Advocating for a Better Milwaukee
At Wellpoint Care Network, we’ve spent 175 years working side by side with children and families across Wisconsin. We’ve seen their resilience, and we’ve celebrated their powerful stories of healing and hope.
As our array of services has evolved over the years, we’ve also learned that lasting change doesn’t happen through direct service alone. It happens when policies and systems also align to help support and positively shape people’s lives.
That’s one of the many reasons Wellpoint Care Network President and CEO Reggie Newson jumped at the opportunity to be part of the 35th Annual Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C. with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce.
“It was a great opportunity to discuss policies, build relationships and get in front of elected officials from every level of government,” said Newson.
The yearly event highlights the contributions of the Milwaukee region on a national level, and provides an opportunity to take what we’re learning from our work on the ground and discuss it directly with decision makers.
“I focused on two main areas: growth through partnership and funding,” added Newson. “I was able to talk with the Mayor and County Executive about our desire to strengthen and expand our Comprehensive Community Services program, a unique approach to mental health where we work to fill the gaps between inpatient and outpatient settings.”
“Additionally, I was able to talk to Congressman Bryan Steil about how crucial funding is for our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), a model that provides comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.”
Aside from getting face time with lawmakers, Milwaukee Night in Washington D.C. is also an opportunity to connect with top executives at local organizations.
“To be able to network with other CEOs in the business and nonprofit sector in Milwaukee is so important,” said Newson. “We spent a lot of time talking about how we might partner together in the future to support growing the city of Milwaukee and growing the state of Wisconsin.”
At Wellpoint Care Network, we believe that Milwaukee can be a place where every child and family has the opportunity to truly thrive.
“As CEO, I’m going to make sure that we raise our hand when policymakers are thinking about the growing need for services in the state of Wisconsin,” added Newson. “They need to know that Wellpoint Care Network is a partner that is ready, willing and able to fill the gap. We are a strong organization that is able to stand up and help the community flourish in whatever way possible.”
Want to help us advocate for a better Milwaukee? Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, volunteer for upcoming events or donate. Together, we can create a world where every child and family can thrive.
