn more about the challenge at Healthy.gov.
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