In a bid to enhance the mental well-being of their residents, several communities are adopting novel approaches. The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Advancing Behavioral Health Initiative has collated insights from 10 coalitions spread across the state, highlighting what works best in various regions.
One such initiative is Connections for Mental Wellness in Green Bay, which has seen remarkable success with strategies such as offering mental health care in schools, providing mental health “first-aid” training, and creating a mental health services navigation website. According to executive director Kathleen McKee, each coalition is focusing on specific tactics to improve mental health outcomes and track their progress over time.
Since its launch, the MyConnectionNEW.org website has garnered over 350,000 visits from individuals seeking support. Over 750 people in Brown County have been trained to recognize signs of a mental health crisis and offer appropriate support and resources to those in need.
The work being done by these coalitions has helped to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and foster more open conversations about the subject. McKee hopes that the strategies outlined in the guide will be adopted by more communities across the state to help individuals receive better mental health support.
McKee emphasizes the importance of openly discussing mental health issues and seeking help when needed, as it takes courage to do so. By sharing their successes and resources with other communities, these coalitions aim to continue making a positive impact on mental health support statewide.
