BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Body
GLENN HEIGHTS – Mayor Sonja A. Brown announced today that she is bringing a national health initiative to Glenn Heights this May, focusing on how physical activity and social connection work together to support mental health.
The City of Glenn Heights, in partnership with the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, is joining the 2026 Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge. The month-long initiative runs throughout May, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month.
The challenge encourages residents to increase physical activity while building social connections through group activities.
This year’s campaign places special emphasis on reaching veterans and older adults.
Both populations face particularly high rates of social isolation due to life transitions, geographic separation from support networks, and other barriers to staying connected.
Mayor Brown invites residents to participate in activities like walking, biking, dancing, yoga, and more throughout May. Participants can share their experiences and connect with others on social media using #MoveWithTheMayor.
“Taking care of our health means taking care of our minds and our bodies,” Mayor Brown said. “Physical activity makes a difference, and so does connecting with the people around us. I’m inviting everyone in Glenn Heights to join the Move with the Mayor® challenge this May.”
Mental health is integral to overall health. Research shows that mental health disorders increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Staying physically active and socially connected can reduce these risks while improving cognitive function, mood, and quality of life.
“We know that health outcomes improve when communities prioritize connection alongside physical activity,” said John M. Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “Mayor Brown understands that building a healthier Glenn Heights means creating opportunities for residents to move together and support each other. We’re proud to partner with leaders who recognize that.”
To learn more about MWTM, visit natforum.org/connect-with-mwtm.
About Move with the Mayor®: Mayor’s use Move with the Mayor® (MWTM), an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. For 12 years and counting, mayors have been using MWTM messaging, program, policy, and infrastructure recommendations, along with other tools, to empower and protect community members from health threats and to improve cardiovascular and mental health for all. To learn more, visit natforum.org/mwtm.
