CARRBORO, NC – The Town of Carrboro has reached the Gold level after completing “Connect, Move, Thrive: A Roadmap to Active, Connected Communities.”
The Roadmap is a key element of the 2025 Move with the Mayor® Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge. This recognition highlights [City name]’s efforts to strengthen mental health, increase physical activity, and reduce social isolation.
The National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention developed the Roadmap in partnership with the American Public Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It helps cities assess and grow their efforts in four key areas:
- Building a culture of connection
- Strengthening social infrastructure
- Advancing pro-connection public policies
- Expanding partnerships to support active living
“The Move with the Mayor initiative has been instrumental in bringing our community together and promoting healthier, more connected lives,” said Mayor Barbara Foushee. “We are honored to be recognized at this level and proud to keep building a town where movement, connection, and well-being go hand in hand.”
As part of the spring challenge, mayors completed the Roadmap’s self-assessment, which evaluates programs and policies that support active, connected communities. The results help cities identify opportunities to expand their efforts using guidance from The Community Guide.
“Carrboro is showing what’s possible when leaders invest in physical activity and social connection as foundations for health,” said John M. Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “The success of this year’s challenge proves that local action can be a powerful force in improving mental health and strengthening communities.”
In May, 48 cities participated in the spring challenge, hosting 101 events nationwide to encourage residents to move more and connect with one another.
Notable events in Carrboro included:
- Participating in Bike Month events including Bike and Roll to School Day
- Challenging Town employees to have walking meetings and increase daily activities.
- Encouraging children to walk or ride their bikes to school through Safe Routes to School.
- Providing motivation for all residents to take care of their mental health, including an
- Participating in Mental Health Mondays offered by the Carrboro Police Department
By participating in Move with the Mayor®, Carrboro joins a growing national network of cities working to reimagine public spaces, invest in mental health, and create conditions where residents can thrive.
To learn more, visit natforum.org/connect-with-mwtm
Media Contact
Amanda Thomas
(770) 609-0674
amanda.thomas.ic@nationalforum.org
About Move with the Mayor®
Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) is an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Mayors use MWTM to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. For 11 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 and mental health for all. To learn more, visit natforum.org/mwtm.