2023 West Allis Health Department Annual Report

Foundational Public Health Services

Linking West Allis Health Department Services to Foundational Public Health Services

The West Allis Health Department (WAHD) Annual Report is a complement to the Foundational Public Health Services framework. This framework outlines the unique responsibilities of public health agencies, including the WAHD, and defines a set of foundational capabilities and areas that should be available in every community.

The WAHD has a fundamental responsibility to provide public health protections and services in a number of areas including: preventing the spread of communicable disease, ensuring food, air, and water quality are safe, supporting maternal and child health, improving access to clinical care services, preventing chronic disease and injury, and other services specific to their community’s needs.

The infrastructure needed to fulfill these responsibilities works to provide fair and just opportunities for all to be healthy and includes eight capabilities: 1) Assessment & Surveillance, 2) Community Partnership Development, 3) Equity, 4) Organizational Competencies, 5) Policy Development & Support, 6) Accountability & Performance Management, 7) Emergency Preparedness & Response, and 8) Communications.

Source: Foundational Public Health Services - PHNCI. https://phnci.org/uploads/resource-files/FPHS-FactsheetNovember-2018.pdf. Accessed April 5, 2022.

Foundational Areas

Public health programs, or Foundational Areas, are basic public health, topic specific programs and services aimed at improving the health of the community. There are five Foundational Areas:

Communicable Disease Control

Communicable disease management accounts for a large portion of a Public Health Nurse's time as it requires detailed follow-up to ensure protection of the public. Communicable disease management may involve investigation, inspection, laboratory collection, isolation, and/or the provision of medications or vaccines.

2,677 Communicable Disease Case Investigations

In 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services worked with our nursing and environmental teams on a cluster of legionella cases in West Allis. The nursing team conducted patient interviews and gathered information regarding potential places that they may have been exposed to legionella. The environmental team worked with the state to determine possible sources of legionella and to conduct water testing at local businesses. Although all testing came back normal, and no source of local exposure was found, this is an example of the many ways our teams work together with the state to investigate communicable diseases and to perform testing to make sure people are safe and healthy.

Communicable Disease Cases

669 Not COVID-19 vs. 740 in 2022

The flu spreads every year, with some years being worse than others. People of all ages can get the flu and the best ways to prevent getting ill are by hand washing and getting the flu vaccine each season. In addition to distribution of flu vaccines, the WAHD administered a total of 355 COVID-19 vaccines in 2023.

Promoting flu prevention through outreach & collaboration

590

Flu Vaccines Administered vs. 588 in 2022

Immunizations

Immunizations are important to prevent communicable diseases and are often required for daycare and school admittance. The WAHD is a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider. Children and adolescents up to age 19 are eligible to receive free vaccines if they meet certain criteria. The health department also provides adult vaccines such as, Hepatitis A & B. In 2023, a total of 237 non-COVID immunizations were administered.

TB Skin Testing

237

Administered vs. 259 in 2022

The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is one method of determining if you are infected with Tuberculosis (TB) Disease. The WAHD provides TB skin tests for residents and non-residents and in 2023 a total of 172 TB Skin Tests were completed, compared to 137 in 2022.

Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

The WAHD works collaboratively with community partners to identify, plan, and implement chronic disease and injury prevention education. In 2023, the WAHD lead the following Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention initiatives including:

West Allis Overdose Fatality Review: The Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) gathers a team of locally based, multi-disciplinary partners that work to better understand the risk factors and circumstances leading to fatal overdoses and identify opportunities to prevent future overdoses. The basis of OFR is that overdose fatalities could have been prevented with the right action, timing, intervention, and/or response. The goals of the West Allis OFR are to: A) Identify risk factors leading to fatal overdoses, B) Recognize gaps in service and barriers to treatment, and C) Develop and implement recommendations for policy and program change at the local, county, and state levels to prevent future overdoses. A total of 8 OFR cases were reviewed in 2023.

GrapeVine Health Education Classes: Public Health Nurses at the West Allis Health Department offer a variety of GrapeVine courses that support residents by connecting them with trusted health information and resources to help prevent chronic disease and achieve their fullest potential, at any age. Overall, these classes help individuals reduce their chances of developing a chronic disease and improve their quality of life. A total of 5 classes were held in 2023 and included Self-Care, Brain Health, Bone Health, and Heart Disease & Stroke.

