Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network earns 2018 Safety Net Urban Health Partner of the Year award

MILWAUKEE — The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network has been named the 2018 Safety Net Urban Health Partner of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (WAFCC) for the health network’s commitment to the underserved populations in its service areas.

For nearly 20 years, the Froedtert & MCW health network has supported Community Outreach Health Clinic (COHC) in Menomonee Falls, Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend, and other community partnerships through direct financial and in-kind contributions to benefit local individuals unable to access affordable and convenient health and dental care. The Froedtert & MCW health network also supports federally qualified health centers in Milwaukee including Progressive Community Health Centers, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, and the Outreach Community Health Center. Recently, a site was announced for a new Sixteenth Street clinic in West Milwaukee, which will be funded by a $12 million investment from Froedtert & MCW health network.

WAFCC initiated the Safety Net Partner award in 2016 to recognize organizations that support Wisconsin’s more than 100 free and charitable clinics to increase access to health services for medically underserved people and eliminate health disparities. WAFCC works to support and generate awareness of these clinics, their communities, their patients, and their continued need.

Kerry Freiberg, vice president of community engagement for Froedtert Health, said, “Our health network understands and supports the critical role that free and charitable clinics play in impacting the health and overall wellbeing of thousands of individuals throughout our service area. We are grateful for this recognition, and committed to making a positive, sustainable difference in the communities we serve.”