Mental Health Policy Initiative

In January 2009 the Public Policy Institute announced the Mental Health Policy Initiative, a multiyear project that aims to improve state and local policies for individuals suffering from mental illness. Funded by a gift from Wildflower Communities, the Mental Health Policy Initiative seeks to improve funding for mental health services, ensure the availability of mental health services in Milwaukee County and increase coordination between agencies that serve those with mental illness.

The project will work to:

  • Help eliminate stigmas associated with mental illness through a statewide public awareness campaign to ensure that it is regarded and treated as the chronic medical condition that it is.
  • Increase public and private funding for mental health services as part of the extension of insurance to all Wisconsin residents.
  • Integrate mental health treatment with alcohol and drug addiction treatment, physical health services, and non-health services such as employment and housing.
  • Coordinate governmental agencies and private organizations that play a role in the financing and delivery of mental health services.
  • Assist the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County in the development of a county-wide supportuve housing plan for people who have a mental illness.