APPLETON, Wis. (March 15, 2019) – Catalpa Health, a mental health and wellness service provider for children and adolescents in the Fox Valley, hosted Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Senator Tammy Baldwin at its Treatment Center today in Appleton. 

Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes and Sen. Baldwin toured the facility and met with Catalpa’s leadership team including president and CEO Mary Downs. They discussed the importance of mental health for children and adolescents and ways in which the state can partner with youth mental health providers to offer services to kids from infants through high school. 

“Our elected officials have a very deep commitment to mental health for our children and adolescents,” Downs said. “It was exciting to talk with the Governor, Lt. Governor and Senator about what we’re doing in the community and to find out what they want to do and how they want to invest in these important issues.” 

The Governor’s proposed budget would add $22 million each year to area schools for social workers, psychologists, counselors and nurses to assist students with mental health concerns. 

“Early intervention is key for improving kids’ mental health,” Gov. Evers said. “Educators, schools and community partners are the frontlines in meeting the challenge to ensure kids in Wisconsin have the support they need. I’m proud to invest in expanding our efforts around trauma, AODA and mental health first aid.” 

To learn more about Catalpa, or the mental health services it provides to children and adolescents, visit catalpahealth.org.