Wisconsin coalition receives national recognition in better government competition
Wisconsin’s commitment to achieving excellence in long-term care received special recognition from the Pioneer Institute of Massachusetts. The Pioneer Institute’s Better Government Competition is an annual contest that recognizes the nation’s most innovative public policy proposals. This year, the competition highlighted issues surrounding the topic, “Aging in America.” The Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL) was one of only nine proposals of the nearly 100 entries to receive recognition in the competition.
“Wisconsin has a well-deserved reputation as an innovator of programs designed to enrich the lives of our citizens,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Linda Seemeyer. “This national recognition highlights the dedication of WCCEAL, and further demonstrates the benefits of working with our partners to ensure the best quality of long-term care for our most vulnerable citizens.”
Founded in 2009, WCCEAL(link is external) is a unique coalition of Wisconsin stakeholders organized to improve the outcomes of people living in Wisconsin assisted living communities. The coalition consists of: The Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (regulators) and Division of Medicaid Services (public funders); the state’s four assisted living provider associations, the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge Wisconsin, Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living, and the Residential Services Association of Wisconsin; the state’s advocacy agency, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care; and a health systems research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The coalition uses resident satisfaction surveys and data that measure performance in everything from staffing to infection rates, falls, and hospitalizations to help those who reside in assisted living communities live happier and healthier lives.
The Pioneer Institute chose one winner, five runners-up, and three entries for special recognition out of nearly 100 entries. The WCCEAL entry received special recognition. The Pioneer Institute recognized contest awardees at an event in Boston on June 26. The Better Government Competition Awards Gala attracts leaders in business, government, and the non-profit sector.
The Pioneer Institute will send a summary of winning entries to policy makers and opinion leaders across the country. A full of list of awardees can be found on the Pioneer Institute website(link is external).
