Engaging Communities to Change Health Outcomes (ECCHO)

At a Glance

This project, led by Embolden WI Inc., aims to improve health outcomes for communities in Milwaukee and Rock Counties by addressing the health factors of social connection and community belonging to promote civic engagement. Through culturally specific education and a civic health training program, this project will strengthen social connection and community belonging and build participants’ capacity as public health decision makers and influencers. Mary Beth Collins, JD, UW–Madison School of Human Ecology, serves as the academic partner.

The Challenge

Strong, ongoing connections between community members, accessible information on public issues and positive attachments between citizens and their communities are highly correlated with increased public health. According to the 2023 County Health Rankings, Milwaukee and Rock are ranked among the least healthy counties in the state of Wisconsin and have significantly lower rates of civic engagement, as indicated by lower voter turnout and voter registration rates. Additionally, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) women continue to be greatly underrepresented in policy making in these counties, and decisions are often made without being informed by these communities.

Project Goals

Engaging Communities to Change Health Outcomes (ECCHO) aims to strengthen the civic infrastructure of Milwaukee and Rock Counties to improve health and health outcomes. Through its civic health training program, ECCHO strives to reduce the barriers that impede BIPOC individuals and communities from being their healthiest selves. The program has four specific goals and objectives:

1. Improve the overall health and mental health of program participants by increasing a sense of belonging and social connectedness and increasing rates of civic participation.
2. Increase the ability of participants to radically imagine a better future for themselves and their communities, leading to increased levels of hope and civic participation.
3. Increase the confidence and leadership skills of program participants to execute and implement a sustainable civic health project.
4. Improve civic health outcomes by strengthening the civic infrastructure of each county through the implementation of a community-based civic health project designed and implemented by cohort members.