Children’s Hospital honors public policy leaders

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Contact: Gerry Steele, (414) 266-5420
Children’s Hospital honors public policy leaders

Darling and Shilling work to close gaps in childhood wellness

MILWAUKEE (11/18/13) — Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin honored Senators Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) for their efforts to improve children’s health care coverage and access, at the 18th eighteenth annual Bids for Kids dinner and auction at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center downtown, Wednesday, Nov. 13.

The Children’s Champion policy award honors public policy leaders in Wisconsin who strive to make a positive impact in the lives of Wisconsin children and families by working to move health and child well-being policy forward.

“Working with my colleagues and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, a leader in advocacy for children, is my distinct pleasure,” said Senator Darling.

“It’s an honor to work together to provide innovative and creative solutions to issues facing Wisconsin’s children and families,” said Senator Shilling.

“Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin applauds Senators Darling and Shilling for their work in the last several legislative sessions to champion numerous policies to improve coverage and access to healthcare for children, injury prevention laws, initiatives to improve child health and social service laws,” said Michelle Mettner, vice president, Government Relations & Advocacy, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Children’s Hospital is bringing care to kids through its Community Services programs. In 2012, Children’s invested more than $117 million to fund these community-based projects that the organization believes will help make Wisconsin’s children the healthiest in the nation: medical and dental care, school nurses, family resource centers, child and family counseling, foster and adoption services, child advocacy and child abuse services.

Over the past two years, Children’s has opened new clinics in three targeted Milwaukee neighborhoods: Amani Heights, Lindsay Heights and Metcalfe Park. By partnering with neighborhood centers like the YMCA, COA Goldin Center and the Next Door Foundation, Children’s has found a way to bring health care to families in these neighborhoods quickly and cost-effectively.

An award also was presented to the Welfare Auxiliary of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for more than 80 years of service.

About Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wis., is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is ranked No. 4 in the nation by Parents magazine and ranked in 9 specialty areas in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013-14 Best Children’s Hospitals report. Children’s Hospital provides primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2012, Children’s Hospital invested more than $117 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children’s Hospital achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

About Community Services of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services is the state’s largest private, non-profit provider of child welfare services. Community Services has worked with families for more than 120 years to provide services that enhance the wellbeing of children, and provide protection and advocacy for children in need.