From Pilot to Proof: Dane County Health Council and Partners Celebrate Evidence of ConnectRx Wisconsin’s Impact on Improving Birth Outcomes

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[Madison, WI, May 5, 2026] –  In Dane County, Wisconsin, a powerful truth is emerging: when coordinated, culturally aligned, maternal care starts early and stays consistent, birth outcomes for Black mothers and babies improve. Such are the findings of an initial evaluation report on local efforts to address Dane County’s longstanding racial birth disparities.

For the past eight years, the Dane County Health Council (DCHC) and the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) have led the Saving Our Babies Initiative—a groundbreaking cross-sector collaboration aimed at eliminating the Black low-infant birth weight crisis and to broadly improve Black maternal and child health. Together with ConnectRx Wisconsin (CRx), an innovative care coordination model launched in 2022, the work is demonstrating measurable gains.

To date, the ConnectRx program has conducted more than 18,500 screenings, generated 4,525 referrals to critical community resources, and supported 515 births—including 332 with doula care. Among participants, 94% of births reach optimal gestational age and 93% of babies are born at a healthy birth weight—outcomes that now exceed countywide averages. These outcomes provide one of the strongest early demonstrations that community-driven, coordinated care works.

Findings from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Reproductive Equity Action Lab—analyzing over 31,000 births between 2022-2024, including 350+ births among ConnectRx Wisconsin participants—confirm that the program is reaching families with the highest needs and driving measurable improvements in outcomes. Preliminary evaluation results also offer clear lessons about what is working:

• ConnectRx Wisconsin is reaching families with the highest need. On average, CRx participants navigate three or more major social challenges and are connected to multiple community resources to address needs like financial strain, housing instability, and food insecurity.
• Early connection and sustained participation change outcomes. Pregnant patients who enrolled in CRx in the first trimester saw significantly better outcomes; and preterm birth rates were cut by more than half compared to Black birthing people not enrolled in the program.
• Longer participation is linked to stronger outcomes: Findings also suggest that longer participation, 6-7 months or longer, is linked to stronger outcomes, reinforcing the importance of enrolling early and staying connected throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Findings also highlight ongoing needs and challenges:

• Need is outpacing capacity. As referrals increased, wait times for ConnectRx grew, especially in 2023, reinforcing the need to expand staffing capacity so families can enroll early enough to benefit fully from the program.
• This work is only beginning. Some findings are not yet statistically significant due to small sample sizes and relative infancy of the program. Generational change requires long-term commitment; clearer trends are expected as the program is sustained.
• Saving Our Babies and ConnectRx Wisconsin are one piece of the solution. Even with these strategies and solutions in place, broader inequities persist, underscoring the need to address systemic racism and structural barriers that shape birth outcomes.

Despite the challenges, partners point to a clear driver of progress: a model intentionally built on trust, access, representation, and the integration of both clinical and community care. ConnectRx Wisconsin recruits, trains, and supports doulas and Community Health Workers (CHWs) who reflect the lived experiences of the families they serve—many of whom are former participants. This culturally aligned workforce, working in tandem with clinical staff, is essential to rebuilding trust where systems have historically fallen short, strengthening engagement, and ensuring continuity of care.

“ConnectRx Wisconsin shows what is possible when healthcare systems and community partners work in true alignment,” said Eric Thornton, President of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, an anchor member organization of the Dane County Health Council. “By meeting families where they are and addressing the full range of needs impacting health, we are not only improving outcomes—we are restoring trust and dignity, and advancing equity in care.”

Together, these findings point to what must come next: expanding capacity so more families can enroll early, sustaining and investing in doulas and CHWs, and deepening partnerships between healthcare systems and community organizations. While the path forward is achievable, partners emphasize that scaling ConnectRx Wisconsin’s impact will require sustained, multi-year investment and philanthropic support to grow capacity, strengthen workforce infrastructure, and ensure early access – ultimately realizing the broader promise of the work.

“ConnectRx is one of Wisconsin’s most impactful efforts to undo longstanding birth disparities for Black mothers and babies — built by systems and community working as true partners,” said Lisa M. Peyton, CEO & President of the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. “The question is no longer if it works. It’s whether we will invest at the scale required to reach every family who needs it.”

For more information or to support the Initiative, please visit www.savingourbabieswi.org or contact Ariel Robbins: arobbins@uwhealth.org.

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About the Dane County Health Council:
The Dane County Health Council is a coalition of healthcare providers, government and nonprofits with a mission to eliminate gaps and barriers to optimal health and reduce disparities in health outcomes in Dane County. Council members include Access Community Health Centers, Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Madison Metropolitan School District, Public Health Madison & Dane County, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, United Way of Dane County, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and UW Health.