Narcan Direct Program: The WAHD is part of the Narcan Direct Program that allows us to distribute free Narcan to people at-risk for an opioid overdose and people who may witness an opioid overdose. In 2023, 5 staff members (2Public Health Specialists, 1- Public Health Nurse, 1- Public Health Social Worker, 1- Community Health Specialist) went through the Narcan Direct Program: Train-the-trainer course which certified us to train others to administer Narcan. Throughout the year Narcan was promoted through our health departments social media, website, brochures, and handouts. Narcan was distributed through a variety of locations that included the WAHD, community trainings, and the West Allis Fire Departments Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program. A total of 444 cartons (888 doses) of Narcan were distributed into the community.

888 Doses of Narcan Distributed

Healthy Living with Diabetes Workshop: This workshop meets weekly for 6 weeks with 1.5 hour evidence-based sessions. Healthy Living with Diabetes gives participants strategies to manage their diabetes and reach their health goals. In 2023, a total of 6 individuals completed the course.

Healthy Living with Chronic Pain: This workshop was created by Stanford University and meets weekly for 6 weeks with 2.5 hour evidence-based group sessions to give participants strategies to manage chronic pain, improve overall health, and reach their goals. Two Public Health Nurses became trained facilitators and will teach their first course in 2024.

Stepping On: This workshop meets weekly for 7 weeks with 2 hour evidence-based sessions. Stepping On gives participants strategies for avoiding falls including balance and strength exercises, home safety check suggestions, medication review, and more. In 2023, a total of 8 individuals completed the course.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions: This workshop meets weekly for 6 weeks with 2.5 hour evidence-based group sessions to give participants tools to better navigate life’s “ups and downs” and increase their health knowledge. In 2023, a total of 6 individuals completed the course.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training: People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. A Public Health Specialist and Public Health Social Worker became trained in QPR and in 2023 a total of 20 individuals were trained from a variety of organizations including Street Angels, Street Life, West Allis Public Library staff, and community members.

Environmental Health

Licensing & Inspection, Complaint Investigation, Rabies & Animal Bites

The WAHD partners with Greendale and West Milwaukee to provide environmental health services such as licensing food establishments, lodging, and recreational facilities.

509

Rodent and pest infestations were the leading cause of investigation in 2023. Other major causes of investigation include animal waste, garbage and debris, and unsanitary living conditions. There was an overall increase in complaints due to outreach efforts specifically related to rats.

Food Safety Program

235 Rat Related Complaints

Issues related to rat complaints typically include food sources from unmaintained bird feeders, fruit and vegetable gardens, and garbage/waste. Harborage conditions such as unmaintained properties are also associated with rat and rodent issues.

The WAHD is an agent of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DATCP). The food inspection program conducts annual and periodic inspections of food service establishments, mobile food truck vendors, and temporary events. The environmental staff also provides food safety trainings, educational consults, plan review, and pre-opening site evaluations.

620

Maternal, Child, & Family Health

Women, Infant, and Children (WIC)

WIC has helped moms eat healthier and have healthier babies. Moms are provided breastfeeding information/support that results in 78% of babies born to WIC mothers receiving breastmilk in 2023. WIC children eat more nutritious foods and are better prepared for school. During 2023, there were 3,403 residents (infants, children, and pregnant women) enrolled in the West Allis WIC Program compared to 2,936 in 2022. These WIC participants received a total of 26,500 monthly food benefits of healthy WIC foods In-person services resumed in August 2023. Families with children ages 2-4 were also offered participation in the Fit Families Program which is part of SNAP Ed. In 2023, 75 children completed the Fit Families program compared to 71 in 2022. A WIC Registered Dietitian had monthly contact with these families to provide education and support around goals to increase fruit and vegetable intake, increase physical activity, and decrease sweetened beverage use.

