The Milwaukee Health Department is celebrating 150 years with plans to develop the city's first community-driven health improvement plan.

\"We have a glimpse into our future,\" said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. \"At a time where there is division, there can be, nowhere, more important than to look at what public health has done in the last 150 years.\" 

A display at the Milwaukee City Hall lobby traces MHD's pioneering role in public health and  the impact of its current work.

Mayor Tom Barrett and Council President Ashanti Hamilton joined the commissioner.

But there were other special guests who received special recognition.

There was 4-week-old Rayina and her family who are supported by one of the MHD's award-wining home visiting program.

Also getting special recognition was Zelma Schloss, a volunteer with the Department for 50 years and  Chef Caitlin Cullen, who recently opened a new restaurant with support from the MHD's Consumer Environmental Health Division.

 MHD will celebrate its anniversary throughout the year with community outreach to highlight its work.