September 17, 2015
Nicole Angresano, VP of Community Impact
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
It’s no secret. Milwaukee has one of the worst rates of infant mortality in the nation. But it’s a stat this beautiful city shouldn’t be defined for. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is working to change this narrative, and we are so pleased to have corporate partners joining us in the fight.
In 2012, BMO Harris Bank made a $750,000 donation to United Way to address this crisis, and then renewed that investment in 2014 with another $750,000 grant. This investment will allow UWGMWC to continue its work to help Milwaukee reach its goal to reduce Infant Mortality by 10% by 2017. BMO’s contribution has helped United Way expand its Healthy Birth Outcomes Initiative to meet critical needs of expectant and new parents, supporting, in particular, behavioral and mental health, pre-natal medical and dental care, smoking cessation, and home visitation.
It also allowed United Way to take the lead to continue to promote healthy birth outcomes through the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF). This initiative has not only raised awareness about infant mortality through the Strong Babies Campaign, but also supports evidence-based programs across the city that impact the root causes of infant mortality, including poverty.
If you live in this city, I encourage you to join us in the fight against Infant Mortality. During United Way’s Community Campaign, when you give a new and increased gift to Healthy Birth Outcomes your donation will be doubled by BMO Harris Bank, up to $250,000.
Let’s work together to help every infant make it to their first birthday.