Paterson is among a dozen New Jersey municipalities designated 2019 “healthy towns to watch” by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.

Mayor Andre Sayegh led the kickoff of the mayor’s wellness campaign with a walk from City Hall to the Great Falls in January. His walk sought to encourage residents to engage in physical activity for better health and fitness. His administration also partnered with local grocery stores to offer mayor’s wellness campaign discounts on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sayegh said the “healthy towns to watch” designation is a “significant accomplishment” for Paterson.

“My Administration and the City of Paterson are dedicated to becoming more health conscious and leading a healthier lifestyle. Through a robust MayorsWellness Campaign, led by the Paterson Division of Health, we are committed to improving the health and wellness of our residents,” the mayor said. “Paterson is on the move!”

Mayor’s wellness campaign is focused on issues of chronic disease, obesity, and nutrition.

New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute gave the top designation, “healthy town,” to seven municipalities — Bergenfield, Bridgewater, Elizabeth, Freehold Township, Montclair, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains.

Paterson, Asbury Park, Denville, Garwood, Morristown, Princeton, Ridgewood, Vernon Township, South Plainfield, Westwood, Wildwood Crest, and Woodbridge Township were given the “healthy towns to watch” designation.

Evesham Township, Hillsborough Township, Jefferson Township, Oradell Borough, and Rutherford were the five 2019 “healthy town up and coming.”

More than 400 municipalities are part of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s wellness campaign.