Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has declared September as Suicide Prevention Month to address mental health issues. This declaration highlights the region's dedication to mental health, with Crowley emphasizing the importance of expanding programs to promote racial equity and a healthy Wisconsin community, as per the Milwaukee County Executive Office.
The initiative centers on the No Wrong Door Model, ensuring that anyone contacting the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) receives support, regardless of how they enter the system. Since its implementation in 2020, this model has improved service accessibility and effectiveness. The Mental Health Emergency Center in the King Park area, which has been operating successfully for over a year, has assisted more than 7,000 individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
Crowley's drive for a supportive community infrastructure extends to deploying mental health navigators. These professionals diligently guide residents through both mental health challenges and substance use disorder crises. Likewise, the Milwaukee County 24-Hour Crisis Line offers round-the-clock aid from experienced mental health professionals, reinforcing the county's safety net for those in immediate need, obtainable by dialing 414-257-7222.
The transformation led by Crowley extends beyond immediate intervention, involving a decade-long restructuring of behavioral health services. Key developments, such as the Granite Hills Hospital in West Allis and the shift to localized community partnerships, have made care more accessible and integrated within communities with greater needs.
Milwaukee County's pursuit of a more equitable health environment, which also aims to reduce the stigma around mental health, is driven by ongoing investments and collaborations. Crowley believes these strategies are essential to ensuring residents have access to the care they need.
