Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards and Wisconsin Public Health Association Announce “2019-2020 Friends of Public Health”

(Kimberly, WI) – August 14, 2020 – The Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards (WALHDAB) and Wisconsin Public Health Association (WPHA) today unveiled a list of state legislators selected as “Friends of Public Health” for the 2019-20 legislative session. This is not an endorsement, but rather our way of thanking legislators for supporting public health priorities during the session.

The 2019-20 “Friend of Public Health” recipients include the following legislators:

Representative Jill Billings
Representative Mark Born
Representative Rob Brooks
Senator Robert Cowles
Senator Alberta Darling
Senator Dan Feyen
Representative Evan Goyke
Representative Dianne Hesselbein
Representative Gordon Hintz
Senator LaTonya Johnson
Representative Todd Novak
Senator Patty Schachtner
Representative Jim Steineke
Representative Lisa Subeck
Senator Lena Taylor
Senator Patrick Testin
Representative Tyler Vorpagel
Senator Bob Wirch

“WPHA and WALHDAB are committed to advocating for policies that positively impact the social determinants of health, which include issues related to housing, education, criminal justice reform, and income stability and employment. These legislators demonstrated their dedication to advancing equity in these areas,” said WPHA Co-Chair Maureen Busalacchi.

“This session’s ‘Friends of Public Health’ were allies in supporting our priorities. As we navigate the current public health emergency, we will continue to look for partnerships and support from state leaders,” said WALHDAB Co-Chair Linda Conlon.

Together, WPHA and WALHDAB represent over 1,200 public health professionals in communities across Wisconsin, striving to prevent, promote, and protect the citizens of the state. WPHA and WALHDAB actively engage in legislative advocacy and we are committed to promoting a healthy population and workforce.