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At GHC-SCW, we care about you and your health. We also know healthcare is a small part of your health puzzle.

Did you know?

Health is affected by where we live, learn, work, and play. Things like having a safe home, healthy food, affordable childcare, and reliable transportation all play a big role in keeping us healthy.

This year, GHC-SCW is joining a nationwide effort to learn more about how non-medical factors affect health. Over the next few months, we will be reaching out to members with a short survey to better understand the different aspects of your health.

Just like your medical visits, your answers will be kept private and protected. All questions are optional, and your answers will help us improve support for our members.

Understanding your unique health puzzle

For many years, doctors and healthcare workers have focused on treating and preventing diseases. This has helped us understand how illnesses spread and how to stop them. Because of this, we now have important medical tools like vaccines, medicines, and surgeries. But staying healthy isn’t just about medical care—our daily lives also have a big impact on our health.

Many different things affect our health, including:

  • Housing – Your home and neighborhood can affect your health and safety.
  • Stress levels – Feeling worried or overwhelmed can impact both your body and mind.
  • Employment – Having a stable job with good working conditions helps people stay healthy.
  • Diet – Eating nutritious food gives your body the energy and strength it needs.
  • Transportation– Having access to safe travel so you can get to appointments and resources across the community.
  • Physical activity – Moving your body and exercising keeps you strong and healthy.
  • Personal safety – Feeling safe in your home and community is important for well-being.
  • Education access – Learning opportunities, from childcare to college, can improve health.
  • Social support – Having supportive family and friends helps people feel happy and connected.

By looking at all these factors together, we can better understand what people need to live healthier, happier lives.

What can I do to improve my health?

Our health is like a puzzle, with many different pieces fitting together to form a complete picture. We often think about health as just eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding sickness, but staying well involves many small changes in different parts of our lives. Even small improvements can help us feel better, both physically and mentally.

The good news is that there are many local resources to help you live a healthier life.

Click on the topics below to learn more about local health supporting resources.

 

Housing

Your home and neighborhood can affect your health and safety.
Access to safe and affordable housing is essential for overall health and well-being. A stable home provides protection from harsh weather, harmful environmental conditions, and daily stressors. Families with secure housing can properly store and prepare nutritious food, plan for the future, and build a sense of stability. By reducing financial strain and uncertainty, safe housing fosters healthier, more comfortable, and more productive lives.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

To get help for living on the street or in a place not suitable for human habitation people need to contact their local coordinated entry agency. Coordinated entry is the process used to assess individual need and begin the process to apply for housing help.

In Dane County coordinated entry can be reached by phone (608) 826-8019 or by completing this form.

To contact Dane County’s Homeless Street Outreach coordinator call (888) 817-4155 or email coordinator@danesos.org.

Click here to learn more about Dane County resources.

Catholic Charities operates the Beacon and provides shelter, basic needs, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Click here to learn more about the Beacon.

Tenant Resource Center is available for walk-ins at 2510 Winnebago Street, Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Walk-ins are also available at the Madison College Goodman South Campus on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. 2 :00 p.m.

People may call Tenant Resource Center and leave a message on the Eviction Prevention CE line at (608) 257-0006 ext. 7. Calls are typically returned Monday-Friday within two business days.

(608) 257-0006 ext. 7

Tenant Resource Center offers information and resources for tenants. Click here to review a list of resources.

Tenant Resource Center compiles a list of local apartments and rental properties. Click here to review a list of rental housing options in Dane County.

The City of Madison has a full list of housing program resources here.

Meridian offers a searchable database of affordable housing options for different groups. Access their database: Affordable Housing Apartments For Rent, Low Income Housing For Rent.

The Dane County Housing Authority manages several subsidized housing programs in Dane County. To contact the housing authority, call 608-224-3636 or click here for more information.

Click here to see the income eligibility for income based housing.

DAIS runs the only domestic violence shelter in Dane County. The DAIS Emergency Shelter program offers housing, food, clothing, support and resources for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

For assistance call (608) 251-4445 or (800) 747-4045 (toll free)

DAIS also offers a 24/7 text line at (608) 420-4638 (24/7 Text Line)

 

Movin’ out

Movin’ out offers courses on home ownership and has affordable apartments.  Click here to learn more.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) 

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has free learning opportunities and programs to help people purchase their first home. Click here to learn more.

For anyone facing foreclosure, WHEDA also offers educational resources here: Foreclosure Prevention | WHEDA.