United Way of Dane County Announces 2026 Board of Directors

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Madison, WI (April 14, 2026) – United Way of Dane County has appointed 12 new board members to its 2026–2027 Board of Directors. The Board is made up of community leaders who guide United Way in their mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives.
“Our Board of Directors reflects the strength of Dane County with leaders who are deeply committed to sharing their time and expertise to mobilize the caring power of our community to help improve lives,” Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County, said. “Their leadership ensures we stay focused, accountable and responsive so that every donor dollar drives and multiplies impact where it’s needed most.”
We thank the following outgoing board members for their service:

• Bryan Chan, SupraNet Communications, Inc.
• Nicki Cooper, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
• Claiborne Hill, SEIU Wisconsin
• Dr. Silva Jackson, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, retired
• Barbara Harrington-McKinney, Community Leader
• Rachel Neill, Carex Consulting Group
• Dr. Corinda Rainey-Moore, UnityPoint Health–Meriter
• Adam Stevenson, UW-Madison Law School
• Peter Vogel, Vogel Bros. Building Co.

2026 United Way of Dane County Board of Directors
New members bolded, Executive Committee members denoted with *

• *Jeff Keebler, Chair, Madison Gas and Electric
• *Kim Sponem, Vice Chair, Summit Credit Union
• *Karen Timberlake, Secretary, Children’s Wisconsin
• *Robert Durian, Treasurer, Alliant Energy
• Diane Ballweg, Endres Manufacturing Company
• Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff’s Office
• Larry Barton, Strang
• *Deborah Biddle, The People Company
• Joe Celentano, NGL Insurance Company
• Chris Copeland, TruStage
• *Baltazar De Anda Santana, Dane County Department of Human Services
• Anna Englehart, Allen Media (WKOW)
• *Dave Florin, Hiebing
• Eve Galanter, Community Leader
• *Noel Gallagher, Laborers Local 464
• Dr. Joe Gothard, Madison Metropolitan School District
• Linda Ketcham, JustDane
• *Paul Kundert, UW Credit Union
• Sean LaBorde, M3 Insurance
• Chandra Lewis, Harambee Doula Care & Holistic Services
• Nick Meriggioli, Community Leader
• Sandy Morales, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
• Andry Negovani, By Youth For Youth Representative
• Ashley Quinto Powell, myVA Rocks
• Gisèle Sutherland, BMO Financial Group
• Bill Thousand, Clarity Technology Group LLC
• *Jeff Tubbs, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
• Jason Vangalis, Amazon
• Faleshuh Walker, Lashay The Artist
• Derek Wallace, County of Dane/AFSCME Local 720
• Jesi Wang, MetaStar, Inc.
• Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance
• *Jim Wheeler, Community Leader
• Cody White, Madison College
• Krissy Wick, Madison Public Library System
• *Jane F. (Ginger) Zimmerman, Murphy Desmond S.C.

 

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About United Way of Dane County
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

MMSD and United Way of Dane County to Transition from AmeriCorps Tutoring Programs, Continue Partnership to Support Students

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Madison, WI — Starting in the 2026–27 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District and United Way of Dane County are transitioning from their long-standing Elementary Schools of Hope and high school Achievement Connections tutoring programs, with student support continuing by other means.

The discontinuation of both programs is due to reduced federal support of AmeriCorps, the independent U.S. agency through which they are funded.

Across 28 years, literacy-focused Elementary Schools of Hope and math-centered Achievement Connections AmeriCorps members have connected nearly 23,000 community volunteers with more than 113,000 MMSD students, strengthening school-community relationships and improving student outcomes in the process. AmeriCorps members and volunteer tutors are trained on MMSD curriculum by district staff and provide individualized support to students.

“We are deeply grateful to United Way of Dane County, as well as the many volunteers who have supported our students through Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections,” said Cindy Green, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy And Innovation. “As our instructional practices have evolved, particularly in literacy, we are continuing to refi ne how tutoring is delivered to ensure it is closely aligned with what students are learning in the classroom and grounded in the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches.”

Moving forward, MMSD will continue to prioritize literacy tutoring, building on ongoing partnerships with the Morgridge Center for Public Service and other local organizations to strengthen programs that provide consistent, targeted support for students that remains closely aligned with MMSD practices. In addition to community-based partnerships, many schools will continue to offer tutoring through existing programs, school-based initiatives and volunteer efforts. The district will support schools as they adapt and expand tutoring models to ensure continuity for students.

“Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections show what’s possible when a community rallies around student success,” said Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to thousands of volunteers, dedicated educators and district leaders, students reached critical academic milestones, and we’ve built a partnership model that will continue to shape our work.”

United Way remains committed to supporting students and families across the learning continuum, from early childhood and family stability to out-of-school-time tutoring and
mentoring. Middle Schools of Hope, offered in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison, is not funded by AmeriCorps and will continue.

