About the Wisconsin Health Atlas

The Wisconsin Health Atlas is funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program and staffed by employees of the Obesity Prevention Initiative and UW-Madison's Population Health Institute.

Obesity Prevention Initiative

The Obesity Prevention Initiative works to build healthier communities for Wisconsin children. We aim to improve childhood health because it is foundational to social and emotional development, academic achievement, and lifelong health. While the Obesity Prevention Initiative is primarily focused on childhood obesity, we provide resources to improve the health of all community members because the health behaviors of children are strongly influenced by adults, peers, and the community where they live.

Childhood obesity is a complex issue that can best be solved if everyone participates. Together with local and statewide partners, we offer coalition support, health data for action (Wisconsin Health Atlas), a menu of evidence-based health promotion strategies (Mobilize for Health), and connections to a unified, statewide network of partners committed to action (healthTIDE). We also support leadership development and relationship building among community residents in order to foster ownership of and engagement in local policy changes related to health. Together, we are making physical activity and healthy eating more accessible and fun while making the healthy choice the easy choice where people live, learn, work and play.

Wisconsin Partnership Program

OPI is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) as part of a five-year targeted initiative. WPP supports efforts to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting partnerships between the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and local, regional, and statewide groups to address the most important health issues in Wisconsin.

 These may range from troubling problems experienced in the smallest towns to the most devastating diseases affecting large groups of people. The Wisconsin Partnership promotes health, well-being, and health equity with the goal of making Wisconsin the healthiest state for all.

Population Health Institute

The mission of the Institute is Translating Research for Policy and Practice. The UW Population Health Institute advances health and well-being for all by developing and evaluating interventions and promoting evidence-based approaches to policy and practice at the local, state, and national levels. The Institute works across the full spectrum of factors that contribute to health.

A focal point for health and health care dialogue within the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a convener of stakeholders, the Institute promotes an exchange of expertise between those within the university and those in the policy and practice arena.