The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) has released its 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), providing a comprehensive overview of the city’s health and well-being. This assessment, built using quantitative data and input from over 3,400 residents, examines how social factors, lived experiences, and built environments influence health outcomes over time.
Key Findings
The CHA identifies five priority health issues:
- Chronic Disease: Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease continue to affect a significant portion of the population.
- Maternal and Child Health: Disparities in infant mortality rates and access to prenatal care remain pressing concerns.
- Mental Health: Increased rates of depression and anxiety highlight the need for accessible mental health services.
- Substance Use: The ongoing challenges related to drug and alcohol use require targeted interventions.
- Violence and Injury: Injury and violence are leading drivers of premature death and disability in Milwaukee.
Additionally, the assessment documents disparities in education, housing, infant death rates, and life expectancy following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community-Driven Initiatives
In response to these findings, MHD supports MKE Elevate, a community-driven agenda aimed at improving health outcomes. MKE Elevate focuses on creating safe, healthy, and equitable neighborhoods by aligning strategies and building partnerships to address these priority areas.
Residents are encouraged to engage with MKE Elevate to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that address these health challenges. By participating, community members can help shape a healthier future for Milwaukee.
For more information on the Community Health Assessment and MKE Elevate, visit the Milwaukee Health Department’s website.