Milwaukee County Named a 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Winner

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors is proud to announce that Milwaukee County has been selected as one of nine communities across the nation to receive the 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize, a prestigious national honor that recognizes communities working at the forefront of advancing health, equity, and opportunity for all.

The Culture of Health Prize celebrates communities that are driving local change and creating conditions where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live their healthiest life. Milwaukee County’s selection reflects years of collaborative work to address deep-rooted health disparities through bold, community-led solutions.

“Legislation authored by local elected officials matters,” stated Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson. “Our authored policies include being the first to declare racism as a public health crisis, and setting a vision that by achieving racial equity, Milwaukee is the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”

“We embedded equity into our investment in federal resources, turning powerful statements into tangible action,” said Nicholson. “The board even restructured so a committee now centers health equity. These policies shape how we invest in our communities, prioritize resident needs, and hold ourselves accountable to creating a healthier future for everyone. We have laid the foundation for the transformative work we’re doing across Milwaukee County. Together, we are modeling what it means to build a future where everyone, no matter their zip code or background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

The county has embraced a cross-sector approach that includes residents and community organizations, working together to improve conditions for everyone. This includes increasing access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, expanding job opportunities, and improving public transit systems. The county is also focusing on reimagining our physical landscape in our parks and green spaces to reflect the voices and needs of local residents.

For more information about the Culture of Health Prize and the other 2024 winners, visit www.rwjf.org/prize.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.