Wisconsin has long been recognized as an innovator in providing programs and services to meet the changing needs of older people. To build on that tradition, the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) – a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – was launched in 2010 to help the state’s citizens live healthier lives through evidence-based prevention programs.

With federal and state funding, along with university and community partners, WIHA’s mission is to assure that 1) evidence-based prevention programs already in place are maintained, and 2) other promising prevention practices are tested and, when proven effective, promoted to serve the growing population of seniors in the state.

WIHA currently houses and administers three successful evidence-based prevention programs — Living Well, a chronic disease self-management workshop; Tomando, a Spanish-language chronic disease self-management workshop; and Stepping On, a falls prevention workshop. We maintain the existing registry of Master Trainers and Leaders for these programs, monitor classes for quality and fidelity, and collect data about program outcomes. In addition, we support Sure Step, a one-on-one meeting that provides in-home support and information to older people at risk of falling.  WIHA’s core functions include:

• Developing products and services to support healthy aging through evidence-based practices
• Serving as a focal point for education and training on evidence-based programs
• Marketing and promoting evidence-based practices
• Advocating for and helping shape public policy and funding decisions related to healthy aging