Districtwide, MMSD engages more than 5,000 volunteers each year, many of whom support literacy and student learning. Moving forward, volunteer tutoring will continue to play an important role with an emphasis on training, coordination and alignment with district instructional practices. To learn more about opportunities to tutor and otherwise get involved in improving student outcomes, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

About United Way of Dane County
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

United Way of Dane County Announces Line-up for 25th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert

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Madison, WI (February 9, 2026) – Bluegrass enthusiasts will celebrate community with live, local music on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 25th Annual United Way Bluegrass Benefit at the Barrymore Theatre. The show features bands of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. with support by Sugar Maple Music Festival, WORT-89.9 FM and Isthmus. Audrey Martinovich and Stephanie Benicek of Audio for the Arts provide sound and recording services.

“Whenever you meet a friend, or help a neighbor, or assist a stranger…you build a better community. Community and family well-being are what United Way is all about,” explains Dave Kinney, an Oscar Mayer retiree and bluegrass fan who founded the annual benefit concert with musician Bob Batyko. Kinney was a United Way Loaned Executive for 12 community fundraising campaigns and remains a dedicated donor and volunteer. Batyko is liaison to the bands and will again play with two acts at this year’s show.

The annual event began as a family-friendly, neighborly and inexpensive activity and has continued to offer bluegrass fans, families and United Way advocates that opportunity. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and a maximum of $20 per family. Kids under age 5 are admitted for free.

The musical groups donating their talents on February 15 include:
1:00 pm Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
2:00 pm SpareTime Bluegrass Band
2:45 pm David Landau, “The King of Kids Music”
3:15 pm They Talk TOO Much with the Silent Partners
4:00 pm Soggy Prairie

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137. On-site, day of interview requests, please contact Kristi Shepard, Supervisory Director, Foundation & Gift Planning, United Way of Dane County at (608) 630-7815

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About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

 

United Way of Dane County Celebrates the 2025 Community Campaign

United Way’s Community Campaign, strengthened by donors and the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation commitment, is on track to reach its $17.5 million goal.

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Madison, WI (November 20, 2025) – United Way of Dane County celebrated the community’s generosity at the 2025 Community Celebration held Wednesday at Monona Terrace. More than 550 community members, representing businesses, nonprofits, volunteers and donors from across Dane County, gathered to honor the efforts of more than 13,000 individual donors and nearly 500 workplace partners.

This year’s campaign was energized by a historic 10-year, $10–$15 million commitment from the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation — the largest multi-year philanthropic commitment in United Way of Dane County’s history. The gift ensures that 100% of undesignated individual donations directly address the greatest needs in the community in the areas of youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resilience.

“This celebration is our chance to pause and recognize all the people, partners and businesses who care deeply about this community — and to thank them for the good they make possible,” said Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County.

This focus on community support comes during a year of significant nonprofit funding changes. When FoodShare benefits were delayed nationwide earlier this month, roughly 65,000 Dane County residents faced immediate food insecurity, and calls to United Way 211 surged by 147%.

“Even as demand for services increases and changes, Dane County continues to demonstrate extraordinary caring, innovation and resilience,” Moe said. “I see people stepping up. Businesses rallying behind their employees and their community involvement. Volunteers giving their time. Donors giving according to their means. That’s who we are. That’s what it means to be united in community.”

Thanks to the leadership of Kim Sponem, President and CEO of Summit Credit Union and 2025 Campaign Chair, along with the dedication of United Way’s volunteers and donors, $9.5 million has been raised toward the $17.5 million campaign goal. The campaign remains on track to achieve its goal, as workplace campaigns and individual end-of-year giving continue throughout the year.

“Over the past year as the 2025 Campaign Chair, I’ve heard many people’s stories about why they give to United Way,” Sponem said. “Within these stories is an underlying fact, life is hard in a lot of ways for a lot of people. We don’t always know what our neighbors are going through.”

Sponem shared the powerful story of a mother and seven-year-old daughter living in their car, struggling to maintain stability while ensuring the child gets to school each day — a reality for too many local families. “7.4% of children in Dane County are living in poverty, and more than 2,200 kids are homeless,” Sponem said. “Together with United Way, we can prevent homelessness and its negative ripple effects. We want to spread the message that everyone has the power to create change and that United Way is a pathway to making a lasting impact. Thanks to United Way’s effective community mobilization, every dollar you give is multiplied sixfold to maximize positive change. We encourage you to continue giving, and to invite others to join you, so our collective efforts can transform Dane County.”

The celebration recognized the vital contributions of nonprofit agency partners, workplace campaign partners, volunteers, donors and sponsors.