For home owners and landlords, Wisconsin Department of Administration operates a Weatherization and HVAC and Water Conservation program to help reduce heating costs. Click here for more information.

Stress Level

Feeling worried or overwhelmed can impact both your body and mind.
Managing stress helps people feel calmer, think more clearly, and stay healthier. Too much stress can make people feel tired, worried, or even sick. Taking deep breaths, exercising, talking to someone, or doing fun activities can help reduce stress. When people learn how to handle stress, they feel better, sleep well, and have more energy to enjoy life.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

The CDC offers resources on stress management techniques. Click here to learn more.

HelpGuide offers resources on stress management techniques. Click here to learn more.

American Family Dream Bank offers free events and resources. Click here to learn more.

Health Minds offers a free app to help to explore your emotional health and develop new skills. Click here to learn more.

The Monona Terrace offers many free community events and programs. Click here to learn more.

Centro Hispano offers resources and program for undocumented and immigrant community members. Click here to learn more.

Employment

Having a stable job with good working conditions helps people stay healthy
Having a job that pays a fair wage helps people afford important things like food, housing, education, and transportation. Earning enough money reduces stress and helps people take better care of themselves and their families. When people have good jobs, they can live healthier, happier lives.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

The Dane County Job Center offers resources and support to job seekers. Click here to learn more.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals. Click here to learn more and find support near you.

Latino Academy for Workforce Development offers workforce development, training and education to help people acquire good jobs. Click here to learn more.

Madison College Work Smart Program helps veterans, displaced homemakers, low-income, or underemployed adults navigate their career path. Click here to learn more.

Literacy Network offers many skill building and language programs. Click here to learn more.

The Urban League provides resources and connection to community programs to assist job seekers. Click here to learn more.

The Madison Public Library offers free job application assistance and computer training. Click here to learn more.

Dane County Job Corner offers a list of local employment opportunities and training centers. Click here to learn more.

There are many free Job searching sites including:

 

Diet

Eating nutritious food gives your body the energy and strength it needs.
Having access to healthy food helps people grow strong and stay healthy. Eating fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods gives the body energy, helps fight sickness, and keeps the brain working well. When people have enough food, they feel better, can focus more, and have the strength to do daily activities. Good food is important for a healthy and happy life.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

FoodPantries.org has a list of local food pantries and meal programs. Click here to find a resource near you.

FoodShare helps qualifying individuals and families receive benefits to purchase healthy food. Click here to apply for FoodShare.

Dane County residents can receive assistance applying for Foodshare (and other benefit programs) by calling 888-794-5556 or by going to the Dane County Job Center 1819 Aberg Ave., Suite D Madison WI 53704. Click here to learn more about assistance with benefit applications.

Dane County Women Infant and Children (WIC) program is provides food benefits to qualifying pregnant and parenting families.  Click here to learn more or to apply for WIC online. You may also call or text 608-267-1111.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds the statewide Women Infants and Children (WIC) program.  Click here to learn more and apply online.

Dane County and the City of Madison provide matching funds for qualified people to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables at Farmers Markets. Click here to learn more.

Community Gardens are available across our community. Click here to find a community garden plot near you. Rooted has two community gardens that offer financial assistance to gardeners, click here to learn more.

Willy St Co-op offers matching double dollars to qualified individuals during the farmers market off season. Click here to learn more.

Transportation

Having access to safe travel so you can get to appointments and resources across the community.
Having good transportation helps people stay healthy. It allows them to go to the doctor, pick up medicine, and get the care they need on time. Without reliable transportation, some people may struggle to get the care they need, which can make health problems worse. Making sure everyone has access to transportation can help people live healthier lives and avoid serious illnesses.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

UnityPoint Health Meriter Car Seats

Sells car seats for $25 and can be completed/picked up after birth at hospital.

 

MTM (BadgerCare & Medicaid)

NEMT – Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

866-907-1493

Call at least two business days before appointment

 

Metro Bus System

608-266-4466

Email: mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com

 

Metro Para Transit

608-266-4466

Email: mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com

 

Dane County Transportation Call Center:

Dane County Department of Human Services provides transportation resources and services that enable seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, workers, refugees, low-income families, and others to access their communities. 608-242-6489

Physical Activity

Moving your body and exercising keeps you strong and healthy.
Being active helps people stay strong, feel good, and have more energy. Exercise, like playing outside, dancing, or riding a bike, makes the heart, muscles, and bones stronger. It also helps people feel less stressed and sleep better. When people move their bodies every day, they stay healthier and happier.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

Dane County has a list of parks and recreation activity to help people enjoy the outdoors and get active. Click here for more information.

