1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I'm sure you're aware of the need for more mental health services in our state, especially in rural areas. A couple of years ago, a peer respite opened in La Crosse, called The La Crosse Lighthouse. It was a place to go if you didn't need inpatient mental health services, but needed some extra support for a few days. It's exactly the type of thing we need; it can help someone get back on track before inpatient help is necessary. Due to this administrations funding cuts, they have had to cut back on a lot of their services, and now aren't even sure if they can continue the program. Now another crisis center, Jackson House, that was set to open in La Crosse on May 1 has had their plans halted due to this administrations budget cuts. This crisis center would have helped address the homelessness problem in La Crosse, as well as provide jail diversion services. As someone with mental health issues, I know how important it is that services are readily available, because being put on a year-long waiting list to see a psychiatrist or therapist for an initial appointment is as helpful as putting someone having a heart attack on a year-long waiting list to see a cardiologist. The longer mental illness goes untreated, the worse it gets, and the harder it becomes to treat. Please, do something to reverse these cuts. At the very least, stand up and say you are against it. Not behind closed doors or to the press, but on the floor of the House and Senate. Get it on record that you care about the health of your constituents. If you don't care, then maybe consider resigning and letting someone else have the job. Thank you.