Governor Evers Declares 2023 The Year of Mental Health in Wisconsin

On January 24, 2023, Governor Tony Evers delivered his State of the State address, during which he declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health. Furthermore, he described mental health in the state as a burgeoning crisis and asked the legislature to approve $270 million in the Kids Get Ahead program. He also asked the legislature for another $267 million for mental and behavioral health services in Wisconsin.

Kids Get Ahead

During his address, he said that over 10% of Wisconsin students feel sad daily and cannot complete their homework at school or home. Therefore, he asked the state to fund Kids Get Ahead, designed to get more mental health services into the schools.

Veterans Mental Health

During his speech, he also celebrated the improvements in veterans’ mental health across the state. Among the progress he cited was following many of the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission, including improving job training, public transit, and more health care of all types for rural veterans.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline

After saying that the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, which opened in July 2022, received 6,000 calls in its first month of operation, Governor Evers announced further funding for this phone number designed to provide a phone number that people can call whenever they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. Wisconsin residents can dial 988 on their phones to reach the hotline.

While we are very thankful for the improvements being made statewide, individuals must still complete the first step. Therefore, if you think you need mental health help or your child does, we encourage you to call American Behavioral Clinics today. We have professionals readily available to help get you or your child on the right treatment plan so that you can enjoy better mental health in 2023 and celebrate your victories at the year’s end!