WCA Applauds Release of Mental Health Funds

WCA Applauds Release of Mental Health Funds

Commends Governor; Joint Committee on Finance for Work on CCS Expansion

The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) is applauding Governor Walker and members of the Joint Committee on Finance for today’s release of funds for Comprehensive Community Services (CCS).  Counties will now be able to expand the CCS program through a significant state investment in mental health services provided at the county level.

Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) provides a recovery-focused approach to children and adults with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. With the program, services are provided in the community, are flexible and aim to help the person achieve their vision of recovery.

“Today’s action by the Joint Committee on Finance is the final step toward statewide implementation of CCS as envisioned by the Governor and Legislature one year ago when program expansion was included in the state budget,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell.  “Expansion of the CCS program is key to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness throughout Wisconsin.”

Sixty-one counties across the state have invested time and resources toward regionalization and implementation of the CCS program with the hope of program implementation in the second half of 2014.

 “We appreciate the attention paid to increasing services to individuals with mental illness during this legislative session,” said O’Connell.  “Counties value their partnership with the state in serving the citizens of Wisconsin and we appreciate the Governor and Joint Finance’s decision to provide counties with the resources necessary to offer these important services.”