HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024 (24)
Resolution No. 24 (2024)
RESOLUTION URGING LEGISLATORS TO APPROVE IMMEDIATE
FUNDING FOR INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC CARE IN WESTERN
WISCONSIN
COVER MEMO
TO: County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Bob Rohret, Director
DATE: June 4, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution Urging Legislators to Approve Immediate Funding for
Inpatient Psychiatric Care in Western Wisconsin
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since the closing of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire in March 2024, concerns about
available inpatient psychiatric facilities for St. Croix County residents is at the forefront. Two
recent acts were adopted that address mental health treatment services, which are:
2023 Wisconsin Act 117:
- Waiver of IMD restriction (AB 616/SB 635) - Requires the Wisconsin Department of Health
Services to seek a federal waiver to allow federal Medicaid reimbursement for mental
health treatment services in facilities considered Institutions of Mental Disease (IMDs), such
as the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.
2023 Wisconsin Act 249:
- Crisis urgent care and observation centers (AB 467/SB 462) - Authorize crisis urgent care
and observation centers as a new type of mental health treatment facility. Allow the
Department of Health Services (DHS) to promulgate an administrative rule for licensing
and seek federal approval of a new Medicaid benefit to cover care at the centers. Allow
DHS to request release of $10 million set aside in the 2023-35 state budget for start-up
funds to create new centers. Status: SB 462 passed Senate. Assembly passed with
amendment authorizing crisis hostel facilities. Senate concurred with Assembly
amendment.
However, there is still an immediate need to address inpatient psychiatric care in Western
Wisconsin. This resolution requests Governor Evers and the Legislature to take additional
action to provide funding for inpatient psychiatric care to be provided in Western Wisconsin
to alleviate the numerous placements at Winnebago Mental Health Institute.
Resolution No. 24 (2024)
RESOLUTION URGING LEGISLATORS TO APPROVE IMMEDIATE
FUNDING FOR INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC CARE IN WESTERN
WISCONSIN
1 WHEREAS, mental health conditions affect individuals of all ages, races, and
2 socioeconomic backgrounds, and the demand for mental health services continues to rise; and
3
4 WHEREAS, access to quality mental health care, including inpatient psychiatric care, is
5 crucial for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises; and
6
7 WHEREAS, Western Wisconsin faces significant challenges in providing adequate
8 mental health services, including limited availability of inpatient psychiatric beds and resources
9 since the closure of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in March 2024; and
10
11 WHEREAS, the lack of sufficient inpatient psychiatric care options in Western
12 Wisconsin results in individuals having to travel long distances to access treatment, causing
13 undue stress and barriers to care, in addition to being hours away from friends and family who
14 could be support for the individual in need; and
15
16 WHEREAS, one of the only options available to individuals in Western Wisconsin is
17 Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, which is approximately 260 miles from Hudson,
18 Wisconsin; and
19
20 WHEREAS, in 2022, St. Croix County spent approximately $800,000 for emergency
21 placement of adults experiencing behavioral health crises, and law enforcement spent an
22 estimated $44,000 in the same year consisting of deputy time and other transportation costs,
23 preventing those deputies from responding to other public safety needs; and
24
25 WHEREAS, in 2023, St. Croix County placed over 38 individuals, including both
26 juveniles and adults, at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, which cost the county $707,236
27 (which does not include what St. Croix County spent for emergency placements at other
28 inpatient psychiatric facilities within Wisconsin); and
29
30 WHEREAS, the time spent by local law enforcement agencies and/or contract
31 companies to transport individuals to Winnebago Mental Health Institute is a separate expense
32 incurred by the law enforcement agencies, which has increased due to the closure of HSHS
33 Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire in March 2024; and
34
35 WHEREAS, investing in inpatient psychiatric care facilities and services in Western
36 Wisconsin will improve access to timely and appropriate mental health treatment, enhance
37 community safety, and promote overall well-being to our citizens while also saving money for
38 the taxpayers of the county.
39
40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
41 Supervisors urges the state government to prioritize and fast track mental health funding and
42 allocate resources specifically for the expansion and enhancement of inpatient psychiatric care
43 facilities and services in Western Wisconsin.
44
45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors that the
46 State of Wisconsin consider building a regional inpatient psychiatric facility in St. Croix County
47 or somewhere in the western region along the I-94 corridor.
48
49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors that a
50 copy of this resolution be transmitted to Governor Tony Evers, state legislators representing
51 Western Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), and other appropriate
52 stakeholders to inform them of the urgent need for increased funding for inpatient psychiatric
53 care in Western Wisconsin.
Legal – Fiscal – Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note:
Fiscal Impact: No financial impact
05/15/24 Health & Human Services Board APPROVED
RESULT: APPROVED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Cathy Leaf, Supervisor
SECONDER: Mike Barcalow, Supervisor
AYES: Lind, Anderson, Leaf, Ostness, Tellijohn, Barcalow, Findlay, Lindemann
EXCUSED: Julie Smith
Vote Confirmation.
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call - Vote Requirement – Majority of Supervisors Present
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Mike Barcalow, Supervisor
SECONDER: Mark Carlson, Supervisor
AYES: Lind, Anderson, Long, Leaf, Reis, Adams, Berning, Ottino, Feidler, Ostness,
Counter, Hansen, Sherley, Tellijohn, Carlson, Barcalow, Swanepoel, VanSomeren,
Ramberg
This Resolution was Adopted as Amended by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on June 4, 2024
Christine Hines, County Clerk