The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) has released its 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), offering a comprehensive overview of the city’s health landscape. This assessment, informed by data and input from over 3,400 residents, sheds light on critical health challenges facing our community.
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 maternal health outcomes remain pressing concerns.
- Mental Health: Access to mental health services and the prevalence of mental health conditions highlight the need for enhanced support systems.
- Substance Use: The ongoing challenges related to substance abuse underscore the importance of comprehensive intervention strategies.
- Violence and Injury: Incidents of violence and related injuries are leading causes of premature death and disability in Milwaukee.
Community Insights
Beyond these priority areas, the assessment reveals disparities in education, housing, and life expectancy, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the interconnectedness of social determinants and health outcomes.
Moving Forward
The CHA serves as a foundation for MHD’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), executed through MKE Elevate—a community-driven initiative aimed at improving health outcomes across Milwaukee. By addressing these identified challenges, the city aims to foster a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents.
For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to review the full Community Health Assessment available on the Milwaukee Health Department’s website.