Statement from DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson on Senate Bill 462

“Addressing the lack of treatment options for Wisconsinites experiencing a mental health crisis has been one of our agency’s top priorities. Far too many people who are in crisis are brought to an emergency room with a long wait time and transferred to a mental health facility while in law enforcement custody, which can exacerbate a crisis. The mental health facilities are often far from their home and loved ones.

SB 462 provides a significant and meaningful step in creating needed infrastructure to address these issues. Under the bill, DHS would be required to establish a certification process for crisis urgent care and observation facilities. These centers would provide both voluntary and emergency detention crisis services to youth and adults in a calm, home-like environment on a 24/7 basis. Services would include assessments for physical health, substance use, mental health crisis including suicidality and would provide stabilization services to people who are appropriate for this care setting. These centers would offer a first responder drop-off area as well as accept people walking in to receive services.

This solution comes after years of dialogue and collaboration with our partners across the state and members of the legislature. We are eager to continue working with the legislature on this critical piece of legislation.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.