3,400+

INDIVIDUALSSERVED vs. 2936 in 2022

78%

WIC Babies Received Breastmilk vs. 80% in 2022

The WIC Program continued to partner with the West Allis/West Milwaukee Recreation Services Department to use parks as nutrition hubs in 2023. WIC provided nutrition education as part of a family meal program for 10 weeks held at Liberty Height Park. An online Farmers Market ordering and home delivery program was offered to West Allis residents to alleviate barriers to using WIC Farmers Market vouchers. A total of 42 online orders were placed for individuals to have their produce delivered to their home while using their Farmers Market checks for payment.

Social Connections: Maternal, Child, Health Grant

To further promote the health and well being of our mothers, children, families, and overall community the West Allis Health Department applied for and received the Maternal, Child, Health grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The goal of the grant was to address social connections in our community because they have the ability to transform an individual and communities societal health and well-being. The health department has an important role to play in fostering social connection and we did this through a variety of community events and programming. We also purchased a new Little Library to further promote connection through reading and had over 800 people visit our location.

2 events

1 event

1 event

94 people reached

Quotes from Family Cooking Class

"This class has been the biggest blessing"

“ As a mother who is expecting a third child this class meant so much to my family because I need support with cooking, but my husband is not comfortable in the kitchen yet.”

1 event

Access & Linkage to Care

How does the health department increase access to care? Nursing staff provide numerous individual services to the community including blood pressure screenings, case management, communicable disease follow up and education, lead home visits, immunization clinics, TB skin tests, Safe Sleep education, Pack N Play™ distribution, and prenatal care coordination.

To promote access to vaccines, nurses provided COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to homebound West Allis and West Milwaukee residents. Flu vaccines were also offered at off site clinics in the afternoon and early evening hours to further increase access. Our first flu clinic was held at the West Allis Senior Center where a total of 122 flu vaccines were given. A second flu clinic was held at West Milwaukee Community Center where a total of 23 flu vaccines were given. A third flu clinic was held at the West Allis Health Department where a total of 51 vaccines were given. Lastly, the nursing staff offered evening appointments for families to get their children caught up on the vaccinations that are needed for school. All of these clinics offered sensory-friendly accommodations, which provide a calm and supportive environment for those children who have sensory needs. The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin helped promote our sensory friendly services.

Twice per year, nursing and community health technicians provide occupational health screening services to our city employees. Those employees are able to get their annual hearing and spirometry testing done at the health department during their regular hours of work. In 2023, there were 103 spirometry tests and 321 hearing tests completed.

Sexual Health Clinic

In June of 2023 the West Allis Health Department launched the Sexual Health Clinic providing STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, as well as pregnancy testing. We worked with “Get Yourself Tested” grant funding to promote clinical services. Testing is available for anybody of reproductive age. Services are on a sliding scale for those who are paying in cash or billed to insurance. Internal and external condoms are available for free in our lobby and restrooms.

1,166 Condoms Distributed

Pictured is a flu clinic at the Senior Center and an Occupational Health Screenings for city employees.

Public Health Social Work

Hired at the tail-end of 2022, the newly formed position of Public Health Social Worker works to ensure that our population has access to needed services across sectors including health, social services, housing, employment, and others to leverage community assets towards meeting community needs. This positions works to promote access to support the well-being of the whole person (including behavioral and mental health, emotional support, substance use, and other needs). The Public Health Social Worker spends the bulk of her time engaging directly with community members and partners to address key social determinants of health and to provide timely and accurate referrals.

795+ Unique Client Interactions

On average, helping each client with 3-4 services/tasks

500+ Resource Referrals

350+ Emotional Support Interactions

Over 65% of average weekly duties spent directly interacting with community members

Launch of Mental Health Guide + 2 Updates

Routine Immunization Childhood Outreach (RICO)

12 New Community Partnerships

The West Allis Health Department was awarded a RICO grant to create a childhood and adolescent vaccine awareness campaign, to enhance outreach efforts, and to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials for English and non-English speakers. The target populations for outreach and vaccination were African American/Black and Latinx/Hispanic youth; our historically underserved populations with low routine vaccination rates.

We were able to engage in innovative marketing techniques allowing us to reach over 15,000 people with our Sensory friendly clinic promotion, a new record for our Health Department on social media. The amount of shares and reposts in English and Spanish reached an estimated 23.3+% of the total population we serve. Additionally, our 5 bus ads received over 1 million impressions in the first month of running.

