"Uplift Wisconsin" is just one of the latest casualties from a $210 million cut in federal health funds to the state.

The "warmline" operates seven days a week for 10 hours a day and provides peer-led support through certified professionals with lived experiences.

Martina Gollin Graves, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Wisconsin, which runs the program, said people are able to talk to peers who could empathize with them in a way a therapist or family member might not be able to.

"There is lots of testimony from the callers who actually utilize the warmline," Graves explained. "Talking about if they hadn't called our warmline they wouldn't have reached out for support to anyone else."

She pointed out some people called daily and added the program had been crucial in preventing costly emergency room visits and reducing suicide rates across the state. Last year, more than 24,000 people called into the warmline.

The program was initially funded three years ago through pandemic grants the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently axed in an effort to curb what it called taxpayer waste on a crisis it said is over.

Graves countered in these uncertain times, the service has never been more needed.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time when we are seeing increased rates of anxiety and depression," Graves argued. "People are struggling, kids and adolescents are struggling in school settings as well as adults in their workplaces."

The program's annual funds were set to expire in September but the last six months of funding were abruptly canceled due to federal cuts. Graves noted they will have to furlough 20 people in the next week.

"These cuts are impacting real people," Graves emphasized. "I'm really worried about the fallout and what that's going to look like in your community and my community in the upcoming days and weeks."

Continued funding for the program was earmarked in the recent state budget proposal but the funds are not a sure thing and would not be available until the fall. To bridge the gap, Graves added they have launched a campaign to try and save the warmline, but for now, it will stop service on Saturday.


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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the latest state data show the number of Wisconsin youth who are struggling with their mental health has spiked.

The report from the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health showed the numbers have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. While rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts went up across the board, girls saw an overall higher increase. Wisconsin boys however, are two to four times more likely to die by suicide than girls, according to the report.

Amy Marsman, senior research analyst at the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health, said the trends are worse for LGBTQ+ students and students of color.

"They feel less connected to their school and less likely to report that they feel they belong at their school," Marsman explained. "We know that there are target populations that we should really focus on."

Marsman pointed out teens are also getting less sleep than ever before which is foundational to their mental health. She stressed caregivers should ensure they get sufficient sleep and limit screen time at home.

More than 20% of teens reported self-harm and nearly 25% of girls reported seriously considering suicide, according to the report. Marsman noted factors like rising food insecurity, particularly among students of color, also play a significant role. She added additional support during the pandemic helped to eliminate food insecurity gaps but now, black children in Wisconsin are five times more likely to be hungry than their white counterparts.

"Some of these everyday situations really impact youth mental health," Marsman observed. "Whether you're getting enough sleep, whether you are getting enough to eat, whether there's financial stability in your household, all of those are factors and they are disproportionately impacting kids of color."

Marsman argued tax relief to help families meet basic needs and sustained investments in school mental health are crucial to combating the issue. She emphasized programs like peer mental health groups at the high school level can help prevent suicide and improve school culture.

"Knowing that they have a trusted adult in their school and in their home is essential," Marsman underscored. "It just needs to be one adult that they feel that they can go to, so it's very important that parents are building relationships with the teachers in their child's school."

Wisconsin's "Speak Up, Speak Out" tip line is available 24 hours a day when anyone can report a mental health crisis or threat and receive confidential and professional support.


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As youth mental health challenges rise and federal restructuring threatens key programs, former Ohio Gov. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate John Kasich is urging Congress to act.

He co-chaired a bipartisan task force calling for early intervention and stronger support for young people struggling with behavioral health and substance use issues.

Kasich stressed the need to remove stigma and integrate mental health care into routine pediatric services.

"If we can intervene early, then we can get kids to be able to overcome the challenges, to be stronger, to be able to have healthier, more positive lives," said Kasich. "And there's nothing more important than our children."

The report warns that proposed changes at Health and Human Services could result in funding cuts to programs - like youth violence prevention and crisis response, which are currently supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Bipartisan Policy Center CEO Margaret Spellings warned that youth-focused programs could suffer if federal changes move forward without safeguarding behavioral health investments.

"There may be funding cuts ahead that could put critical programs at risk," said Spellings, "including those focused on youth violence prevention, adverse childhood experiences, crisis response, and support for a very much needed workforce."

The report recommends integrating mental health into pediatric care, supporting the behavioral health workforce, and expanding school-based services - steps mental health experts say are vital to improving the outcomes for youth in Ohio and nationwide.

May is Family Wellness Month, and Minnesota households are encouraged to work on goals beyond the surface level of success.

One expert said family members can explore dimensions that go a long way in shaping wellbeing.

In a post-pandemic world, University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing Educator Sharon Powell acknowledged that society isn't as laser focused on career or academic success in defining how well a person or family is doing.

Physical health should be near the top. But Powell added that with mental health a bigger priority these days, it's one way in which households can get a sense of whether or not loved ones are thriving.

She said a good frame of mind opens more doors.

"You feel happy and content and like you're contributing to your family's wellbeing," said Powell, "and to your community and even beyond."

Powell said if you notice sudden mood changes or a family member becomes withdrawn, it might be good to inquire about their emotional state, and whether it needs to be addressed.

On the topic of money, Powell said amassing wealth isn't the key, but financial stability is important. She said financial literacy guidance from nonprofits is a good place to start.

She said when families get ahead of the situation by setting spending goals aligned with their income, they have better sense of autonomy in this area.

"People feel better about their finances," said Powell, "when they feel that they have some choice in where their money's coming and going from."

Lastly, Powell said family members can't take daily communication for granted.

Saying hello to each other every day, or occasionally asking how things are going can help, but Powell said there's more you can do. That includes the often shared pieced of advice of being an active listener.

"Being an attentive and curious communicator," said Powell, "is a great way to show love for people."




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