Through this initiative, we’re granting $1 million to 10 Milwaukee nonprofits addressing the major social determinants of health to drive meaningful and measurable change in our city.

Milwaukee is a city filled with a rich history, vibrant culture and a community atmosphere that other cities across the country have come to envy. From sports to a vibrant festival scene, to a growing health technology hub, it is a place that can offer opportunities for everyone in our community to realize their full potential.

Yet, significant challenges persist for many in our community. Far too many Milwaukeeans lack access to basic needs like healthy food, affordable housing, quality education, healthcare and safe places to play that would provide the foundation to thrive.

Access to basic needs like these plays a critical role in determining which members of our community can live a healthy life. Food, shelter, clothing, access to education and more are known as “social determinants of health” because they have a determining influence on a person’s health and well-being. Put simply, your zip code can make more of an impact on your health than your genetic code.

Many Milwaukeeans face challenges based on where they live

Sometimes, a person’s ability to access these basic needs is like hurdles on a track. We’re all running the same race, but people face persistent hurdles simply because of where they live or how much money they have. Without help addressing these hurdles, people continue to fall further behind.

In Milwaukee, we see this play out in many ways. Our most diverse neighborhoods have some of the highest rates of heart disease, infant mortality, lung cancer, poverty, food deserts – plus the lowest homeownership rates and household incomes in the country.

Addressing these challenges is no small task, and one that dedicated community leaders, nonprofits and organizations have worked to improve for decades. Changes like this take time, and it takes all of us — businesses, government officials, nonprofits and community members alike — to work together to improve the lives of our fellow Milwaukeeans. If we can do this, we have an opportunity to create meaningful change in our community.

At GE HealthCare our dedicated colleagues are committed to creating innovative solutions to help clinicians improve the lives of patients locally, and around the world, by breaking down barriers to care. At the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, we’re motivated by the memory of Charles Antetokounmpo, our namesake, who taught us that we must help one another to realize our dreams. Our family loves this city that we now call home, and this community that has embraced us over the last 10 years.

We’re teaming up to address barriers so many face in Milwaukee

As long-standing members of this community, who have a shared interest in making a positive impact for others, we came to the same conclusion: We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to do more to address the barriers that so many people in Milwaukee face.

We’re excited to announce that GE HealthCare, the GE HealthCare Foundation and the CAFF are teaming up to launch an initiative called Powering Milwaukee Forward, that aims to tackle persistent challenges around lack of access to basic needs. Through this initiative, we’re granting $1 million to 10 Milwaukee nonprofits addressing the major social determinants of health to drive meaningful and measurable change in our city.

We come to this work with a great deal of humility and respect for those who have done this work for decades. We recognize that we don’t have all the answers, and we understand we have a lot to learn from the community about what’s needed and the best way to get us there.

What we do have is a team-first mentality, a strong commitment to listening and responding to community voices, and a deep resolve to make things better for everyone who lives in Milwaukee.

We know we can’t do this alone. We love this city. This is our home. And we know it’s yours, too. We’re eager to get started, and we hope you’ll join us. To make Milwaukee a place where everyone has the opportunities they need to thrive and live a healthy life.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Peter Arduini is the CEO of GE HealthCare.