Schultz to Focus on Public Health Needs

Madison…..The health of rural families will be a priority in 2009 for Senator Dale Schultz.  Schultz (R-Richland Center) said this week his committee assignments will have him focused on public health, long term care for the elderly and disabled, and the needs of senior citizens.

Links 2008 Wisconsin County Health Rankings Public health information about individual counties Additional background information about the public health study

“I will focus on how we can better help the communities and families where health needs are the greatest,” Schultz said.

Schultz is studying a just-released report about the health of Wisconsin residents.  The report, titled “2008 Wisconsin County Health Rankings”, is published annually by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

The 2007 report identified public health concerns in Juneau County, which Schultz represents.  That led Schultz and Representative Sheryl Albers to meet with Dr. Patrick Remington, the UW Public Health expert who led the research for the report.

“We agreed on the need for a grant to help the county plan ways to improve the well-being of Juneau County residents,” Schultz said.  “Soon after, Juneau County received a grant and nearing completion of a year-long process to examine local health needs and make an action plan to improve public health.”

Schultz said the Juneau County project is possible because of the Wisconsin Partnership, the program that distributes funds that resulted when Blue Cross/Blue Shield converted to a for-profit corporation a few years ago.  Wisconsin Partnership grants are targeted at improving the health of people in Wisconsin for years to come.

Schultz said once Juneau County leaders finish their action plan, they’ll be ready to apply to the Wisconsin Partnership for a second grant to help implement their plan.

“When we address issues at the community level, we can make a real difference in the health of people, from those in the womb to those in nursing homes,” Schultz said.  “In 2009, I intend to help introduce the Juneau County model to other counties, so they too, can develop a plan for healthier families and healthier communities.”

Contact Schultz by email at sen.schultz@legis.wi.gov or call 800.978.8008.