Valued Voice

The Caring for Wisconsin’s Caregivers Steering Committee recently convened at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Discovery Center in Milwaukee, bringing together members both in person and virtually for a highly engaging hybrid meeting.

The session opened with WHA Chief Quality Officer Nadine Allen and Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Landmark Champion Dr. Mike Stadler reflecting on the first year of this five-year grant initiative, highlighting significant progress in raising awareness, building connections and elevating the importance of health care workforce well-being across the state. The diverse steering committee represents voices from across health care, including subject matter experts and leaders such as CEOs, CMOs, Chief Wellness Officers, Advanced Practice Providers and professionals in nursing, pharmacy and dental. Members represent a wide range of care settings, including acute and ambulatory care, federally qualified health centers, long-term care, rural health care, large health systems, independent organizations and key health care associations.

A major milestone celebrated was the continued growth of the Well-Being First Credentialing Challenge. As of May 2026, 73 Wisconsin hospitals, freestanding emergency departments and surgery centers have been recognized, with additional organizations actively engaging in the process.

Participants shared updates on their own organizational efforts to advance well-being, resulting in collaborative discussions that highlighted innovations such as ambient listening technologies, workflow redesign and advocacy efforts. These conversations sparked new connections and continued into an engaging post-meeting networking session.

Committee members Corey Feist and Dr. Stef Simmons from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation provided updates from a national perspective and shared insight into Phase 2 of the initiative. This next phase marks a shift from awareness and commitment to meaningful action. This fall, participating organizations will begin with a well-being maturity assessment to identify opportunities for growth, followed by supportive learning collaboratives launching in early 2027 that will help integrate well-being into operational improvement.

Steering committee members also heard an updated strategy for upcoming outreach and engagement efforts, including the Caring for Wisconsin's Caregivers: 2026 WHA Healthcare Workforce Well-being Summit on September 10 in Sun Prairie. Additionally, steering committee members and healthcare leaders are contributing personal “why” stories, which will be compiled into a promotional video launching alongside Phase 2 this fall.

Together, this work continues to build momentum toward a healthier workforce in Wisconsin.

For more information on how you can participate or engage more directly, please contact Nadine Allen.