STAFFORD, NJ — Stafford Township has been named a 2025 Healthy Town winner through the Mayors Wellness Campaign, marking the third year in a row the Ocean County community received the designation.
The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute announced the winners Thursday in Princeton. The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. This year, 45 towns received Healthy Town designations, while 12 were named Healthy Town to Watch and four were designated Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.
According to the announcement, participating communities complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application that outlines the research done to identify local health needs and explains how local Mayors Wellness Campaign committees are organized. The application also highlights actions towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, age and play.
Stafford was recognized in part for its Mobile Community Outreach Event, which brings health and wellness resources directly to residents. According to the announcement, the effort is aimed at reducing barriers for underserved populations and making programs and services more accessible. The township said those efforts help create opportunities for community members to engage in healthy living.
“Each year, the Mayors Wellness Campaign continues to raise the bar for what local leadership can accomplish to strengthen the health and wellness of their communities,” said Julie DeSimone, Vice President of Community Health at the Quality Institute. “The record number of Healthy Town designations in 2026 reflects a deep commitment from municipal leaders across New Jersey to prioritize health in ways that are both meaningful and measurable.”
“We are proud to partner with the Quality Institute to support this important work and to celebrate the towns leading the way,” said Executive Director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Mike Cerra.
Mayor Robert Henken said Stafford’s participation in the campaign has helped the township review and improve local health efforts.
“Although Stafford Township had a commitment to health prior to the participation in the MWC, these past five years have shown a true commitment from our Township as we continue to diligently focus on the programs that keep our residents healthy and well,” Henken said. “The MWC has undoubtedly helped our Township examine and improve the local initiatives that can support the members of our community on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. Whether it’s our annual Green Fair that promotes healthy living, the Pathfinders program, our many various educational seminars throughout the year, or even continually investing in our open space and recreational areas, Stafford Township is prepared to continue our participation in the amazing MWC for years to come.”