The Dane County YMCA offers financial assistance to qualifying individuals and families who want to get active. Click here to learn more.

The Monona Terrace offers many free community events. Click here to learn more.

Madison Metropolitan School District offers a free play on the move program for young children ages 3 to middle school. Click here to learn more.

Madison School and Community Recreation offers a variety of low-cost recreation programs. Click here to learn more about their programs. MSCR offers fee assistance to ensure everyone can get active, click here to learn more.

Personal Safety

Feeling safe in your home and community is important for well-being.
People who have experienced trauma or are in unsafe situations benefit greatly when they get the support they need to stay safe and healthy. There are many local programs which provide shelter, counseling, and legal help so people can find protection and start a new, safer life. They also teach people about healthy relationships and ways to handle tough situations. When people get the help they need, they can feel safer, less stressed, and live healthier, happier lives.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

DAIS runs the only domestic violence shelter in Dane County. The DAIS Emergency Shelter program offers housing, food, clothing, support and resources for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

For assistance call (608) 251-4445 or (800) 747-4045 (toll free)

DAIS also offers a 24/7 text line at (608) 420-4638 (24/7 Text Line)

UNIDOS offers support to Latine and marginalized people to overcome domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. UNIDOS offers a La Red Helpline at 800-510-9195. Click here to learn more.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides support to combat forced labor and sex trafficking.

Report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by phone, text, or web form:

Click here to learn more.

The Rape Crisis Center offers support and understanding for people who survived sexual violence.  To call the 24/7 helpline call 608-251-7273. (También ofrecemos una línea de ayuda para hispanohablantes: 608-258-2567). Click here to learn more.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault offers information about the statewide network survivor support. Click here to learn more.

Dane County provides a list of Domestic Violence services for many different groups. Click here to learn more.

Dane County provides information about Elder Abuse laws and protections. Adult Protective Services Helpline at (608) 261-9933  Click here for more information.

Dane County Child Protective Services helps to keep children safe and provide and coordinate services when needed.

  • Business Hours Hotline Monday – Friday | 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM (608) 261-KIDS / (608) 261-5437
  • Non-Business Hours hotline (608) 255-6067

Journey Mental Health has a 24 hour mental health crisis line (608) 280-2600. Click here for additional community resources

Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center:

The Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC) is a non-crisis, voluntary person and family centered service designed to help all Dane County residents access behavioral health services, regardless of insurance status, financial status, age, identity, ability or legal status. The BHRC assists Dane County residents from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. BHRC services are consumer led and consumer driven, meaning that we consider the person as the expert on their needs. BHRC staff help connect Dane County residents to mental health and substance use resources and services. 608-267-2244

NAMI Dane County has a list of mental health resources and emergency hotlines. Click here to learn more.

Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life. Click here for more information.

Centro Hispano offers resources and program for undocumented and immigrant community members. Click here to learn more.

Education

Learning opportunities, from childcare to college, can improve health.
Having access to education helps people stay healthy. Education teaches people about good nutrition, exercise, and how to take care of their bodies. It also helps them get better jobs, which means they can afford healthy food, healthcare, and a safe place to live. Making sure everyone has access to a good education can lead to longer, healthier lives for everyone.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

Dane County Extension offers a list of local parent and caregiver resources. Click here to learn more.

Dane County offers a list of local community resources for parents. Click here to learn more.

Rise Wisconsin offers a variety of resources and programs for parents. One program they offer is the Respite Center which provides emergency child care and respite for children ages 0-14, parent support, and crisis counseling 7 days a week. In addition to quality child care, the Respite Center helps parents and caregivers access important resources to help support and stabilize their family.  Click here to learn more.

4C offers a variety of resource to parents of young children. Click here to learn more.

Babies and Beyond offers a number of resource for expecting parents. Click here to learn more.

The Urban League of Greater Madison has developed a parent academy of area resources and programs for parents and caregivers. Click here to learn more.

Briarpatch Youth Services offers a range of programs and services for families. Click here to learn more.

The Waisman Center offers peer support and resource for parents of children and youth with special health care needs. Click here to learn more.

Wisconsin’s Children’s Resource Center

Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds five Children’s Resource Centers devoted to supporting families with children and youth (ages 0-22) with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and the providers who serve them.

You can access a nearby Children’s Resource Center

Click here to learn more about Wisconsin’s Children’s Resource Center.

