Resources
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What’s wearing you down? Some things that wear us down are personal. Others come from the world around us. Some come from having to deal with more than one person should have to.
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When things feel overwhelming, isolating, or heavy, connection can be a lifeline. Whether it’s a close friend, a neighbor, a coworker, or a client, we care about the people in our communities and want to make sure they’re doing okay. Looking out for our communities can often start with a conversation. But how do you start it?
Download Guide
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Imagine you’re just going about your day, and something in the world happens, and you feel like you’ve been knocked down. It could be reading a news headline or about a new policy that threatens your safety, rights, or freedom. So, how do you find safety in a world that feels unsafe?
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Opinion
Bill that impacts FoodShare raises concerns about food access and may even expand growing food deserts in our area.
Julia Harris-Robinson
Special to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Feb. 13, 2026, 5:00 a.m. CT
As the leader of a community health center in the Milwaukee area, I spend my days thinking about what helps families stay healthy, and what makes it harder. We often talk about health in terms of doctors’ visits and medications, but the reality is that many of our patients’ outcomes are shaped by what happens well before they enter an exam room.
Reliable access to food is one of the most important factors, and FoodShare is a key part of that safety net for many eligible Wisconsin residents. While concerns about nutrition and program integrity are valid and important, we hope to offer insight from our community health perspective on how to balance those goals with maintaining reliable food access in neighborhoods already facing challenges.
That’s why it is important to look closely at the real‑world operational effects of a bill working its way through the state Capitol (AB 180). The bill would require Wisconsin to seek a federal waiver to restrict certain FoodShare purchases based on statutory definitions of products like “soft drinks,” “candy” and “energy drinks,” but practically, this raises concerns about food access and may even expand growing food deserts in our area.
However, implementation does not happen on paper; it happens at checkout counters in grocery stores, corner stores and small markets across our neighborhoods.
Losing Foodshare has consequences for local stores
Item‑level restrictions require a complex system that identifies thousands of products by UPC code and keeps that list current as products change. In the real world, packaging and ingredients shift frequently, new items are introduced weekly and retailers carry different inventories depending on neighborhood demand. Even with best efforts, errors are inevitable when thousands of items must be continuously coded and updated, especially for small retailers with limited staffing and technology.
The federal enforcement structure adds another layer of risk. Under USDA guidance for waiver states, undercover compliance checks can begin after a brief grace period. A first error can trigger a warning. A second error can result in withdrawal of a retailer’s ability to accept FoodShare benefits.
That “two‑strikes” framework may not distinguish between intentional misuse and a simple database or coding mistake. For small neighborhood retailers, losing FoodShare authorization is not a minor administrative consequence; it can change whether a store can remain a reliable food source for families nearby.
A joint industry study by FMI (Food Industry Association), National Grocers Association and National Association of Convenience Stores found that SNAP restrictions would cost retailers $1.6 billion in upfront implementation costs plus $759 million annually in ongoing compliance costs.
Food deserts impact Milwaukee's health
From a health perspective, the biggest concern is what happens when access is disrupted. If compliance becomes too burdensome or risky, some stores, especially smaller retailers, may decide they cannot continue participating. That would reduce the number of convenient places where eligible residents can use their benefits, forcing families to travel farther, spend more time and money getting groceries, or rely on fewer options. At a time when Milwaukee is facing a growing number of food deserts, this could have unintended consequences for food access in underserved areas.
There are also practical concerns about inconsistency. Definitions that restrict certain beverages while leaving other high‑sugar products eligible can create confusion for consumers and retailers alike. When rules are difficult to explain at a checkout counter, the result is frustration, delays, and disputes that benefit neither families nor retailers. At the same time, definitions that are overly broad, such as defining energy drinks based on caffeine, could include coffee-based or similar beverages and make compliance even harder.
Finally, any waiver program typically requires data collection and evaluation. Policymakers should be transparent about what information is collected, how it is protected, and how privacy will be safeguarded for both participants and businesses.
FoodShare is ultimately about helping eligible families access food. Any changes to the program should be judged not only by intent, but by how they function in practice and whether they preserve access and dignity for the people and communities the program serves. Any actions that put access at risk or make it harder for families to access the food they need should be carefully weighed against the goal of maintaining food access.
Julia Harris-Robinson is the President and CEO of Outreach Community Health Centers.
