Uplift Wisconsin Set to End Operations Amid Federal Budget Cuts
In a significant blow to mental health support in Wisconsin, Uplift Wisconsin is set to cease operations this week as a result of cuts in federal funding. The peer-led support line has been crucial for thousands, providing essential mental health services across the state.
Founded as part of a response to rising mental health issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Uplift Wisconsin offers a warmline for individuals seeking confidential peer support. Martina Gollin Graves, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Wisconsin, stated, ‘There is lots of testimony from the callers who utilize the warmline, saying if they hadn’t called, they wouldn’t have reached out for support to anyone else.’
The program served over 24,000 individuals last year, with many benefitting from daily interactions. However, the warmline’s funding was abruptly cut due to a broader $210 million reduction in federal health funds aimed at curbing what the government labels waste in taxpayer spending.
‘These cuts are impacting real people,’ Graves emphasized, expressing concern over the mental health ramifications in the community. With anxiety and depression rates on the rise, the timing of this service shutdown could not be worse.
While state budget proposals have earmarked potential future funding, the timeline remains uncertain. For now, Uplift Wisconsin will stop services altogether this Saturday, with 20 staff members facing furloughs.
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