Wisconsin Wayfinder

Wisconsin Wayfinder supports families of children with delays, disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health conditions.

You can call Wisconsin Wayfinder or search their online database.

Click here to learn more about Wisconsin Wayfinder.

Social Support

Having supportive family and friends helps people feel happy and connected.
Feeling connected to family, friends, and the community helps people stay happy and healthy. When people have strong relationships, they feel supported, less stressed, and more confident. Talking to others, sharing feelings, and spending time together can improve mental and physical health. Social and emotional connections help people feel loved, safe, and ready to handle life’s challenges.

Wisconsin 2-1-1

A well-known resource hub run by United Way.

 

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center

Find programs and services for parents and children.

The Center for Black Excellence also known as The Center affirms, inspires and advances the Black community in Madison and beyond. Click here to learn more.

PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. Click here to learn more.

NAMI Dane County support groups operate based on a Peer Support Group model developed by NAMI Wisconsin. Each group is facilitated by at least two NAMI-trained volunteers who have lived experience managing a mental health condition. Volunteers are considered to be “experts of their own experience,” but they are not trained clinicians. This means our groups are not clinical treatment groups. Click here for more information.

NA and AA groups provide support to individuals looking to solve their drinking and drug problems. Click here for more information on AA. Click here for more information on NA.

First Breath is a free tobacco succession program. Click here to learn more.

Dane County has resources on caregiver support groups. Click here to learn more.

Find connection though volunteering, the United Way provides a list of volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn more. Click here to review a list of volunteer opportunities in Dane County.

Dane County has a list of volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Destination Madison is a resource for local events and community happenings. Click here to learn more.

The Monona Terrace offers many free community events. Click here to learn more.

Aging & Disability Resource Centers

Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds a network of Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). ADRC’s connect you to help that fits your unique needs.

You can access ADRC services in several ways:

  • Call or visit your local ADRC in person.
  • Request a home visit from your local ADRC.
  • Call 844-WIS-ADRC (844-947-2372) for help finding your local ADRC or ADRS.

Click here to find an ADRC near you.

Wisconsin’s Children’s Resource Center

Wisconsin Department of Health Services funds five Children’s Resource Centers devoted to supporting families with children and youth (ages 0-22) with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and the providers who serve them.

You can access a nearby Children’s Resource Center

Click here to learn more about Wisconsin’s Children’s Resource Center.

Wisconsin Wayfinder

Wisconsin Wayfinder supports families of children with delays, disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health conditions.

You can call Wisconsin Wayfinder or search their online database.

Click here to learn more about Wisconsin Wayfinder.

Additional Community Resources:

Wisconsin local health departments play a central role in providing essential public health services in communities. Please visit your local health department for additional information regarding the programs and services they offer to their residents:

Prenatal care coordination is a Wisconsin Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus benefit that helps pregnant people get the supports and services they need during and right after pregnancy. The goal of prenatal care coordination is to connect pregnant people to medical, social, and educational services to improve birth outcomes. Group Health Cooperative works closely with the Prenatal Care Coordination Agencies in our Service Area:

School-based mental health services are covered by GHC-SCW for both commercial and WI-Medicaid (BadgerCare) members. Please work with your school district directly to learn how to access these services. Some school districts offer these services directly, while others partner with behavioral health organizations in your area.

Grant County:   Unified Community Services

Iowa County:    Oregon Mental Health Services

Dane County:

Sauk County: Sauk County Public Health

Lafayette County: Unified Community Services

Columbia County: Journey Mental Health Center

Through the school-based services benefit, Medicaid-enrolled School Based Service providers may request reimbursement from Wisconsin Medicaid for medically necessary covered School Based Services provided to children eligible for Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus.

School based Services must be identified in the child’s IEP (Individual Education Program) and certain requirements must be met. Covered services include the following:

  • Developmental testing and assessments when resulting in a created or revised IEP
  • Nursing
  • OT (occupational therapy)
  • PT (physical therapy)
  • Psychological services, counseling, and social work
  • SLP (speech and language pathology), audiology, and hearing
  • Transportation

Please work with your school district to access these services.

The Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program is committed to serving children under the age of 3 with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. We value your family’s primary relationship with your child and work in partnership with your family. We work to enhance your child’s development and support your family’s knowledge, skills, and abilities as you interact with and raise your child.

Dane County:

For all other counties, please visit: Birth to 3 Program: Contact Us | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Use the “County or Tribe” search to determine your point of contact for the Birth to Three Intake process.