“Our agency partners are the heartbeat of this work, transforming dollars into impact, programs into hope and ideas into change,” Moe said. Our workplace campaign partners build cultures of giving and leadership that ripple far beyond workplace walls,” Renee said. ”As we look ahead, we know the road will continue to twist and turn. But what gives me hope is that we are not walking alone – we’re walking together — as partners, as neighbors, as a community that refuses to give up on one another. We’ll keep working side by side to build a Dane County where every child, every family, every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

The campaign continues through December 31. Community members interested in supporting United Way of Dane County or increasing their pledge to maximize tax benefits can visit unitedwaydanecounty.org.

United Way of Dane County is grateful to all who were able and willing to donate their time and dollars in 2025. Your gift, no matter the size, builds a future where everyone can thrive.

Companies who contributed to the United Way Community Campaign through corporate gifts, employee giving and special events:

$1,000,000+
American Family Insurance

$500,000+
Henry J. Predolin Foundation, Inc.
Partners in Giving: State of Wisconsin, UW-Madison and UW Health Employee Combined Campaign
Roots & Wings Foundation
TruStage

$250,000+
Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP
Christensen Associates
Exact Sciences
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
Madison Gas and Electric
Sub-Zero Group Inc.
UW Credit Union
Zimbrick, Inc.

$100,000+
Alliant Energy
Bankers’ Bank
BMO
First Business Bank
Hooper Corporation
Hy Cite Enterprises, LLC
M3 Insurance
National Guardian Life Insurance Company
Siemer Institute for Family Stability
Summit Credit Union
TASC
Vogel Bros. Building Co.
West Bend Insurance Company
WPS

2025 Community Celebration Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: American Family Insurance; Community Sponsors: Summit Credit Union, Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric and UW Credit Union; Partner Sponsors: BMO, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Hiebing; Media Sponsors, WKOW; and Table Sponsors: Ascendium Education Group, Cummins, First Business Bank, IFF, McClone Insurance, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, TruStage.

Campaign Partner Sponsor:
A donation from longtime supporters Dan and Patti Rashke and their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation acts as a powerful catalyst – amplifying the impact of your generosity. Every penny of your individual and undesignated gift goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer.

A full list of award recipients, honorable mentions, additional volunteer recognitions and sponsors, is included in the 2025 Community Celebration Program:

Accelerating Impact Award: Hooper Corporation, TruStage, Vogel Bros. Building Co., Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., Catalent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Recognizing companies who have grown their financial impact over the last three years the largest (% increase in dollars), helping to accelerate positive change in our community.

The Power of Many Award: Bergstrom Automotive, Buttonwood Partners, MIG Commercial Real Estate. Recognizing companies who are engaging more people in supporting our community through workplace campaign best and growing employee participation.

Innovation Award: Godfrey & Kahn, SC, Truity Partners, LLC. Recognizing companies who are committed to raising awareness and resources through new and creative strategies.

Advocate in Action Award: Access Community Health Centers Staff; Raj Ravi, Hooper Corporation and Maggie Waid, RISE Wisconsin, Inc. Recognizing campaign volunteers who are passionate about giving back, enthusiastic about engaging others in learning about our community and inspiring everyone to give, advocate and volunteer.

Collaboration Award: UW Health and Quartz for HealthConnect. United Way partners who serve our community and facilitate collaborative action leading to meaningful change. This year recognizing the impact of the HealthConnect health insurance premium assistance program.

Leading the Way Award: M3 Insurance, Summit Credit Union. Recognizing corporate partners who create opportunities for employees to lead through their philanthropy with United Way’s donor networks (Tocqueville Society, Lead United, Women United and LINC for Young Professionals).

To learn more, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org. For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137.

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About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

 

United Way of Dane County Hosts “Community Celebration” – Recognizing the Many Partners Who Make the Community Campaign Successful

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Madison, WI (November 17, 2025) – On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, United Way of Dane County will host its Community Celebration event at Monona Terrace from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

We invite our media partners to join us as we celebrate the results of the 2025 Community Campaign. Nonprofit partners, corporate and business supporters, donors and volunteers will come together to recognize the important work accomplished through our collective impact.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 19 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

WHERE: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center | 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI

WHY: United Way of Dane County’s work is made possible through the collaboration of our many partners and the generosity of our community. This celebration serves as an expression of gratitude and a reflection of our shared commitment to strengthening family well-being across Dane County in 2026 and beyond.

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
• Community leaders networking
• Program sharing the results of the 2025 Community Campaign
• Interviews with:
   • Kim Sponem, President/CEO Summit Credit Union and 2025 United Way Campaign Chair
   • Renee Moe, President & CEO United Way of Dane County

We will be taking in-person media interviews between 11:30 am-Noon.

To learn more, visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org. For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137.

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About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.