Confronting the Mental Health Crisis in Milwaukee with Accessible Care by Ascension Wisconsin

Mental Health Crisis in Milwaukee

A growing mental health crisis is impacting the Milwaukee area, and Ascension Wisconsin is at the forefront of addressing this urgent need. One local individual, Brian Brawner, shared his journey toward achieving a healthy state despite battling depression. He explained, “I just got tired of feeling like everybody else must have got a different playbook in life, and that they were having an easy time.” Brawner credits the dedicated care provided by Ascension Columbia St. Mary's behavioral health team with transforming his experience.

Accessible Care for All

According to Brawner, the support has extended beyond medication alone: “It has been wonderful... it goes far beyond just managing a mental illness with medications.” Patrick Schultz, Brawner’s counselor, emphasizes ensuring that all Milwaukeeans can access quality care: “We really strive to make care accessible to everyone.” Recently, the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership identified mental health as the top issue in Milwaukee County, highlighting the urgent need for accessible treatment.

• One in four adults in Milwaukee are affected by mental health issues.
• Ascension Wisconsin takes a proactive approach to address treatment costs.
• They are among the few in the area accepting both Medicare and Medicaid for day treatment services.

Through these efforts, Ascension Wisconsin is not just addressing the mental health crisis; they are creating an environment that encourages individuals to seek help and voice their experiences.