MADISON – Today, Governor Evers announced another of his 2021-23 biennial budget priorities, focused on critical mental health services. The governor’s proposal includes funding for regional emergency detention centers. Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) released the following statement on the governor’s proposal: 

“Currently, Wisconsin’s emergency detention process is inefficient and insensitive to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.  The implementation of regional crisis centers would help those who require emergency mental health care to receive it in a safe and timely fashion without transporting them several hours away to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh.

This change would reduce strain on local law enforcement, including the Madison Police Department, who currently spend hours on the road to Oshkosh and back for each emergency detention.  It would allow officers to stay in the community focused on public safety and could reduce costs borne by local taxpayers.  

Implementing a regional approach to emergency detention provides a more compassionate approach for those experiencing a mental health emergency while addressing the statewide strain on law enforcement agency resources. The regional approach to this issue is a win-win for Wisconsin and our local communities.”

The governor’s plan includes:

Reforming Crisis Intervention & Emergency Detention- More than $25 million over the biennium 

• Provide funding to support the multiple Regional Crisis Centers that would provide crisis urgent care; 
• Funding to support multiple Regional Crisis Stabilization Facilities to support a community-based treatment approach that aims to reduce the need for future intensive care;
• Increasing funding for the Crisis Intervention Training Grant program to provide enhanced training for law enforcement regarding situations involving mental health crises;
• Funding to support additional staff for county and peer-run respite center crisis phone lines;
• Providing funding to support a new Emergency Response Collaboration Grant to establish collaboration programs between local law enforcement and behavioral healthcare providers to simultaneously respond to 911 calls;
• Funding to support Milwaukee County Crisis Mobile and Trauma Response Teams to support a expand response to behavioral health crisis without law enforcement; and
• Funding to support a Behavioral Health Bed Tracker to provide “real-time” in-patient, peer respite, and crisis stabilization capacity and bed availability to reduce logistical challenges and improve the medical clearance process. 

 Rep. Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as vice-chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.

###