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Notice: One of our vendors was impacted by a security incident, which affected some of our patients’ or their primary insured’s protected health information. Learn more
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by Jamie FreelandJanuary 26th, 2026
RACINE, WI – Racine Outreach, the greater-Racine area’s second federally qualified health center (FQHC) is officially open to welcome patients after a community open house on Jan. 21.
Racine Outreach Community Health Centers, a partnership between Racine Community Health Center Inc. and Outreach Community Health Centers, is located at 3805B Spring St., Suite 140, on the campus of Ascension All Saints Hospital. Read more »
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RACINE, Wis. (Oct. 3, 2025) — Racine Community Health Center, Inc. (RCHC) and Outreach Community Health Centers (OCHC) are proud to announce the opening of a new Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Racine in January 2026. The new facility, located at 3805 Spring Street on the Ascension All Saints Hospital campus, will provide high-quality, affordable and accessible health care to individuals and families across Racine County. The center will offer comprehensive primary care services including women’s health, behavioral health, dental care and preventive services — regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
“This new health center reflects our deep commitment to health equity and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality care, close to home,” said Julia Harris-Robinson, CEO of Outreach Community Health Centers. “Racine is a vibrant and diverse community, and this investment will help close gaps in care and support healthier lives for thousands of residents.”
Substance misuse, behavioral health and access to quality health care consistently rank among the top community health needs in Racine County. The launch of this new FQHC represents a major step toward addressing these longstanding challenges and improving health outcomes for residents.
“By breaking down barriers and bringing care closer to where people live, we’ll build a stronger, healthier Racine,” said Grace Allen, Racine alderman. “This new health center is about making sure every Racine resident has access to quality care, close to home. It’s also about meeting a critical community need by expanding access to services that too many of our neighbors don’t have.”
OCHC, with a long history of serving Milwaukee residents, is the only FQHC in southeast Wisconsin with a special designation to serve people experiencing homelessness, ensuring that the most vulnerable community members can access coordinated, compassionate and comprehensive care.
“I could not be more encouraged by Racine County welcoming its first health care provider that offers a range of programs dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Hope Otto, Racine County Human Services director. “The Ascension campus location offers a vital connection point for those who are housing insecure or facing behavioral health challenges. This designation closes a longstanding gap by bringing federally recognized, trauma-informed primary care directly to people who too often fall through the cracks. It is a critical step forward in our shared efforts to promote health, housing stability and dignity for all residents of Racine County.”
The FQHC designation ensures that the clinic will: — Serve all patients, regardless of income or insurance status — Offer a sliding fee scale for those who are uninsured or underinsured — Work collaboratively with a community-led board, ensuring services reflect local needs “Collaboration is key to building healthier communities. By working together to open this FQHC, we’re helping expand access to preventive care, mental health services and chronic disease management — the very areas where our community needs it most,” said Kristin McManmon, Ascension All Saints president.
The RCHC Board of Directors will remain engaged in an advisory role to OCHC, focused on services, advocacy and collaboration within Racine County.
“Partnership is the heart of this project,” said Dr. Janice Litza, RCHC board president. “Together we’re building a healthier, stronger Racine by having more access points for health care and addressing health-related social needs through creative collaborations that only FQHCs can provide to improve the overall health of the community now and in the future.”
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Milwaukee, WI — The C.H. Mason Health Clinic and Outreach Community Health Centers (OCHC) are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at expanding access to comprehensive health services for underserved communities. In celebration of this collaboration, the community is invited to attend the unveiling of the new clinic site on Friday, April 25, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at 4858 N. Mother Daniels Way in Milwaukee.
This strategic partnership will allow OCHC to provide critical oversight and operational support to the C.H. Mason Health Clinic, with a shared mission to combat health disparities and ensure quality care reaches uninsured and underinsured populations. Learn more »
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Outreach is proud to join the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Chinese, Asian, and AANHPI businesses across Wisconsin.
By becoming a member, Outreach looks forward to building meaningful connections, fostering collaboration, and contributing to WCCC’s mission of bridging cultures, businesses, and communities. Together, we aim to drive economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity throughout the region.
Learn more at https://www.wisccc.org/post/outreach-community-health-centers-advancing-community-wellness-in-milwaukee-1.
