State Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-West Allis, and state Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa, proposed the creation of a mental health board Monday to oversee and direct mental health services in Milwaukee County.
Members would bring expertise, experience and credentials to the board in the form of professional individuals who will “effectively and efficiently manage the healthcare system,” according to a statement from the legislatures.
Sanfelippo referred to political and institutional pressures that put the “status quo” ahead of consumers and family members and said the new board would seek to alleviate such problems. Vukmir added the board would evaluate the mental health services currently available in Milwaukee County.
The board would also focus on accountability, a crucial remedy to the problems that have arisen in the mental health services field, according to a statement from Vukmir.
Disability Rights Wisconsin, a disability advocacy group, commended the efforts by Vukmir and Sanfelippo for “their deep commitment to improving publicly funded mental health services in Milwaukee County,” according to the statement.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. questioned the effectiveness of the proposal.
“This bill does nothing to provide solutions, it just raises many questions,” Mayo said in a statement.
Sanfelippo and Vukmir could not be reached for comment.
