Partnering with communities to improve children’s health

Healthy kids require the combined efforts of families, schools, health care providers and community agencies. Children's Wisconsin is reaching out to communities statewide through our primary care clinics, counseling programs, Family Resource Centers and other services to improve children's health. Our goal is that Wisconsin will have the healthiest kids in the nation.

Milwaukee neighborhood collaborations

A special effort is underway in three Milwaukee neighborhoods where there are significant health challenges. Studies show that children who grow up in healthy environments – with supportive families, nutritious food, clean and safe physical surroundings, and access to excellent healthcare – have better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

By coordinating our vast clinical and community-based resources, we can help facilitate community health improvement. We do this directly, by expanding medical, dental, and mental health services in these areas. We also do this indirectly, by collaborating with residents and other community agencies to address issues such as crime, joblessness, and education. All of these issues can affect children's health and well-being.

Individuals and representatives of community groups in each neighborhood met to identify and prioritize needs they wanted to address. They formed advisory groups and selected leaders for each initiative. Children's Wisconsin provides community health navigators to help families access and use health care options; employs school nurses at several neighborhood schools; and has expanded medical and dental services in the area.