Milwaukee native Jeanette Kowalik moved home last year to take over the city’s beleaguered health department, following reports that the agency failed to follow up with families of lead-poisoned children.
Since then, the department has taken steps to increase transparency and accountability, including moving forward with a plan to establish a Board of Health comprised of community members and clinical representatives. Kowalik, who previously served as associate director of the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs in Washington, D.C., has also taken aim at the city’s lead crisis, its high infant mortality rate and persistent racial disparities.
Wisconsin Health News will check in with Kowalik at an Aug. 13 Newsmaker Event in Milwaukee.
