The new Southwest Suburban Health Department is set to merge the Greenfield Health Department and West Allis Health Department, resulting in a more efficient and comprehensive public health services for the communities of West Allis and Greenfield. The merger was announced in a press release on Wednesday, March 27, with both cities’ common councils approving it.
The Southwest Suburban Health Department will be supported by an intergovernmental agreement for a five-year term, with a joint board of health overseeing its operations. Funding for the new department will come from both cities as well as state health grants. This collaboration between West Allis and Greenfield has a history of working well together, as both cities have a mutual approach to serving their communities.
Mayor Dan Devine of West Allis expressed his support for the merger, stating that the creation of the Southwest Suburban Health Department will allow for a more strategic and effective way of meeting the needs of the public. Similarly, Mayor Michael Neitzke of Greenfield believes that the unification of the two public health departments will enable a more streamlined and focused delivery of community and environmental health services to all residents they serve. This merger represents a positive step forward in enhancing public health services for the communities of West Allis and Greenfield.