Leaders hope to help Milwaukee reach "Well City Gold" status

MILWAUKEE -- A breakfast was held Thursday, March 15th in Milwaukee with a goal of making Milwaukee healthier.

Community and business leaders launched an effort to help Milwaukee reach the "Well City Gold" designation.

Right now, Milwaukee is at a Silver status, meaning 30 percent of the city's workforce is taking part in a wellness program. To get to Gold status, 50 percent must participate.

Well City Milwaukee is an initiative to empower Milwaukee employers in the delivery of results-driven, comprehensive worksite wellness programs as a key business strategy to enhance the health and well-being of their workforce, manage health care expenditures and raise community awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

The project began in 2007 through a partnership between the city of Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and the Wellness Council of Wisconsin with the goal of addressing rising health care costs, encouraging a healthier, vibrant Milwaukee workforce and to serve as an example for other cities in Wisconsin and the nation.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the program via the "Well City Milwaukee" website.