Pres. Obama to visit Milwaukee on March 3rd in wake of "Healthy Communities Challenge"

MILWAUKEE -- FOX6 News has learned President Barack Obama will visit Milwaukee on March 3rd in the wake of the city winning the "White House Healthy Communities Challenge."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement about the president's visit:

On Friday, February 12th the city, county, state and national leaders, along with healthcare advocates gathered around a speaker phone as the White House made the announcement. The call was the from the president's Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough.

A news release issued by the White House said under the leadership of Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele, about 38,000 people in the Milwaukee area newly selected a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace during this open enrollment period.

Chicago, Ill.; Atlanta, Ga.; Detroit, Mich. and Oakland, Calif. rounded out the top five for the Challenge. As the victorious community, Milwaukee receives bragging rights, a healthier community, and a visit from President Obama to celebrate their success in helping ensure Americans have health coverage.