New Nonprofit Aims to Make Northwest Wisconsin Residents Healthier Chippewa

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New Nonprofit Aims to Make Northwest Wisconsin Residents Healthier Chippewa
Northwest Wisconsin is taking a major step toward improving long‑term community health. TrueWellness, a new community‑based nonprofit, headquartered in the Chippewa Valley, is launching a regional initiative to transform the environments where residents live, work, learn and play. The goal is simple, to make it easier for everyone to choose healthier habits every day.
 
TrueWellness, established in April 2025, was created to address the root causes of chronic disease across Northwest Wisconsin. Through partnerships with local leaders, public health experts, and evidence‑based initiatives, the nonprofit is laying the groundwork for a healthier future for all ages.
 
To amplify this mission, TrueWellness has partnered with Blue Zones, an internationally recognized organization known for helping communities increase longevity, reduce chronic disease, and improve well‑being. Together, these two organizations will assess five local communities: Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Rice Lake and River Falls. These assessments will work to understand strengths, challenges, and opportunities unique to each area.
 
That work starts now.

“At TrueWellness, our mission is to build health and wellness into the flow of community life. Blue Zones gives us a proven approach to do exactly that. We’ll dig into what makes our region unique, understand what's working and what’s not, and co-create solutions with our communities. Real change happens when we design strategies together that actually fit people’s lives.”
 
— Natasha Ward, Executive Director, TrueWellness

However,the work will not stay within these community boundaries. TrueWellness will support community health and wellness across the region.

What Residents Can Expect From TrueWellness
 
Personal Health Insights & Chronic Disease Database Development: Community health screenings may be offered to help establish meaningful insights for personal wellness for each resident and a clearer picture of chronic disease trends across the region.
 
Keynote Speakers & Educational Events: Public learning sessions will introduce research‑based strategies for improving health and well‑being, featuring local experts and Blue Zones insights.
 
Supportive Tools for Healthy Living: A TrueWellness website that will include resources, program updates, community involvement opportunities, and tools to support healthier lifestyle habits.

 
Community-Driven Solutions


Residents will have opportunities to share their experiences and help shape programs, ensuring that wellness efforts reflect local needs and priorities.


What’s next?
 
Assessments across all five communities will begin immediately, with regular updates shared as the process unfolds. The Blue Zones team will speak with residents, visit workplaces, schools, parks, and downtown areas, and review the everyday environments that influence health. Together with TrueWellness and local leaders, they will build a custom plan shaped around the real needs of Northwest Wisconsin.
 
The public is invited to attend a free keynote event in their community and hear directly from the Blue Zones team.

“Improvement at the community level leads to healthier and happier residents, more productive workforces, and a more vibrant economy,”
— Ben Leedle, CEO, Blue Zones

This is just the beginning. Learn more at truewellness.org.

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