Public Health Sauk County Announces Top Health Priorities and Invites Community to Join Efforts

Sauk County, Wis- Public Health Sauk County invites community members to partner in tackling the top three health priorities identified in the 2024 Community Health Assessment: housing, mental health, and substance use. Together, through the Community Health Improvement Plan, the department and community members will work on meaningful strategies to create a healthier, stronger Sauk County.

These priorities—chosen by Sauk County residents through a countywide survey—will focus local health efforts for the next three years. In response, Public Health Sauk County is inviting people from across the community to join local coalitions to make progress in each of these areas.

"Our community has clearly spoken about what matters most for their health and well-being," says Jodie Molitor, a Health Educator at Public Health Sauk County. "These priorities weren't chosen by health officials—they were chosen by the people who live, learn, play, work, and worship in Sauk County. Now we need those same community members to help us make real progress on these challenges."

Community members can get involved by joining one of the following action teams:

• Sauk County Housing Action Team – Seeks to increase housing availability by supporting local leaders. The team offers free technical assistance, housing assessments, and more.
• Prevent Suicide Sauk County – Focuses on reducing suicide attempts and deaths through education and promoting safe firearm storage for those in crisis.
• Partnership for Prevention – Reduces youth use of alcohol and tobacco (vapes), as well as prescription drug misuse, by decreasing the availability of these drugs.
• Support People and Empower Recovery (SUPER) – Hosts monthly social events and collaborates with the WisHope Recovery Community Center to support people in recovery.

"We can accomplish so much more when we work together," Molitor adds. "Whether you bring professional expertise, lived experience, community connections, or simply a willingness to help -- there's a place for you in these coalitions."

To learn more or to get involved, contact Jodie Molitor at Jodie.molitor@saukcountywi.gov or 608-355-4315. For more information on current efforts, please visit bit.ly/SaukCHIP25. To read the 2024 Community Health Assessment, please visit https://bit.ly/SaukCHA24.

Contact: Jodie Molitor
Health Educator, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Public Health Sauk County
608-355-4315 jodie.molitor@saukcountywi.gov  

Posted June 9th, 2025.

About Public Health Sauk County
Public Health Sauk County supports the well-being of all people in our community. Through wellness programs, environmental health initiatives, and a focus on creating systemic change, we cultivate healthier places and people so Sauk County can thrive. For more information on our programs and services, visit https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth.

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