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5 Critical Ways Outagamie County Public Health Is Transforming Community Wellness In 2025

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The landscape of public health is constantly evolving, and as of today, December 22, 2025, Outagamie County Public Health (OCPH) stands at the forefront of several critical, community-shaping initiatives. Beyond routine services, the department has recently pivoted its focus to address urgent infectious disease outbreaks and implement groundbreaking, technology-driven solutions for substance abuse and chronic health disparities. This deep dive reveals the most current, unique, and impactful programs OCPH is leading right now.

The core mission of OCPH, operating under the Health & Human Services Department, is to protect and promote the health of residents across the county, including the major city of Appleton. The strategies outlined in their comprehensive 2024 Annual Report and the ongoing 2023–2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) demonstrate a commitment to addressing the root causes of poor health, known as the social determinants of health, through collaboration with partners like the Tri-County Health Coalition and local law enforcement agencies.

OCPH Leadership and Key Personnel Profile

The success of Outagamie County Public Health initiatives is driven by a dedicated team of professionals with diverse expertise, ensuring a multi-faceted approach to community well-being. The current leadership structure reflects a strong commitment to both environmental and clinical public health standards.

  • Natalie Vandeveld, MS, REHSt, WI RS: Public Health Officer/Manager. Ms. Vandeveld is the key leader guiding the department's strategic direction, including the implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). She is actively involved in regional efforts, including the Be Well Fox Valley initiative, focusing on improving health outcomes across the Fox Valley area.
  • Lilly Wegner: Public Health Nursing Supervisor. Oversees the clinical and direct patient care services, including immunization clinics, disease investigation, and maternal and child health programs.
  • Sydney Garavalia, REHS: Environmental Health Sanitarian Supervisor. Manages programs related to food safety, water quality, lead poisoning prevention, and other environmental factors that impact public health.
  • Beth Scheelk, MPH, RD, CD: WIC Supervisor. Leads the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, a vital service providing nutrition education and healthy food access to low-income families in the county.

The 2023–2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP): Core Priorities

Outagamie County Public Health, as a PHAB-accredited health department, develops its CHIP based on extensive data from the Community Health Assessment (CHA). The 2023–2025 plan focuses on two critical, interconnected areas that significantly impact the quality of life for county residents.

1. Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

Mental health remains a top priority, reflecting a nationwide trend of increasing need for support services. The OCPH strategy is not just about treatment but about prevention and destigmatization.

  • Focus on Prevention: Initiatives target youth mental health, aiming to build resilience and coping mechanisms early on.
  • Increased Access: The department works with local providers to expand the availability of mental health and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) services, collaborating with the broader Health & Human Services Department.
  • Community Education: Promoting Mental Health First Aid training and other educational resources to empower community members to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

2. Improving Access to Care

Ensuring that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or location within Outagamie County, can access essential healthcare services is a fundamental goal. This priority encompasses more than just medical care; it includes dental, behavioral, and preventive health services.

  • Tri-County Collaboration: Working closely with neighboring Calumet County and Winnebago County through the Tri-County Health Coalition to coordinate resources and reduce duplication of services across the region.
  • Resource Navigation: Assisting residents in enrolling in programs like BadgerCare Plus, SeniorCare, and the Katie Beckett Program to secure health coverage.
  • Transportation Solutions: Addressing the logistical barriers to care, particularly for residents in rural areas of the county.

Groundbreaking Initiatives and Urgent Health Responses

The department's commitment to innovation and rapid response is evident in two major recent developments: a novel approach to the opioid crisis and a swift reaction to a re-emerging infectious disease threat.

The Public Health Vending Machine: A New Weapon Against Overdose

In a major development in March 2024, Outagamie County Public Health, in partnership with the Grand Chute Police Department, unveiled a revolutionary tool: the first Public Health Vending Machine in the Tri-County area.

This initiative is a direct, tangible application of funds received from the state’s opioid settlement. The machine is designed to provide life-saving resources anonymously and free of charge, addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic that continues to devastate communities across Wisconsin. The machine dispenses critical supplies, including:

  • Naloxone (Narcan): The overdose-reversing medication, making it accessible 24/7.
  • Fentanyl Test Strips: Tools to help drug users prevent accidental overdose.
  • Other Harm Reduction Supplies: Resources to promote safer practices and connect individuals with treatment options.

Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson noted that while officers are equipped with Narcan, the vending machine expands the availability of this life-saving drug to the community at large, moving beyond traditional law enforcement responses.

The Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Surge Alert

In late 2024, OCPH issued a significant public health warning following a concerning surge in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough. This outbreak marked the first cluster of cases in nearly four years, with a reported spike of seven to eight confirmed cases since August.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease, particularly dangerous for infants and young children. The OCPH response has been swift and multi-pronged:

  • Public Alerts: Issuing warnings to residents in Appleton and surrounding areas to increase awareness of symptoms.
  • Immunization Push: Urging parents to ensure children are up-to-date on the DTaP vaccine and recommending the Tdap booster for adolescents and adults, especially pregnant women (to protect newborns).
  • Disease Surveillance: Intensified monitoring and contact tracing to contain the spread within schools and community settings.

The recent increase in whooping cough cases underscores the vital role of the Public Health Nursing division in controlling communicable diseases and highlights the ongoing need for high vaccination rates to maintain herd immunity within Outagamie County.

Future Outlook and Continued Focus

As Outagamie County Public Health moves further into 2025, the department will continue to leverage local data and best practices to protect the community. The focus remains on strategic collaboration and addressing health equity. Through programs like the WIC Program, environmental health inspections, and continued oversight of infectious disease threats, OCPH is laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future for all residents in the Fox Valley region.

The commitment to the 2023–2025 CHIP—with its emphasis on Mental Health and Access to Care—alongside innovative harm reduction strategies like the Public Health Vending Machine, positions Outagamie County as a leader in proactive, modern public health governance. Residents are encouraged to view the 2024 Annual Report for a detailed breakdown of departmental achievements and financial stewardship.

outagamie county public health
outagamie county public health

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