Milwaukee County Shines a Light on Resources for Youth and Young Adults During Mental Health Awareness Month
County Executive David Crowley visited Reagan High School’s Hope Squad to learn about mental health challenges facing teens
MILWAUKEE - This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Milwaukee County is highlighting available resources for some of the community’s most vulnerable population: youth and young adults. Children have been particularly impacted by losses from COVID-19 and disruptions in routines and relationships that have led to increased social isolation, anxiety and learning loss.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), emergency department visits for attempted suicides are up 51 percent among adolescent girls, and more than half of parents report feeling concerned about their children’s mental wellbeing. In light of these staggering statistics, Milwaukee County is raising awareness for community-based resources available in nearby neighborhoods.
“Our hope is that more families, friends and loved ones will have open conversations about mental health and struggles being faced,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Mental health challenges affect our entire community, and we must work to destigmatize these types of conversations. As a result of these conversations, I encourage Milwaukee County residents to explore the services and programs available to them. There are mental health and substance use crisis resources here within our community, and the teams are ready to help.”
On May 3, in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and as a part of his Community Health & Healing Series, County Executive David Crowley and team members from Wraparound Milwaukee, visited students at Ronald Reagan High School to discuss mental health issues facing high school students and services available to help.
During the event, students involved in the school’s Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, spoke to the County Executive about the work they are doing to encourage students to get the support they need. They shared insights about mental wellbeing and how mental health impacts their lives. They also highlighted the importance of access to resources in the community.
The Wraparound Milwaukee team also discussed available resources and shared how to get involved in the community. One such resource is the Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility, a facility serving male youth, ages 10 to 17 years old, who are experiencing a mental health crisis. It is a link to Milwaukee County’s continuum of care as an alternative placement for stabilization, which may be a more appropriate setting than a hospital or detention center.
Those interested in learning more or taking action are encouraged to reach out to one of the below resources:
- Milwaukee County mental health crisis line - 414-257-7222
- 24 hours/7 days a week
- Milwaukee County Children’s Mobile Crisis Team - 414-257-7621
- For children and adolescents up to age 23 seeking assistance via phone or having a resource meet them in the community
- Milwaukee County Children’s Resource & Referral Line - 414-257-7607
- For children and adolescents up to age 23 seeking resources or support
- Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility - 414-553-0313
- For male youth, ages 10-17, experiencing a mental health crisis
For additional information about these resources, please visit https://www.county.milwaukee.gov/bhd.
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