Public Hearing to be Held at Theda Clark Medical Center March 27
ThedaCare announced today it is hosting a hearing of the Speaker’s Task Force on Mental Health March 27, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the Memorial Conference Room at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. The goal of the hearing is to learn more about the barriers and opportunities communities, providers and patients are experiencing.
The bipartisan task force was formed by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) to look at mental health care in the state. Gov. Scott Walker has proposed about $30 million for mental health care in his biennial budget, most of which is targeted for community-based programs. The task force is holding hearings around the state to gather input prior to a final vote in May on issuing a report and any proposed legislation.
The task force is chaired by Rep. Erik Severson (R-Osceola), an emergency room physician. Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Shorewood), a mental health nurse and former nursing professor, serves as vice-chair.
The task force is charged with recommending improvements for eliminating barriers to mental health treatment, improving coordination of care, increasing awareness of mental illness, identifying and promoting best practices, and addressing mental illness in the prison population.
The hearing is open to the public. Attendees will hear from mental health providers from around the state, who will share what they are currently doing to provide and improve mental health care. There will also be time for public comment.
ThedaCare™ is a community health system consisting of five hospitals: Appleton Medical Center, Theda Clark Medical Center, New London Family Medical Center, Shawano Medical Center, and Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca. ThedaCare also includes ThedaCare Physicians, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, ThedaCare At Work, and ThedaCare at Home. ThedaCare is the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with more than 6,175 employees. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
