Marathon County Announces Appointment of New Public Health Coordinator for Homelessness Response

Monday, March 23rd, 2026 -- 8:00 AM

Marathon County is pleased to announce the appointment of Meagan Barnett as the County’s new Public Health Coordinator for Homelessness Response, effective March 16, 2026.

This newly created position was approved as part of the 2026 Marathon County budget and was largely driven by the work of the City of Wausau and Marathon County Homelessness Task Force.

As a member of the Marathon County Health Department’s Community Health Improvement Team, Barnett will lead the County’s effort to improve the community’s homelessness response system.

Her work will focus on strengthening partnerships, improving information sharing and service navigation, and supporting development of a long-term strategic plan to address homelessness.

Barnett brings 10 years of experience in public health, with expertise in rural public health and community-led change initiatives. She has a strong background in convening partners, identifying system gaps, and developing shared performance measures, skills that will support the County’s goal of building a more connective and effective response.

“Meagan brings not only deep experience working alongside community partners, but also a genuine passion for building solutions that address the root causes of homelessness,” states Caitlin Suginaka, Marathon County Health Officer.

“Her collaborative approach will strengthen our systemic, community-wide response. We’re excited about the leadership and energy she brings to this critical work and the positive impact she will have across our community.”

Prior to joining Marathon County, Barnett served as a Community Health Manager with Sanford Health, Marshfield Clinic Region, where she established substance use services throughout an 11-hospital rural health care system.

(Photo courtesy of Marathon County via press release)

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