The health and well-being of Middlesex County residents is supported through a wide array of resources and services that promote physical and mental health. The County's extensive system of parks and recreation facilities serve to not only beautify the County, but also provide residents with a variety of affordable wellness, educational, and social opportunities. In addition, the County's diverse health and social service programs help improve the quality of life and health outcomes for the County's most vulnerable, including older residents, the homeless, people with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, and those with limited English proficiency.

Healthy, Safe, and Inclusive Communities Strategic Initiatives explore ways to improve the health, safety, and security of all those who live and work in the County. These Strategic Initiatives improve access to healthy foods and safe housing, and provide safe, inclusive, and sustainable parks and recreation programming throughout the County.

Healthy, Safe, and Inclusive Communities Strategic Initiatives include:

• Help residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future public health emergencies.
• Expand and improve access to health, mental health, and addiction services.
• Encourage access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
• Expand programs for at-risk youth.
• Use technology and data to drive programming and to improve health outcomes.
• Provide safe, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable parks and recreation services.
• Advance a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach in County decision-making.
• Keep communities safe by supporting offenders while incarcerated and easing their re-entry into society.
• Engage and empower residents to choose healthy behaviors.