Other noteworthy outreach efforts included donating books on vaccinations for children to 38 local little libraries with bookmarks linking to resources, and providing hundred of immunization schedule magnets at community events.

National Commission on Aging Grant: Incentivizing Vaccination

To further promote access to the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the West Allis Health Department and West Allis Senior Center applied for and received the National Council on Aging grant. The goal of this grant focused on increasing Flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates for adults who were 65 years and older. The grant funding allowed us to hire additional nurses and 3 Community Health Workers (CHW) that are age-representative of the target population. These individuals did community outreach to create anticipation for upcoming clinics, dispel misinformation, and increase community acceptance of the initiative. The CHWs visited over 70 locations and distributed over 1000 flyers to promote the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 679 vaccinations were given to older adults and we were able to provide 45 vaccinations to homebound individuals. Gift cards were used to incentivize getting the vaccines and this was found to be very effective. A variety of methods were used to educate the community about the Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics. These methods included neighborhood canvassing, social media posts, and flyers.

Canvassing

70+ locations visited Flyers

679 Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines Administered

1,000+ distributed Social Media

25,000+ reached

The West Allis Health Department offered numerous Flu and COVID-19 Clinics. Pictured is one of the Flu Clinics at the West Allis Senior Center and the flyer used to promote it.

Additional Public Health Programs

Vital Records

The WAHD can provide anyone who was born or passed in the state of Wisconsin with a certified copy of a birth or death certificate. Typical appointments or walk-ins take under half an hour and clients can leave with certificate (s) in hand. In 2023, a total of 56,626 certificates were processed. Compared to 2022, an additional 7,474 death certificates were processed in 2023.

Vision & Hearing Screenings

3,777

Birth Certificates

vs. 4,509 in 2022

These screenings are conducted routinely in the public and private schools for targeted grades on an annual basis. Screening is also done by the request of a parent or teacher. Parents are notified of the screening results and are offered counseling and resources if medical follow-up is recommended.

2,479 Vision Screenings Performed vs. 2,460 in 2022

In 2023, a total of 2,479 vision screenings and 9 hearing screenings were performed for grades K4, K5, 1st, 3rd, and 5th at schools in West Allis and West Milwaukee. Vision and hearing screenings are performed annually at the following schools: Franklin, Hoover, Horace Mann, Irving, Jefferson, Longfellow, Madison, Mitchell, Pershing, Walker & Wilson public elementary schools and Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Lamb of God Lutheran School, Mary Queen of Saints Catholic Academy, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Victory Christian Academy.

52,849

Death Certificates

vs. 44,643 in 2022

Pictured are the Community Health Technicians performing vision screenings at local elementary schools

Car Seats

The WAHD has a car seat program that serves families in the West Allis and West Milwaukee community. There are a total of 5 certified child passenger safety technicians (CPST) on staff. Our CPSTs use their considerable knowledge and expertise to help keep kids safe by hands on education with parents/caregivers on how to install/check their car seats and what they can do to prevent unintentional injuries in and around cars. In 2023, for the second year in a row the WAHD was awarded a car seat grant from the Department of Transportation, which allowed us to distribute car seats at low or no cost to income eligible families. In 2023, a total of 59 car seats were checked and 137 car seats were distributed.

Senior Center

59

Car Seats

Checked

In 2023, we had 372 Senior Center members including 79 members who volunteer to facilitate and support programming. We offered 125 different programs and activities including fitness programs, craft classes, social support groups, evidence-based health programs and more. A Stepping On Falls Prevention Course was held in 2023 and a total of 8 individuals completed the seven week program. We continued to be a Milwaukee County meal site providing 12,763 curbside meals to seniors.

83 13,179

12,763

Foundational Capabilities

Public health infrastructure consists of Foundational Capabilities that are the cross-cutting skills and capacities needed to support basic public health protections, programs, and activities key to ensuring community health, wellbeing and achieving equitable outcomes. There are eight Foundational Capabilities that are needed in Public

Assessment & Surveillance

The WAHD actively assesses and monitors communicable disease activity and health hazards in the community using available surveillance tools. This includes sexually transmitted infections, food borne illnesses, food safety inspections, opioid overdoses and more.

