Milwaukee County Mental Health Board establishes stakeholder advisory council
Advisory Council provides an important connection for consumers of Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
MILWAUKEE (July 13, 2022) – The Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, which governs Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services (BHS), has established the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Community Stakeholder Advisory Council (Advisory Council). The Advisory Council strategically connects consumers, families and the community-at-large as primary stakeholders in the BHS system planning and delivery, to support Milwaukee County’s vision of achieving racial and health equity.
The Advisory Council seeks to strengthen the county’s overall strategy for addressing behavioral health within the community by providing ongoing communication about the services offered by the BHS provider network. It also serves as a resource to the Mental Health Board by gathering information regarding the quality of the experience mental health care consumers, families and advocates receive.
The input of the Advisory Council is particularly important in providing real-time feedback and consumer connection, supporting BHS’ redesigned community-based mental health care model. This updated continuum of care was ushered in with the opening of Granite Hills Hospital this past winter and the Mental Health Emergency Center (MHEC), which is slated to open this fall.
Advisory Council members include individuals from a variety of community constituencies, including consumers of mental health services, family members, advocates, caregivers, faith communities and individuals from the criminal justice system. There are currently 11 Advisory Council members, including:
- Brenda Wesley (Chairperson)
- Mary Neubauer (Peer Advocate)
- Sandra Pasch (Peer Advocate and Family Member)
- Desilyn Smith (Peer Advocate and Family Member)
- Jona Morales (Peer Advocate)
- William Muhammad (Family Member)
- Darnelle Bowles (Faith Community)
- Lutrena Johnson (Family Member)
- Troney Small (Peer Advocate and Family Member)
- Claire Keys (Peer Advocate)
- John Griffith (Aging and LGBTQ)
The Advisory Council currently meets on the fourth Monday of each month. After October 2022, the meeting cadence will shift to a bi-monthly schedule. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information about the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board and Community Stakeholder Advisory Council, please visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/
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About Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services provides care and treatment to adults, children, and adolescents with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual disabilities through both County-operated programs and contracts with community agencies. Services include intensive short-term treatment through crisis services and inpatient services, and a full array of supportive community services for persons with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
About the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
The mission of the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is to improve the quality of life for individuals who need support living healthy, independent, and safe lives within the Milwaukee County community. DHHS’ vision is together, creating healthy communities to be recognized as the public model of excellence, leadership, and partnership in human services driving superior outcomes for our community.
