WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND BOARD Accomplishments and Advantages

History WALHDAB is the result of the merger of two organizations in 1997: Wisconsin Association of Health Officers and Boards Wisconsin Conference of Local Public Health Officials

Purpose To be the statewide voice for local public health.

Vision WALHDAB: Is a strong and respected organization. Identifies priorities and develops position statements and actions that help to shape and drive public health planning and policy in the state. Serves as the primary voice for local public health. Supports and promotes local public health practice and workforce development and advocates for sufficient, flexible and sustainable funding for local health departments. Has Board of health members and health administrators who are equally active, and members rally around the positions and activities of the organization.

Organizational Structure All local health departments are members of WALHDAB All board of health members are members of WALHDAB (via their health department)

WALHDAB Regions Source: Wisconsin Division of Public Health website:

Organizational Structure WALHDAB supports three sections: Public Health Laboratory Network Environmental Health Nutrition

Strategic Plan ( ) WALHDABs strategic plan outlines these key objectives: Strengthen advocacy efforts Educate local board of health members regarding WALHDABs vision and goals Strengthen organizational infrastructure Build stronger partnerships to protect and promote the publics health Improve member services to develop workforce and improve local practice

Key Activities Educate Advocate Develop partnerships Develop the workforce and improve practice

Victories Education WPHA-WALHDAB Annual Conference New Board of Health member orientation/training

Victories (contd) Advocacy (with Wisconsin Public Health Association): State budget Primary enforcement of seat belt laws Increase in cigarette tax Smoke-free indoor air Expansion of Family Planning Waiver for males Ability of school districts to exceed revenue caps for school nurses (contracted or employed) Funding for the School of Public Health at UW-Milwaukee

Victories (contd) Develop partnerships Multi-State Learning Collaborative – accreditation Practice-Based Research Network grant Public Affairs and Annual Conference (with WPHA)

Victories (contd) Develop the workforce and improve practice Multi-State Learning Collaborative – accreditation Annual conference

Why WALHDAB? All politics is local WALHDAB tracks key legislative issues WALHDAB advocates at the state level for local priorities WALHDAB organizes advocacy efforts

Why WALHDAB? Efficient use of resources WALHDAB has the experience and capacity to efficiently plan for and conduct advocacy and education/training efforts

Why WALHDAB? Education/Training Annual new Board of Health member orientation Annual conference

Why WALHDAB? Networking Regular regional and statewide opportunities for networking Board meetings Regional meetings Various committees and sections Annual Conference

Why WALHDAB? Improve public health practice Sharing of local policies Sharing of best practices and learnings Collectively addressing complex issues

Hot Happenings Multi-State Learning Collaborative Public Health Practice- Based Research Network Legislative agenda Conference planning

This is YOUR Organization – Get Involved! All board of health members are members of WALHDAB through their local health department.

This is YOUR Organization – Get Involved! Wisconsin statutes (251.04) state that Boards of Health shall: … advocate for the provision of reasonable and necessary public health services. Develop policy and provide leadership that fosters local involvement and commitment, that emphasizes public health needs and that advocates for equitable distribution of public health resources …. … assure that measures are taken to provide an environment in which individuals can be healthy.

This is YOUR Organization – Get Involved! Opportunities for you: Help to create a legislative agenda Stay current on policy issues Plan educational programs Attend regional, state and/or national meetings Attend the annual meeting, where policy platforms are decided upon Stay informed through alerts, conferences, etc. YOU can benefit from the organization and contribute to it – simultaneously!

For More Information – provides more on: Organizational structure News and updates Legislative agenda Conferences Special projects/initiatives Resources – e.g., links to statutes, local health departments, accreditation information, etc.

For More Information…. Call Talk with your local health officer