Education and Training
WI Population Health Fellowship

Photos by
Patrick Remington

Background Information

The Wisconsin Partnership Program for a Healthy Future (The Partnership Program) created the Wisconsin Population Health Fellowship Program for the purpose of improving the public health workforce through service learning. The Partnership Program, itself, was formed as a result of the conversion of Blue Cross- Blue Shield into a for-profit corporation. Funds given to the state have been placed in a Foundation that will continue to benefit public health activities throughout the state.

Early in its deliberative process, the Partnership Program identified the need for "ensuring a sufficient and competent workforce" as a key goal. A sufficient, competent workforce is needed to eliminate health disparities, reduce risk and enhance resiliency, prevent injuries, reduce exposure to occupational and environmental risks and continue to build healthy communities in Wisconsin. To accomplish these goals, the workforce must have knowledge of multiple intervention approaches, with a focus on population-based health improvement strategies.

Carrie Henning, second year Fellow, is training at the Milwaukee County Department of Aging
Carrie Henning trained at the Milwaukee County Department of Aging

The Fellowship, along with the Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute will help ensure that the Partnership Program meets its workforce goal. These on-site service programs provide recent graduates with a mentored employment relationship while at the same time maintaining strong ties to an academic center- the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health's Population Health Institute.