Author: Staff

Governor Tony Evers directs $1 billion in CARES Act funding to fight COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers released information on May 19 about a robust $1 billion statewide effort to support COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, acquisition of needed supplies, emergency operations, and resources for local communities throughout Wisconsin. The effort is funded by $1.17 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars. Recognizing that testing and contact tracing are essential to Wisconsin’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus, the state has allocated approximately $260 million for testing efforts and $75 million for contact tracing. “As I’ve said before, regardless of the political overtones of the past week,...

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Identifying symptoms of trauma: First-responders and front-line healthcare workers at risk of PTSD

The recent suicide of Lorna Breen, a New York City emergency room doctor who had suffered from COVID-19 and had been traumatized by treating other patients who had contracted the virus, needs to serve as a wakeup call for all first-responders and front-line healthcare professionals. “These heroes are saving lives, but that can come with a cost to their own well-being,” said Chad Wetterneck, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director of trauma recovery services at Rogers Behavioral Health. “This pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetime, and the entire medical community needs to be cognizant of the symptoms...

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Jewish Museum Milwaukee expands public reach during pandemic shutdown with virtual exhibits

Even though the physical museum building is closed due to the statewide shutdown, Jewish Museum Milwaukee (JMM) has been more active and reaching more people than ever before. While nonprofits across the country have had to make the difficult decision to furlough staff and attractions remain closed, JMM has ramped up its efforts to engage the public around topics of cultural and social importance, with programming that is more important and relevant than ever. “Our cultural institutions have the power to inspire, comfort and connect people in a way few others can,” said Patti Sherman-Cisler, Jewish Museum Milwaukee executive...

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Moving Milwaukee Forward: Health officials prioritize safety measures for reopening city

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Stay-at-Home order by Governor Tony Evers, the City of Milwaukee Health Department created a new order on May 14 that prioritizes the health and safety of their residents. These order was created based on recommendations from public health officials. In preparation for reopening, public health officials are working with local business owners to establish guidelines and safety measures that build the trust of patrons and minimize the spread of COVID-19. “Everybody’s goal is to reopen the economy. But, we have seen what has happened in other parts of this...

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Fiscal Crisis: COVID-19 costs and lost revenue has a $450M impact on Milwaukee County’s budget

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reached out to State and Federal officials on May 14 to support funding for Milwaukee County’s response to COVID-19, which has disproportionately impacted Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County has already seen an estimated $450 million impact on the budget, including through direct costs in COVID-19 related response and lost revenue. The County has been on the frontlines of the response to the pandemic, providing critical emergency management, public health and human services, and infrastructure. “Milwaukee County and its employees are on the front lines of our community’s response to COVID-19, providing the critical emergency...

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Panoramic mural stretching the length of MacArthur Square to join map of downtown art locations

Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 and the Downtown Placemaking Task Force are continuing to make their mark throughout downtown Milwaukee. Earlier this year, the south-facing façade of the 2nd Street skywalk, between Wisconsin Avenue and Michigan Street, was announced as a new community canvas. Now the group is unveiling plans for a panoramic portrait at MacArthur Square, in partnership with the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works. The announcement comes as Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 completes a new, interactive Public Art map highlighting over 140 monuments, sculptures and murals throughout downtown Milwaukee and nearby neighborhoods. “Public Art is a...

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