On Thursday, March 24th, WFNHP leaders attended one of the only Milwaukee County Mental Health Board meetings open to public comment. Members testified about their concerns for the safety of the patients and staff at the Behavioral Health Division (BHD), and the lack of adequate resources and staff in all County health programs that care for the critically ill.
Milwaukee, WI--Nurses who work at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health complex will hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon, May 21st, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to call upon County Executive Chris Abele to take immediate action to fill the dozens of nurse vacancies in the Behavioral Health Department (BHD). The direct care nurses will describe the growing staffing crisis which is putting both patients and staff at risk. They will present a list of immediate actions that could be taken to correct the staffing crisis.
In a recent editorial, former County Supervisor Lynne De Bruin, stated support of newly introduced legislation that would dramatically change control of mental health services in Milwaukee County. While I share her frustration on challenges to create a quality community based system of care, the solution she supports is not only wrong, but her rationale is flawed. I served on many of the same committees as she did and worked closely with the transitions of the same County programs and services and have a very different view.