What to know
The Wisconsin Tracking Program helps local health departments tackle environmental health issues by hosting a cutting-edge data portal; developing and disseminating County Environmental Health Profiles; creating educational resources; and offering technical assistance in epidemiology, communications, and evaluation.
Quick Stats
In Wisconsin, four in ten households rely on private wells for their drinking water.
Carbon monoxide poisoning became a reportable acute condition in 2018. An improved surveillance system is now in place.
One in four Wisconsin homes were built before 1950. This is a key risk factor for childhood lead poisoning.
Wisconsin is among the 14 states that account for 95% of all Lyme disease cases.
Unique Data
All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. Wisconsin's unique data include the following.
Accomplishments
Communicating Clearly About Air Quality
In June 2023, Wisconsin faced its worst air quality ever due to wildfire smoke. State agencies realized their communication efforts were scattered and inconsistent. In response, the Wisconsin Tracking Program and Climate and Health Program partnered with other agencies to form an interagency communications group. Together, they created unified communication, updated websites, and developed social media posts and educational materials using clear messaging for air quality guidance.
The group now meets regularly and provides consistent statewide messaging during air quality events. Since August 2023, their coordinated responses continue to give residents advance notice of poor air quality, helping residents prepare and stay safe.
Milestones
2002: Wisconsin Tracking Program established with CDC funding
2003-2006: Worked with CDC and other recipient tracking programs to establish nationally consistent data and measures
2007: Launched the first version of the WI Tracking site
2008: Published Wisconsin's first County Environmental Health Profiles
2011: Worked with local and academic partners to develop a prototype for the Wisconsin Private Well Water Viewer
2015: Launched new WI Tracking site with sub-county data; released a statewide carbon monoxide poisoning alert system; started to fund annual mini-grants for communities to conduct local environmental health projects
2018: Worked with partners to make carbon monoxide poisoning a reportable acute condition in the state
2019: Launched the first municipal-level topic on Wisconsin Tracking site: alcohol outlet density