Milwaukee’s 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) offers a comprehensive look at the city’s health landscape, identifying five priority issues: chronic disease, maternal and child health, mental health, substance use, and violence and injury. This assessment, informed by data and input from over 3,400 residents, underscores the complex factors influencing health outcomes in our community.
Key Findings from the Assessment
The CHA reveals that injury and violence are leading causes of premature death and disability in Milwaukee. Additionally, disparities in education, housing, infant mortality rates, and life expectancy have been documented, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these pressing concerns.
Community-Driven Initiatives
In response to the CHA, the Milwaukee Health Department has launched MKE Elevate, a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that focuses on community-identified priority areas. Supported by the Mayor and the Board of Health, MKE Elevate aims to create shared goals and strategies to improve health outcomes across the city. The plan emphasizes building power, partnerships, and opportunities for collective advocacy in areas such as maternal and child health, healthy built environments, and safe and supportive communities.
Engaging the Community
Community engagement is central to these efforts. Surveys conducted as part of MKE Elevate have identified top concerns among residents, including access to healthy foods, neighborhood safety, mental health services, and substance use prevention. By aligning strategies with these community-identified priorities, Milwaukee aims to foster a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents.
For more information on the Community Health Assessment and MKE Elevate, visit the Milwaukee Health Department’s official website.