GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC), the GE HealthCare Foundation, and the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) have joined forces to introduce a new philanthropic initiative called Powering Milwaukee Forward. This program is designed to enhance access to essential resources in Milwaukee’s underserved communities. As part of this effort, the initiative will provide a total of $1 million in grants to 10 local nonprofits.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks power forward and founder of the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF), expressed his commitment to the community, saying, “The City of Milwaukee has done so much for me and my family, but I know many people here struggle to access basic needs. It’s time to support these underserved neighborhoods and help provide what they need to thrive. I’m excited to partner with GE HealthCare and the GE HealthCare Foundation to take action and leave a lasting legacy for Milwaukee.”
Research from organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control highlights the significant impact of basic needs, or social determinants of health, on overall well-being. However, disparities in access to these needs are often influenced by racial and socio-economic factors. According to the City of Milwaukee Health Department, health disparities in the city are stark, with diverse neighborhoods facing the highest rates of heart disease, infant mortality, and lung cancer also experiencing the lowest homeownership rates, household incomes, and the highest poverty levels.
To address these inequities, Powering Milwaukee Forward will implement targeted interventions focusing on fair housing, education, healthy food, safe environments, and maternal healthcare.
Peter J. Arduini, President and CEO of GE HealthCare, emphasized the company’s responsibility in this effort: “GE HealthCare has a unique responsibility to help address barriers to care that create health inequities in our communities. With thousands of GE HealthCare colleagues across Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are honored to collaborate with CAFF and local nonprofits on Powering Milwaukee Forward to tackle the challenges faced in the region.”
The initiative aims for a measurable and lasting impact. It will focus on improving access to:
- Housing: Collaborating with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity and Acts Housing.
- Education: Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.
- Healthy food: Working with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force.
- Safe physical environments: Engaging with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation and Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.
- Maternal and infant healthcare: Supported by the GE HealthCare Foundation through grants to the African American Breastfeeding Network and Children’s Wisconsin Foundation.
About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
GE HealthCare is a global innovator in medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions, committed to enhancing healthcare efficiency and improving patient outcomes. With over 125 years of experience, GE HealthCare advances personalized and connected care while simplifying the patient journey across the care pathway. Its Imaging, Ultrasound, Patient Care Solutions, and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics divisions collectively aim to improve patient care from diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. The company operates as a $19.6 billion business with approximately 51,000 employees dedicated to creating a future where healthcare knows no limits.
