In a recent meeting of the Kenosha County Human Services Committee, significant strides were made towards enhancing mental health support in the community through a new grant for behavioral health services. The committee discussed a resolution to modify the division of behavioral health services, focusing on a grant aimed at embedding a social worker within the Pleasant Prairie Police Department.

Harry Foss, the director of behavioral health services, highlighted the importance of this initiative, which aims to improve suicide prevention efforts and connect community members with vital mental health resources. The grant, awarded just over a week ago, will fund the embedded social worker for one year, allowing for a pilot program that could set the stage for future expansions.

Key objectives of the program include enhancing suicide screening methods using established tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. The embedded social worker will also work to increase community access to behavioral health services and implement safety measures, such as providing medication lock boxes and gun safety locks, to reduce the risk of suicide.

The financial structure of the grant was also clarified during the meeting. The county will cover the cost of the social worker through a $75,000 grant, while the Village of Pleasant Prairie will contribute an additional $34,794 from its budget. This collaboration underscores a community-focused approach to addressing mental health challenges, particularly in the wake of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the program moves forward, it is anticipated that the embedded social worker will play a crucial role in fostering a safer and more supportive environment for residents, ultimately aiming to decrease the incidence of suicide in the community. The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to proactive mental health strategies, aligning with broader goals of public health and safety in Kenosha County.