Communities are being recognized for their innovative responses to local needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic like addressing food insecurity, helping residents stay physically and mentally active, and supporting COVID-19 testing clinics.
In total, the campaign recognized nine communities as 2020 Healthy Towns to Watch. In addition, eight communities were named 2020 Healthy Towns, while five were designated as 2020 Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.
"Princeton is honored to be recognized as a Healthy Town to Watch by the Quality Institute,” said Princeton Mayor Mark Freda. “Amid a pandemic, we have determined that our residents’ health can be greatly improved if we mobilize our community partnerships. This award is reflective of our collective teamwork, invaluable partnerships with community stakeholders, local non-profits, our schools, and the business community."
Freda stated that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton Health Department has served on the forefront of community response by managing positive COVID cases and mitigating transmission of COVID-19 among community members. Contact tracing, vaccine clinics, and emergency task forces were set up to monitor the Town's response.
“By engaging with innovative, virtual health communication tools, as well as utilizing vital community partnerships, our health department has been able to reach Princeton residents in an equitable, efficient manner,” said Freda. “This is an achievement that we are truly proud of and will continue to work toward improving."
Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town Application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC committee. The application also highlights the actions they’ve taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, and play.