Mental Health Emergency Center Beam Signing

Elected officials, along with government, healthcare and community leaders, gathered for a beam signing event and first look at the new Mental Health Emergency Center (MHEC), the next major milestone in Milwaukee’s journey to offer more accessible, patient-centered and equitable mental healthcare.

Mental health resources have been a top need identified in local community health assessments for many years. Since 2010, significant input from area residents, patients, community partners, advocates, and healthcare providers have helped shape the re-design of mental health services in Milwaukee County. This is a momentous occasion that marked the next major milestone in the community’s evolution of providing mental and behavioral healthcare.

The new MHEC is a joint venture between Milwaukee County and the area’s four health systems: Advocate Aurora Health, Ascension Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin and Froedtert Health. The new mental health facility will receive $5.7 million in state funding and serve as a national model for emergency crisis care that is patient-centered, recovery-oriented, and culturally informed.

Targeted to open in early 2022, the 12,000 SF emergency center will offer 24/7 crisis mental health assessments, stabilization, treatments, and transition care management for children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, there will be a separate treatment area for child and adolescent patients, as well as a separate entrance for those arriving via law enforcement.

READ MORE ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY CENTER HERE