CDC director and secretary of education make stop in Milwaukee to discuss child wellness

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Federal health and education officials made a stop to Milwaukee Wednesday as part of a back-to-school tour focused on the wellbeing of kids.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen spent the day in Milwaukee. It was her first visit to the city to help highlight issues impacting students.

She made a stop at Children's Wisconsin for an Injury and violence prevention showcase. "It was impressive to see the work that's being done in the emergency room here at the children's hospital," she said.

Cohen spoke about state prevention programs funded through the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the importance of safety, public health, and mental health for kids.

"Our teens and our adolescents – they have a lot of health threats coming at them at all times – not just their physical health but their mental health, and what we want to do at the CDC is do everything we can give," said Cohen.

Cohen also participated in a roundtable discussion with local leaders at United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. She was joined by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

"I wanted to make sure that folks knew about this incredible partnership that we have between the health sector and education," said Cohen.

The group talked about how to prepare kids for the new school year physically and mentally and how to address the issue of absenteeism.

"We heard from different organizations here in this community that have braided their efforts together to serve families – to serve children, address the basic needs so that students can come to school," said Cardona.

White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden was also part of the conversation. "Milwaukee is making great improvements," she said.

Tanden said she was impressed with the collaboration happening across the city here.

"Putting those kids first and really getting everyone around the table is crucial to that success, so what we've learned here is how we can take this Milwaukee example and use it in communities around the country," said Tanden.