Community Impact Tour – a bus, good weather and lots of information!
Back by popular demand, the Partnership hosted its second annual MHCP Community Impact Tour in June, attended by nearly 40 health care leaders and stakeholders.
Created for Partnership member executives, board chairs and affiliates, the half-day tour helps build understanding of health needs in Milwaukee and the consortium’s collective efforts, while making connections with the organizations and individuals who are positively impacting the health care and well-being of low-income and vulnerable populations in Milwaukee county.
June’s tour began at the Whole Health Clinic in West Allis with a welcome and update on the MHCP behavioral health access plan. Participants then boarded a motor coach to destinations on Milwaukee’s north side that showcased a variety of community clinics, as well as innovations in addressing the social determinants of health.
Kevin Kluesner, chief administrative officer at Ascension St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomed tour participants to the hospital, where experts shared more about the hospital’s work in ED care coordination, women’s health and infant mortality reduction.
The tour provided a visit to Milwaukee Health Services, Inc., where Dr. Tito Izard, President & CEO shared highlights of the health center’s services and participants learned more about the important role of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the care delivery system.
The last stop of the morning was Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s North side YMCA Community Health Center, where Bridget Clementi, VP Community Health described Children’s community navigation program.
The tour’s final leg included ‘drive-bys’ and commentary about several safety net and hospital affiliated clinics along the return route, including the Bread of Healing and Ascension St. Ben’s free clinics, the Sojourner Family Peace Center, the Froedtert and MCW McKinley Clinic and Progressive Community Health Centers’ Kilbourne Clinic and urgent care located on the Aurora Sinai hospital campus.
Said one participant, “Being able to see the places that we so often hear about and meet some of the staff there, is a great way to learn more about the impressive work being done in our community every day.”
