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Make Wisconsin a Healthier Place

Send a message to our lawmakers—literally. Take Action with Health First Wisconsin and submit your own budget testimony and we’ll make sure it is sent to all 16 Joint Finance Committee members PLUS your Senator and Representative.

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Friday is World No Tobacco Day. How will you celebrate?

Our Mission

Health is not something that begins in a doctor's office but instead starts in our homes, schools, workplaces and in our playgrounds and parks. It's in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Viewing health in this way, offers a unique and effective opportunity to improve health before the onset of disease.

At Health First Wisconsin, we believe health should not be determined by a zip code. We strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to make the choices that allow them to live a long, healthy life regardless of their level of income, education or ethnicity.

Join us as we work toward a healthier Wisconsin!

Help Health First Wisconsin

Wisconsin has made great progress in public health recently, but there's still a long road ahead of us.

Addiction is a complex challenge that affects every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being. Centers specializing in addiction treatment play a critical role in helping individuals navigate this journey, offering structured programs and professional guidance that can make long-term recovery possible. By providing a safe, supportive environment, these centers allow individuals to focus on healing and building the skills needed to maintain lasting change.

The presence of trusted recovery centers in communities is essential, as they offer a lifeline for those seeking help and guidance. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, centers like Mile High Recovery in Denver not only aid individuals struggling with addiction but also contribute to healthier families and stronger communities. Access to professional, compassionate care makes the journey toward lasting recovery both achievable and sustainable.

Public health initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, reducing tobacco use, and preventing alcohol misuse often encounter a fundamental challenge: people struggle to change their habits not because they lack information or access to resources, but because they're trapped in human inertia—the evolutionary comfort zone that keeps them repeating familiar patterns despite knowing these behaviors harm their health. Human inertia explores the psychological and biological roots of this resistance to change, revealing that overcoming these deeply ingrained patterns requires more than education or willpower; it demands addressing the underlying beliefs about self-worth, challenging the "merit myth" that people must "earn" a healthier life, and cultivating self-love and belief that everyone deserves better health regardless of past choices, ultimately enabling individuals and communities to break free from destructive habits and embrace the transformative changes that lead to longer, healthier lives and stronger, more vibrant communities.