Project Summary:
Milwaukee County faces a critical children's mental health crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in mental and developmental health outcomes. At the time of this proposal, one of the largest child mental and behavioral health providers in Greater Milwaukee reported 12-month waits for in-person therapy and nine-to-12 month waits for autism evaluations. These extended waiting periods are especially detrimental during crucial early childhood development stages, highlighting the urgent need for accessible interim support and resources.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin will expand their AHW-funded Mental Health Navigation Initiative (MHNI) to develop comprehensive, culturally relevant resources for families with children ages zero to five, focusing on families of color and those living in poverty. The project will create a user-friendly website that will host locally relevant mental health information, educational materials, and referral resources. Through community partnerships, the initiative will provide both traditional and alternative mental health support options.
This project aims to bridge the gap between service needs and availability by offering immediate support resources while families wait for clinical services. By creating accessible, culturally appropriate materials and hosting monthly virtual provider sessions, the initiative will help families build resilience and parenting skills during waiting periods. The project's findings and resources will be shared through community partnerships, with care to ensure sustainable, community-driven support for Milwaukee's vulnerable families.
Community Partners: INPOWER, Inc., Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, Milwaukee Healthcare Partnership