This data informs the health department of emerging concerns and guides community outreach efforts and public health intervention. In 2023, the WAHD began using syndromic surveillance data from emergency departments to issue opioid overdose increase alerts on social media. We also have been consistently posting about our free Narcan and Fentanyl test strips that can be picked up free of charge at the West Allis Health Department.

Community Partnership Development

In 2023, Action Teams met quarterly to review implementation activities and consider if quality improvement changes need to be made to the plan. During these meetings, the Action Teams collaboratively assessed the alignment of ongoing activities with the outlined goals and objectives of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and progress on strategies utilizing the CHIP Implementation Tracking Dashboard.

At the quarterly meetings, Action Teams reviewed quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and their impact on community health. This involved analyzing health outcome metrics, community engagement levels, and any emerging trends or challenges. These meetings serve as an opportunity for the teams to engage with community stakeholders, including residents, healthcare providers, and relevant organizations. This ensures a holistic understanding of the community's evolving needs and allows for real-time feedback on the implemented strategies. Through open dialogue, the Action Teams can adapt their approaches to address emerging challenges, capitalize on successes, and foster a sense of community ownership and collaboration in the CHIP process.

Example of alert shared on Facebook

Domestic Violence Awareness materials in West Allis downtown and at First United Methodist Church

Community Narcan training, hosted by West Allis Health and Fire Departments

Pictured is our Mental Health Resource Guide that was distributed at multiple events

Throughout the year the Action Teams have been making significant strides in addressing key health concerns. These teams, focusing on Behavioral/Mental Health, Substance Use, and Community Safety & Violence Prevention, have each convened four times to strategize and implement targeted initiatives. During these meetings we are proud to have brought together over 20 cross-sector community organizations! These teams have completed 13% of all CHIP strategies outlined for the 2023-2027 period this calendar year, indicating tangible progress in achieving the outlined health goals and objectives. Additionally, 45% of the strategies have been initiated or are set to continue throughout the entire CHIP cycle, highlighting ongoing commitment and momentum from our partners.

Behavioral/Mental Health

Goal 1: Enhance collaboration, understanding, and access to behavioral health resources in the community.

Goal 2: Establish a community of mental health resiliency.

Goal 3: Increase awareness and acceptance of behavioral health in the 55+ adult population.

Substance Use

Goal 1: Increase education on alcohol misuse and vaping.

Goal 2: Increase understanding of Substance Use Disorder and access to harm reduction services in the community.

Community Safety & Violence Prevention

Goal 1: Connect populations experiencing domestic violence to supportive services and safety planning.

Goal 2: Increase awareness and understanding of healthy relationships and family supports.

Goal 3: Empower the community to build a culture of respect and resiliency.

Equity

In 2023, the Health Equity Leadership Team (HELT) focused on conducting staff trainings and activities to further engage staff in health equity efforts. In April, the staff completed a diversity activity, which gave everyone insight about their coworkers. The month of May ended with a LGBTQ+ training conducted by the LGBT Center of Southeast WI. The WAHD also completed a training on unconscious bias and toured the Hunger Task Force facility during the summer.

The Health Equity Lens Analysis Tool continued to be used throughout 2023 to review 7 policies, programs, or services. This tool builds staff skills and helps them to better assess and clarify the potential health impacts of the proposed policy, program, or service. The tool also allows staff to identify opportunities within the proposal to improve its impacts on the social, economic, and environmental causes of health.

In addition to trainings, activities, and assessing policies, the WAHD staff were able to implement some equity related initiatives as well. The Nursing and Environmental Health staff formed a partnership with the Social Development Commission to assist with lead abatement for those families who are financially eligible. Other accomplishments include a bus shelter being installed at the Senior Center and our Sexual Health Clinic opening. WIC Nutritionists participated in the Liberty Heights dinner program by providing nutrition education to families. A total of 244 meals were served during this 6-week timeframe. Lastly, the Environmental Health Division received an environmental justice grant which focused on rodent elimination within the city. This was the first environmental justice grant awarded by the WI Department of Health Services Environmental Public Health Tracking program.

