The effects of mental illness are far reaching, affecting classrooms, families and workplaces. Dane County is stepping up and increasing our commitment to get help to those in need and address mental health challenges.

Launched in 2013, our school-based mental health teams are now making a difference for hundreds of students and families across Dane County. These teams of mental health professionals are available to help if a mental health crisis occurs but also to work with students and teachers to identify students struggling with mental illness before it becomes a crisis.

After hearing from school districts, teachers and parents of the success of the teams, we have been working to locate more funding to help more school districts. In my 2017 budget, every school district that wants a team in their district will have one.

We must continue to work with our schools and families to get children the help they need and allow teachers to focus on teaching. Our schools cannot do it all; the county, the nonprofit sector and families must all help make sure our next generation of young minds is being given the opportunity to succeed. I am proud to help further Dane County’s commitment to the next generation.