Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address on his Interagency Council on Mental Health Announcement

Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.

Last year, I declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health in Wisconsin.

And I was proud to sign a biennial budget that made key investments addressing our state’s mental health crisis, including $30 million for school-based mental health services, $10 million to establish two crisis urgent care and observation centers, and $200,000 for DATCP’s farmer mental health assistance program.

And thanks in large part due to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, we are also proud to announce nearly $17 million in federal funding to support operations of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

But I’ll tell you, one year later, as governor and as a grandfather, my concerns have not changed.

According to the last report from the Office of Children’s Mental Health, kids continue to report highly concerning levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts—especially among girls, kids of color, and LGBTQ youth. 

And one in six kids experienced a serious episode of depression in 2023—it used to be one in seven.  

My administration and I are not going to let up on our work on this issue in 2024. 

We’re going to double our efforts and take a whole-of-government approach.
 

That’s why, in my 2024 State of the State Address, I announced that we’re creating an Interagency Council on Mental Health that will bring state agencies together to reduce barriers and address gaps in mental health services statewide.

This council will work to develop a statewide Mental Health Action Plan to address the root causes of our mental health crisis, increase awareness and reduce stigma, and build capacity for us to expand access to mental health services statewide.  

Our state’s mental health challenges are significant.   

Let’s do more—and urgently—to make a difference on this issue in 2024. 

We just have to. 

Thank you so much, and take care.