Communications Manager, Tanya Buckingham
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) awarded $100,500 to Dane County Department of Human Services, a community leader in prevention measures for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and dementia who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The funding will reduce the risk of a behavioral health crisis, which will help those individuals stay in their homes. The Collaborative Stabilization Coalition (CSC), which has been working together since 2019, strengthens our community crisis response through education, stabilization, and support to individuals and those who care for them.
Monica Bear, Disability Services Manager and Beth Freeman, Adult Protective Services Manager lead the work within the Disability and Aging Services Division. Bear states that, “The grant provides the opportunity to mentor and coach a cohort of crisis prevention specialists across multiple agencies, all of whom work closely with people at high risk of experiencing behavioral health crises.” Freeman adds, “this is important work in our community, because a better informed and supported long-term care work force increases our community’s capacity to keep people with I/DD and dementia in their homes, reduce their contact with law enforcement and avoid unnecessary and often traumatic emergency detentions.”
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides the funding for the statewide effort intended to improve Medicaid home and community-based services that help older adults and people who have disabilities. A total of $12.75 million is awarded to 91 organizations statewide.
