Milwaukee County, under the leadership of County Executive David Crowley, has been named one of nine communities nationwide to receive the 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize. The award includes $250,000 in funding to support the county’s efforts in promoting health equity and expanding opportunity. Crowley emphasized the county’s goal of becoming the healthiest in Wisconsin through measurable equity-focused initiatives.
According to the Milwaukee County Executive Office release, the RWJF prize highlights communities working to address systemic disparities. Milwaukee County’s recent efforts include outreach programs at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, support for the homeless in King Park, improvements to community centers, and age-friendly initiatives. These programs align with the county’s 2019 declaration of racism as a public health crisis. Since then, the county has implemented a racial equity budget tool and provided racial equity training for thousands of employees.
Funds from the award will be used to support projects such as upgrades at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, enhanced services through age-friendly partnerships with AARP, and administrative support for the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. These initiatives aim to strengthen local infrastructure and improve services across the community.
While the effects of the funding may not be immediately visible, the projects are designed for long-term impact. More information about Milwaukee County’s recognition and plans tied to the RWJF Culture of Health Prize is available on the county’s official website.