Organizational Administrative Competencies

A strong culture of health is essential for our community to achieve health equity - the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The below examples demonstrate our focus to organizational administrative competencies:

Health equity focus and efforts.

Engagement of and discussion with the Board of Health and policy makers.

Ongoing focus on quality improvement/performance management.

Include public health competencies in job descriptions.

Continued guidance provided to internal and external partners, stakeholders, and residents for COVID-19 response.

Continually updating/improving our public facing website. Use of an electronic health record system to help with case management. Provided support to staff to attend, participate, and provide training.

Annual staff performance reviews.

Ongoing use of the standard fiscal management system to include updating as needed.

Engage with city legal council as needed (i.e. review, provide recommendations, offer opinion on contractual and/or policy related matters).

Policy Development & Support

The WAHD serves as the primary resource for establishing, maintaining, and developing basic public health policy recommendations that are evidence-informed. Public health policies are intended to improve the physical, environmental, social, and economic conditions affecting health in our community. The West Allis Board of Health (BOH) serves as an advisory body for the WAHD and are an essential part of policy development, approval, and advocacy.

In addition to routine updates and quality improvements in our organizational plans, policies, procedures, and practice, 46 policies/procedures were reviewed in 2023. Furthermore, the following comprehensive plans were updated and rolled out to staff and key partners (those with * were formally adopted by the BOH):

CHIP 2023-2027

Strategic Plan

2023-2027

Workforce Development Plan

2023-2027

Quality Improvement and Performance Management Plan

The Health Equity Plan and Policy Communications Plan

Strategic Plan

Published in August of 2023, the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan serves as a tool to help the WAHD promote healthier communities in West Allis and West Milwaukee. The plan is supported by the City’s Strategic Plan, the WAHD’s policies, procedures and work plans, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Public Health Accreditation Board’s Standards and Measures Version 2.0 for public health accreditation.

Planning and implementation highlights for 2023 include:

Adoption of revised mission, vision, and values in February

Working on 3 Health in All Policies and Programs (HiAPP) with Planning and Zoning, the Library, and Code Enforcement

Integrating the Employee Engagement Committee into the upcoming DEIB Plan (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging)

Launched our Sexual Health Clinic in June of 2023

Updating all staff orientation materials

Vision: Create an environment where all people can achieve their best health and well being.

Mission: Improve health and wellbeing of all through health education, disease prevention, and promotion of diversity, connection, and partnership.

Values: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Education, Equity

NotYetStarted InProgress

Complete

Community Organizational Excellence Visibility Finance

50% of all plan objectives are in progress/ongoing.

18% of plan objectives have been completed.

Workforce Development Plan

In April of 2023, all staff completed the Public Health Core Competency Assessment. As a department, our strengths lie in communication, health equity skills, and community partnerships. The results of this assessment were used to identify the following priority gaps for 2023-2027 organizational workforce development;

Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

Public Health Sciences

Data Analytics and Assessment Skills

In October, staff were encouraged to complete a culture and equity assessment, used to inform the workforce development plan and DEIB plan. All survey respondents feel like they belong at the health department and agree that workforce diversity is valued at our organization. The overall sentiment is that the department’s culture is supportive, promotes work-life balance, and makes them proud to work for the City of West Allis.

Accountability & Performance Management

The WAHD uses the 10 Essential Public Health Services, Public Health 3.0, and Public Health Accreditation standards to inform performance management. The health department works to strengthen quality assurance (QA) by tracking measurable health objectives as a part of continuous quality improvement strategies. In 2023, the WAHD QA efforts focused on reviewing and improving internal policies, plans, & procedures.

Additionally, the WAHD is accredited from the National Public Health Accreditation Board. Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is the measurement of health department performance against a set of nationally recognized, practice-focused, and evidenced-based standards and measures. The WAHD is due for PHAB reaccreditation in 2024, so throughout 2023 we have been working on reaccreditation documentation that will be submitted for review. The documents and narratives to be provided show accordance with the standards and measures that support the Foundational Public Health Services

Emergency Preparedness & Response

The WAHD continues to plan, prepare, and respond to public health emergencies in collaboration with local, regional, and state partners. The WAHD continued to mobilize and enhance efforts to mitigate the spread of disease in our community. Additional updates were made to the local Public Health Emergency Readiness/Preparedness Plan.

