Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Awarding the 15th Annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award to Lisa Peyton-Caire.
Body
WHEREAS, the Madison Common Council created the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award in memory of Jeffrey Erlanger's great contributions to the City of Madison; and
WHEREAS, the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award Committee has selected Lisa Peyton-Caire, an individual who exemplifies the values that are fundamental to this award and were so admirably demonstrated by Jeff Erlanger during his lifetime, as recipient of the 2021 award; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, Lisa founded, and currently serves as, the CEO & President of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, whose mission is to, “Energize, mobilize and support Black Women to transform their health and their lives through education, advocacy, support, and powerful partnerships;” and
WHEREAS, Lisa’s work as a passionate advocate for women’s health was driven by her mother’s death from heart disease at the age 64 in 2006. Following this life-changing event, Lisa established Black Women’s Wellness Day, an annual summit that empowers women and girls to sustain healthy, wellness-centered lives; and
WHEREAS, the Foundation is an outgrowth and progression of Black Women’s Wellness Day and has mobilized a movement in the greater Madison community and across Wisconsin to intentionally address and improve Black women’s health; and
WHEREAS, Lisa's service to community has been extensive. She previously served on the Board of Unity Point-Meriter Health, the Center for Resilient Cities, and A Fund for Women. She presently serves on the UW Population Health Institute Advisory Board and on the Governor’s Health Equity Council. Through this work she is able to influence proposed policies addressing maternal and child health disparities; and
WHEREAS, Lisa serves as a consultant to the Dane County Health Council, whose mission is to eliminate disparities in low birthweight births between African American and white women in Dane County; and
WHEREAS, through her work on the Governor’s Health Equity Council, she and her council colleagues are charged with creating a comprehensive plan to achieve long-lasting and equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites; and
WHEREAS, Lisa exemplifies the spirit of the Erlanger Award - in her positive contributions to our community and its residents, her leadership in public advocacy, and her dedication to treating people with civility, respect and dignity.
WHEREAS, Lisa’s advocacy for equitable birth outcomes crosses political aisles. She focuses on constructive civil debate to engage representatives from all political parties and her efforts, alongside partners, have resulted in an extension of the length of time postpartum healthcare is covered by BadgerCare from 60 days to 90 days after birth, beginning in 2022. In addition, Lisa and colleagues have testified before the state legislature in support of a bipartisan bill that aligns with national best practices to extend coverage to 12 months.
WHEREAS, Lisa’s tireless efforts make Madison - and Wisconsin - a better place to live. Her demonstrated impact, bravery, humility, and energy make Lisa a perfect fit for the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Lisa Peyton-Caire has been chosen to receive the 15th Annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and the Common Council of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, congratulate and thank Lisa for all she has done, and continues to do, for our Madison community.