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Working Together for a
Healthier Wisconsin


A group of multigenerational people smiling and laughing together outside


Health & Well-Being Institute Focus Areas

Wooden box full of homegrown produce Top view of fresh organic vegetables in a wooden box. Box full of homegrown produce
Hospital, medical and hands of doctor with stethoscope for professional cardiology exam closeup.
Two mature older women friends doing exercises together
Cheerful black woman with friend at home
Mid adult women embracing in a group therapy
A woman smiling in a field

About the Health and Well-Being Institute

We support healthier lives by working with and for the people, communities, and Tribal nations of Wisconsin to build relationships, facilitate learning, and pursue data-informed and culturally-based strategies. 

Imagine a Wisconsin where every community thrives, supported by access to the research, resources and programming of the University of Wisconsin. That’s the Wisconsin Idea, embodied in the Health & Well-Being Institute of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. 

We work with community partners to catalyze positive change in Wisconsin communities through evidence-informed programs to promote health and well-being. Rooted in both urban and rural communities, we’re working together to help solve the state’s most pressing well-being needs and to ensure that all Wisconsinites have the opportunity to live stronger, healthier lives.

Multigenerational friends with different ethnicity having fun at house rooftop

Healthy People

We provide community-based education to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence in health promoting activities. 

Healthy Communities

We partner with community-based organizations to identify needs, strengths and solutions that go beyond the individual to address organizational and community factors that influence health.

Engaging Messages

We use principles of health communications and marketing to share well-being messages with individuals and communities to shift cultural norms and perceptions.

Parents walking with daughters carrying them on piggyback.

Impact

We reach

164k+

Wisconsin individuals each year

Success Stories

Strengthening Community Health Across Wisconsin: The Regional Community Health Team

Strengthening Community Health Across Wisconsin: The Regional Community Health Team

The Regional Community Health Team (RCHT) is an initiative of the Health & Well-Being Institute to provide training, technical assistance, and resources to strengthen community-based partners’ ability to address health priorities. Launched in Spring 2024, the RCHT expands HWB’s statewide reach and impact in advancing community health.

Connecting Clients to Life-Saving Treatment: Health Justice Clinic

Connecting Clients to Life-Saving Treatment: Health Justice Clinic

At the Health Justice Clinic, we take a holistic approach to advocacy, ensuring clients get the care they need. This is a story of how a Center for Patient Partnership Health Justice Clinic student advocate helped a client access life-saving cancer treatment.

Building Strength, Expanding Access: Multilingual StrongBodies

Building Strength, Expanding Access: Multilingual StrongBodies

Physical activity is essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall health, especially for older adults. However, access to structured physical activity programs can be limited by language barriers, geography, and availability of in-person classes. 

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