Introducing the 2025 Move With the Mayor Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge!

Mayor Brown is proud to announce that he has joined a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the role of social connection in promoting mental and physical health. Upper Darby Township, in partnership with the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, is participating in the Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge!

The month-long challenge begins May 1 and coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. The challenge aims to promote mental and physical health by encouraging daily movement while fostering social connection through group activities. Mayor Brown invites residents of all ages to join the challenge by participating in activities like biking, walking, meditation, yoga and more during May. The challenge also encourages residents to share their experiences and support each other on social media using #MoveWithTheMayor. 

Physical activity combined with social connection is good for our hearts and minds. They can help us cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. Mayor Brown invites all Upper Darby residents to commit to connecting and moving more with our community.

Research shows being physically active and socially connected can reduce these risks while improving cognitive function, mood, and quality of life. “We’re thrilled to have Mayor Ed Brown on board with the National Forum’s campaign to spotlight the importance of social connections for physical and mental well-being,” says John M. Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “The research is clear. Social isolation and loneliness pose serious health risks, but building strong connections with others while moving more can make a real difference.” 

Starting next week, the Township will be rolling out announcements for a series of community activities, friendly competitions, and ways for your to track your movement and connect with others throughout May (not unlike past Saturday morning MWTM events). You will be able to find all the information you need on our website and social media pages. To learn more about MWTM, visit nationalforum.org/connect-with-mwtm. 

About Move with the Mayor® 

An initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, mayors use Move with the Mayor® to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. For ten years and counting, mayors have been using MWTM messaging; program, policy, and infrastructure recommendations; and other tools to empower and protect community members from health threats and improve cardiovascular health, mental health, and health equity. To learn more, visit nationalforum.org/mwtm.