Members of the WPA Legislative Committee and Executive Committee visited the Capitol to meet with their Legislators.  The goal of the meetings was to make introductions and lend WPA as a resource for future legislation regarding mental health and psychiatry.  Thank you to our lobbyist at Hubbard, Wilson & Zelenkova for organizing the day! 

Drs. Michael Peterson, Jackie Landess, Angela Janis, Erica Larson, Brian Berendes and Gabi Hangiandreou with Senator Jesse James

Dr. Gabi Hangiandreou, Dr. Erica Larson & Senator Brad Pfaff

 

Dr. Jackie Landess, Dr. Michael Peterson & Senator Dianne Hesselbein

Last week in his State of the State Address, Governor Tony Evers declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health. The Governor outlined numerous initiatives that the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association (WPA) deems critical to the well-being of residents across the state.

Highlights Include:

• Funding and initiatives related to crisis stabilization and urgent care, peer-run respite services, and suicide and crisis services - including expansion of the “988” Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• An emphasis and recognition of youth mental health challenges and his proposals to improve their mental health and safety.
• $7 million to establish a new Medical College of Wisconsin Psychiatry Residency and $1.26 million for the Graduate Medical Education program to increase residency programs in rural Wisconsin hospitals.

It is well known that the lack of psychiatrists across the state, particularly in rural Wisconsin, is at a crisis level. Increased access to training and ultimately the retention of psychiatrists would be an enormous step in the right direction.

The WPA applauds Governor Evers’ proposals and looks forward to working with the Legislature and the Administration within the biennial budget and beyond for improved access to mental health care for all Wisconsinites.

• Read WPA' Full Statement
• Read Governor Evers Release on Mental Health
• Read Gov. Evers Release on Workforce