Bayfield County DHS seeks fifth CCS service facilitator as behavioral health caseloads grow

The Bayfield County Human Services Board on June 25 heard an overview of the county’s Behavioral Health programs and a formal request to add a fifth full‑time Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Service Facilitator.

Jamie Allen and Ness Pierce introduced the Behavioral Health team and described services that include a 24‑hour crisis line, prevention programming, case management, help finding residential treatment, and peer support. They told the board the program aims to reduce crises and destigmatize mental‑health care through outreach, school visits and interagency partnerships.

Jo Beth Gonzalez, who oversees CCS coordination, asked the board to authorize an additional full‑time Service Facilitator after presenting enrollment trends. Gonzalez said CCS enrollment rose from about 20 participants in 2020 to roughly 60 currently, with a steady flow of 5–10 referrals; she noted typical sustainable caseloads range from 12 to 15 participants and many facilitators also provide substance‑use counseling and other duties. Gonzalez proposed hiring in January 2027 to allow time for recruitment and training.

Board members discussed the county’s partnerships and crisis‑response tools. Staff described the county’s use of AVEL (a reporting mechanism linked to law enforcement and service providers) as limited but expanding, and explained the local CaTch program, under which 911 operators and Behavioral Health staff record “soft safety plans” to flag individual triggers and response preferences for responding officers. Tom Croteau said the CaTch plan is a local program and that the county is negotiating with the Sheriff’s Department and regional partners about broader use.

Gonzalez also reviewed 2025 CCS satisfaction survey results, saying adult responses remain a strength while youth and family scores are more variable, in part because small sample sizes can skew results in a rural program. She announced an International Overdose Awareness Day commemoration on Aug. 31 at the Bayfield County Courthouse steps and said staff are discussing certification of the county’s Community Support Program (CSP) with regional partners and the state, with a possible timeline targeting the end of 2026.

The board did not take a formal vote on the staffing request at the meeting; staff framed the proposal as proactive to preserve service quality as enrollment grows. Gonzalez said funding for Behavioral Health programs comes from block grants and county levy; Croteau said the county is weighing whether to pursue CSP certification regionally or independently.