MILWAUKEE COUNTY HEALTH EQUITY CHAMPION AWARDS ANNOUNCES NEW AWARD CATEGORY FOR TEENS

(MILWAUKEE) May, 2026 – In its third year, the Milwaukee County Health Equity Champion Awards has introduced a new award category to salute a local teen who is making a positive impact in Milwaukee County.

“It was during my teen years that I developed a strong desire to improve the quality of life in my community. That passion was nurtured by supportive adults and organizations who encouraged me to grow as a young leader,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “This expansion of the Milwaukee County Health Equity Awards is an awesome opportunity to salute our teens and recognize their contributions to creating a healthier community for all residents. I invite you to nominate someone today for the Equity In Action Youth Leadership Award.”

The Equity in Action Youth Leadership Award will be given to a young Milwaukee County resident, between the ages of 13 and 18, who promotes fairness and justice. This award is a collaborative effort with the Milwaukee County Youth Commission, a body re-established in 2022 to ensure young voices are central to the county’s governance. Consisting of 20 members ages 14 to 18 from all 18 supervisory districts, the Commission serves as a vital bridge between youth and local government. By making advisory recommendations on policy and budget decisions, the Commission actively advances Milwaukee County’s mission of achieving racial equity.

Through this partnership, the Youth Commission aims to highlight the tangible impact of young leaders who are dismantling barriers and promoting fairness within their neighborhoods. This new award category serves to reinforce that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but essential contributors to the health and equity of the community today.
TheMilwaukee County Health Equity Champion Awardsbegan in 2024 to recognize those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to equity by reducing disparities in one or more social determinants of health within their communities, and whose efforts have had a positive impact in their communities. In addition to the youth award, the categories are:

• Milwaukee County Advancing Equity Award (County departments)
• Health Equity Leadership Award (County employees)
• Community Trailblazer Award (Organizations)
• Community Equity Impact Leader Award (Community members)
• The Bridgebuilder Award for leaders connecting community + government

Nominations are being accepted now for all award categories and can be submitted online at county.milwaukee.gov/ecawards. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, June 19. Honorees will be notified on Wednesday, July 15. An awards brunch and ceremony will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Bradley Pavilion of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, located at 929 N. Water St.

Questions about the Milwaukee County Health Equity Champion Awards can be shared by email to equityoffice@milwaukeecountywi.gov or by calling 414-278-7979.

county.milwaukeewi.gov/equity