Milwaukee Health Department Aims to Lead as a Model of Anti-Racism
The Milwaukee Health Department is making strides towards becoming a paragon of anti-racism, helmed by Commissioner Michael Totoraitis and Deputy Commissioner of Clinical Services Jefflyn Brown. The ambitious plan includes an anti-racist designation by 2027, encompassing staff training, equitable data management, and aligning department staffing with the city’s diverse demographics.
Commitment to Racial Equity
Jefflyn Brown, driven by personal experiences with racism, has prioritized transforming the Health Department’s internal culture to match Milwaukee’s diverse demographic makeup at all levels. With past instability in leadership from 2018 to 2021, the department faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Totoraitis, appointed in 2023, is keen on restoring public trust and improving staff retention through city-supported wage adjustments.
The department is actively engaging its personnel with equity-focused training programs, with 54% participation noted by September 2024. Despite these efforts, the department’s racial composition still falls short of reflecting Milwaukee’s diversity as reported by the Census Bureau.
Community-Centric Strategies
In a bid to enhance public health understanding and diversify its workforce, the department is launching a paid apprenticeship scheme and forging partnerships with local educational institutions. As highlighted by Deputy Commissioner Brown, “Our mission is to build pathways that encourage representation and inclusivity.”
This initiative builds upon the foundational work of previous commissioners, notably Jeanette Kowalik, who declared racism a public health hazard in 2019, and Kirsten Johnson, with whom Totoraitis served. Brown and Totoraitis aim to institutionalize racial equity principles, striving for a department reflective of Milwaukee’s multicultural community.
Efforts to achieve these goals also include preparing a comprehensive white paper detailing past and planned initiatives towards anti-racism.
Impact on the Milwaukee Community
For Milwaukee residents, the Health Department’s focus on anti-racism signifies an evolution in how public health services are approached and delivered. Addressing systemic inequities and fostering a genuinely inclusive environment can lead to broader community trust and health outcomes.
Michael Totoraitis remarks, “If we focus on racial equity, we’re truly enhancing the overall health of our city.” This endeavor also responds to a broader call for social justice reform, as Milwaukee grapples with historical and systemic issues of racial disparity.
Future Implications and Perspectives
The initiative’s potential for long-term community impact cannot be understated. Creating a public health department that mirrors the diversity of Milwaukee could lead to heightened community engagement and a more inclusive strategy for addressing health disparities. As Deputy Commissioner Brown notes, “Changing the narrative to let future generations see themselves reflected at every level is essential for sustainable progress.”
While the goals of the Milwaukee Health Department are ambitious, the path forward requires a concerted effort and potentially faces hurdles in achieving equitable representation and maintaining budgetary balance. Nonetheless, a diverse and engaged workforce could be key to addressing public health concerns more effectively.
Local Resources and Community Involvement
For Milwaukee residents interested in following the department’s progress or wishing to become involved in upcoming initiatives, community forums and information sessions will be announced. Additionally, residents can stay up-to-date through membership with Urban Milwaukee, the local independent news outlet, that offers coverage and insights into developments affecting the city, starting at $9 monthly.
The Milwaukee Health Department’s commitment to becoming a model of anti-racism is not just a significant step forward for the institution, but it also exemplifies the city’s dedication to drafting a future where racial equity is at the heart of community health and wellbeing. Through strategic actions and dedicated support, Milwaukee is on the path to fostering a healthier and more inclusive future for all its residents.
