Health Services Updates Funding Strategies and New Grant for Nursing Expansion

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) meeting held on August 14, 2025, in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, focused on several key topics, including funding updates, program developments, and future planning for community services.

The meeting began with discussions on future funding and a gap analysis survey. A member proposed sending a link to the survey for wider distribution, emphasizing the importance of community participation in completing it. This initiative aims to gather insights that could inform future funding strategies.

Next, the conversation shifted to the ongoing efforts to reach rural communities. A handout was provided detailing the services available and the collaborative efforts between various stakeholders. The speaker highlighted the importance of law enforcement support in securing grants and providing services, noting that many programs initiated since January 2021 were built from the ground up.

A significant point of discussion was the scheduling of a site visit by a coaching team, with two potential dates proposed: September 22 and October 8. The preference was expressed for the visit to coincide with a CJCC meeting, although concerns about hunting season were raised. Ultimately, the group leaned towards requesting the visit during the October meeting.

Updates on jail programs were also shared, including the introduction of a new parenting program set to begin in September. The speaker acknowledged the hard work of the staff and the collaborative efforts that have contributed to the success of these programs.

The meeting then transitioned to a report from the Health and Human Services department, which included updates on opioid settlement funds. A recent grant was secured to match existing opioid settlement expenditures, with plans to enhance nursing services and support peer recovery specialists. The urgency of moving forward with these initiatives was emphasized due to upcoming transitions in nursing staff.

In conclusion, the CJCC meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving community services through collaboration, funding, and program development. The next steps include finalizing the site visit and continuing to explore grant opportunities to expand services in Sawyer County.