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Lead poisoning can have lifelong impacts on a child’s development, affecting learning, behavior, and overall health. With the current crisis impacting school buildings where children spend much of their time, Outreach’s screenings provide families with peace of mind and a clear path forward. Our team works closely with families to provide education, resources, and referrals if elevated lead levels are detected.
Together with local health authorities, Outreach is committed to supporting Milwaukee families through prevention, early detection, and responsive care—ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, healthy environment.
Stay informed with updates from the City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee County, The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, and additional city-wide collaborators at ochc-milw.org/lead.
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Better Ways to Cope (BWTC) is a community-centered harm reduction, prevention, treatment and recovery campaign powered by the Department of Health and Human Services. This multi-faceted movement uses media platforms to promote services, regrants funds to community organizations, shares resources with community members and equips everyone with the skills to cope in a better way.
Prevention refers to the efforts and strategies aimed at preventing the misuse, overuse, or addiction to substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These efforts typically focus on educating individuals about the risks and consequences of substance abuse, promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles, providing support and resources for those at risk, and implementing policies and programs to reduce access to harmful substances.
Learn more about the Contingency Management Program at Outreach Community Health Centers.
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FEBRUARY 6 | MARCH 6 | APRIL 3
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY :: Car seat check appointments provide an opportunity for a parent or caregiver to bring their car seat along with their vehicle to meet with a car seat technician who will review installation, use, and if necessary, guide the caregiver through any needed corrections.
During these appointments, the technician will provide education, answer any questions the caregiver may have, discuss next steps for the child such as when to move to the next type of seat, and make sure the caregiver feels comfortable installing their car seat independently. The technician and caregiver will ensure that the correct seat is being used for the child’s weight, height, and age. Car seat checks will be scheduled by appointment, available the first Thursday of each month (unless it’s a holiday or Outreach is closed). Appointments will be scheduled for 30 minutes.
Visit www.ochc-milw.org/carseatchecks for more information.
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Please Note: As of January 2025, this programming has been discontinued.
Have you chosen someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you in case of illness?
An advance directive describes, in writing, treatments you want or do not want. It tells others what to do with your care if you get injured and cannot express your wishes. You can complete an advance directive if you are 18 or older and of sound mind.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has advance directive forms online. These forms are meant for you to complete without needing help from an attorney.
If interested in filling out paperwork that express your wishes, please come to a walk-in session or contact Kristin Simonson or Candace Coates for an appointment. Appointments take first priority. Call (414) 727-6320 to schedule an appointment.
Advance Directive Care Planning 2024: 10/21/2024, 11/18/2024, 12/16/2024 (Third Monday of the month).
What to bring with you:
Name, address and phone number of the people you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to.
Appointments are open to patients and staff.
Additional Program Documentation
Power of Attorney for Health Care
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf
Living Will
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00060.pdf
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Outreach Community Health Centers work to provide their patients with access to physicians, behavior health professionals, pharmacists, dental services and much more. In an effort to make healthcare accessible for your whole family, Outreach Community Health Centers provide affordable healthcare services regardless of insurance status. These health facilities work together with great partners such as Ascension, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield and Froedert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. This year, they will be hosting the 2024 Community Health & Resource Fair which serves as an opportunity to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and well-being through education, resources and support.
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Our location is proud to host the County's highest volume machine and are continually dedicated to reducing stigma and keeping residents safe to resume their recovery journey. Learning how to use materials properly is key.
"According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), harm reduction is critical to keeping people who use drugs alive and as healthy as possible. Therefore, Behavioral Health Services of Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services has partnered with agencies to increase Milwaukee County residents’ access to harm reduction and prevention via vending machines." - county.milwaukee.gov
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Take back your meds today and potentially save a life. 70% of opioid addictions start at home – often from unused medicine left in the medicine cabinets. Flushing unused medicine down the toilet or placing it in the trash only sends it to Lake Michigan and our waterways – the source of our drinking water – because waste treatment systems are not designed to break down medicine.
There’s only one safe way to dispose of unused prescription medication: at a drug take-back site. Outreach Community Health Centers is dedicated to making it easier for you to combat the opioid crisis by helping you safely dispose of unused prescription medicine at our secure take back my meds drop box.
Upcoming events.
Our programming provides an opportunity to engage directly with individuals who may need primary, family, and behavioral health care.
By participating in Outreach Community Health Centers events, you can gain valuable health information, enhancing the well-being of our entire community.