Throughout 2023, the health department continued to offer COVID-19 vaccination clinics. A total of 355 COVID-19 vaccines were given at our health department clinics throughout the year. To increase access to COVID-19 test kits we offered them for free to the public. COVID-19 test kit distribution sites included West Allis Library, West Allis Health Department, and West Milwaukee Village Hall. Over 8,000 COVID-19 test kits were distributed in 2023.

355 COVID-19 Vaccines Administered

8,000+ COVID-19 TEST KITS DISTRIBUTED

The WAHD continues to support the community's COVID-19 response through:

Participation in the regional Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition (HERC). Conducting inclusive risk planning for the community including vulnerable populations. Providing quarantine and isolation guidance to nursing homes.

The WAHD strives at all times to implement proactive health education & health preventative messaging. These messages are shared in a timely manner through various avenues including social media, community events, community newsletters, community partners and press releases. In 2023, we saw a 32.4% increase in the number of people we reached with our Facebook posts!

247,000+

PEOPLEREACHED

209 NEW PAGE LIKES

346 Facebook posts to share latest public health messages. Expanded social media presence to focus on 988 and harm reduction resources available at the WAHD.

Throughout 2023, the Health Department launched several Facebook campaigns. For National Recovery Month in September 2023, we launched a campaign focused on individuals in recovery. We featured a series of videos where individuals shared their journey to recovery. This campaign directly relates to one of our CHIP objectives for our Substance Use Area of Focus. The goal of this campaign was to change the perception and stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Showcasing a variety of individuals connected to West Allis, these videos explore how recovery is a part of their journey, but it does not solely define them. Along with this campaign we launched a website featuring substance use disorder resources in and around our community. We worked with partners to identify the harm reduction and treatment services listed. Each video ends with a PSA telling individuals to visit our website for resources near them. We reached a total of 6,580+ people with our Recovery is Possible video campaign and had over 600 views on YouTube!

Pictured is the Recovery is Possible Video and Substance Use Disorder Resources webpage Click the images to view the video/website

Friend of Public Health Award

West Allis Public Library

2023 Organization Award Recipient 2 nt

In 2023, the Health Department continued the annual “Friend of Public Health Award.” The award gives recognition to outstanding, significant and innovative activities and accomplishments by an individual, agency or other entity in furthering the principles of Public Health and the mission of the WAHD.

Organization Award Recipient

West Allis Public Library: "Time and time again the West Allis Public Library embodies the phrase working together for the greater good of the community Their facility is seen as a safe place not only to the adults and children of our community that find joy and refuge in the literature and events at the library, but also to our transient population that finds literal refuge within the walls of the building On a weekly basis our Public Health Social Worker has scheduled time at the Library where she meets with residents and the transient population to connect them with resources to improve their quality of life. Throughout the years the Library has helped distribute thousands of COVID-19 test kits and masks, let us use their rooms for multiple meetings, events, clinics, and classes, as well as partnered with us on many social connectedness events for the community. The Library is always willing to help in anyway that they can and they have played a huge role in advancing the initiatives of Public Health!”

Individual Award Recipient

Craig Reinbold: "Craig is a charge nurse in the Emergency Department at Aurora West Allis Medical Center and an active member of our Overdose Fatality Review He has worked hard to educate coworkers on Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and make important networking connections amongst Aurora staff and community resources to increase referrals for SUD treatment and follow up care Craig has been an invaluable asset to our OFR team for about two years now The time and effort he spends gathering information for our cases has given us significant insight into evaluating medical gaps of care for those with SUD - which is something we were lacking before he was a member of our team. During OFR meetings when recommendations are identified for Aurora, Craig always takes the initiative to reach out to leadership staff at the hospital and help get the ball rolling. The work Craig has done and continues to do has created the groundwork to improve the continuum of care for those with SUD in our local hospital. His efforts and the efforts of his colleagues making sure these individuals do not fall through the cracks is invaluable. Craig is a true champion of public health and a respected individual in our community!”