Behavioral health staff turnover prompts temporary court support; county testing new secure transport vendor

Alicia, behavioral health staff, told the Sawyer County Health and Human Services Board that the department is “in a bunch of transition” after Joe’s departure and that this is the first week he is officially not on staff. She said some work Joe handled is being routed to other staff and that the county is “working with Duffy's office to help contract for services” so the county can support Chapter 51 emergency detentions and court hearings while the team trains a replacement.

Alicia said she expects the transition and training to take about six months. She described operational friction — for example, faxes and routine communications that previously went to Joe — and said staff are “muddling through” those items while Duffy’s office provides interim support; Joe will assist with the transition through that office.

Board members also discussed transport for behavioral health and law-enforcement referrals. Carol Pearson, a board member, and others said stakeholders will meet at the sheriff’s office with hospitals and health and human services staff to review a new transport company from Spooner that is seeking to provide secure transports. Carol reported the vendor had already provided one rapid, same-day transport for youth and that staff received timely location updates during the run.

Alicia said county staff are monitoring costs and placement expenses for mental health clients and may pursue a request for proposals to find more cost-effective placements. No formal board vote or contract award was made at the meeting; staff said they will report back after the stakeholder meeting and as the hiring and contracting process progresses.