Community coalitions have the potential to make important changes in the areas of public and community health. Coalitions are multi-sector partnerships that involve key community organizations, as well as community members from populations impacted by health issues. They are instrumental in helping public health leaders achieve the tri-annual community health assessments (CHA) and community health improvement plans (CHIP.) This includes helping advise and coordinate community-wide needs assessments, health surveillance, coordinate activities, and monitor health and wellness activities and interventions.

Amanda Miller, FoodWIse Coordinator, and Health and Well-Being Educator, has been involved in health coalitions in the local community for the past 10 years. She brings technical assistance and coaching to the Fond du Lac and Sheboygan County public health efforts. She has been involved in both facilitating and leading coalitions, as well as sitting on coalitions as a member.

In Fond du Lac County, Miller is a member of the following health coalition groups: Healthy Fond du Lac County Steering Committee, the Population Health/Social Determinants of Health Group, and the Living Well FDL Coalition, which focuses on chronic disease prevention, physical activity, nutrition, and food security. Miller, along with other valuable partners, helped advise the most recent Fond du lac County CHA and CHIP. For more information on this, visit: https://www.fdlco.wi.gov/departments/departments-f-m/health-department/healthy-fond-du-lac-county-2020.

In Sheboygan County, Miller is a member of the Healthy Sheboygan County (HSC) Leadership Council. In addition, she chairs the Sheboygan County Activity and Nutrition Coalition (SCAN), which addresses healthy foods, physical activity, breastfeeding, and food security. Miller, along with other valuable partners, helped advise the most recent Fond du lac County CHA and CHIP. For more information on this, visit: http://www.healthysheboygancounty.org/