Township joins Mayors’ Wellness Campaign
February 24, 2010
Byram Township (Sussex County) — Mayor James Oscovitch recently announced that Byram has joined the Mayors’ Wellness Campaign (MWC).
The campaign is an initiative of the NJ Health Care Quality Institute and is in partnership with Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University. A major funding grant was provided by Aetna with additional funding from the NJ Department of Transportation and Johnson & Johnson. The Mayors’ Wellness Campaign was created in association with the Regional Plan Association, NJ State League of Municipalities and the Ramapo College Nursing Program, a joint degree program with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ.
The campaign is an effort to help communities get on the path to active living and healthier lifestyles. By increasing area residents’ involvement in daily physical activity with a long-term goal of reducing personal and health care costs secondary to obesity, the group focuses on improving the lives of New Jersey residents, specifically seniors, area employees, youth and community.
Oscovitch explained, “Through public-private partnerships, the MWC provides structure and resources for healthy community initiatives, with mayors taking an active leadership role.” Oscovitch said he is excited about the effort and the future of the program in Bryam. “We are just starting to put this program together and are still putting a committee together. Our initial thoughts include town hikes and walks, health screenings and bringing a farmer’s market into town.”
Oscovitch said the goals of the group are in line with his vision for Bryam, with the hope of improving the lives of its residents and bringing business to Byram.
“Bringing a farmers market into town is one way we can match up our business goals with our health initiatives. The improvements to Route 206 will help make Byram more of a walking town with the addition of sidewalks up and down the road. We hope that this will be good for business and good for residents and visitors by creating a pedestrian friendly town. We have preserved a lot of land in Byram and this initiative could help connect people with the hiking trails and parks that belong to their community.”
A success in this campaign would be a NJ Healthy Town designation by the state, which is recognized by the League of Municipalities. Realtors can use the designation to help promote Byram as a healthy and good place to live and work. “I am excited about working with the MWC to implement a comprehensive program of outreach, education and technical assistance activities to combat obesity and inactivity issues for all our residents. By identifying existing programs and assess our community needs, we can then shape our own plan for community health.”
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