Mental Health America of WI

Effective this week, Mental Health America of Wisconsin (MHA) will be forced to shut down its Statewide Peer-Run Uplift WI Warmline on April 5 due to recent federal budget cuts, if we can't raise enough funds to bridge the 6-month gap this funding cut has created.

Gov. Evers has earmarked $1.2M to support this program in is 2025-2027 budget, but those funds will not be available until after September 2025.

We had a plan in place. The contract that was terminated early would have continued through September 30. At that time, we would have known if the Governor's budget passed and if MHA was awarded another 2-year contract to continue the Uplift Warmline. Now we have been left scrambling.

In 2024, The Uplift WI Warmline received more than 24,000 calls! It provides free and confidential support to individuals experiencing emotional distress. Staffed entirely by Certified Peer Specialists—individuals with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges—the Warmline served thousands of Wisconsinites annually, particularly those who didn’t feel safe or supported by traditional crisis systems. The Warmline prevents suicides and keeps individuals from utilizing costly crisis services- the program saves lives!

We are truly grateful for all donations, no amount is too small, but if you can give more, please consider the following:

$250 provides 5 hours of warmline coverage

$500 provides 10 hours of warmline coverage

$1000 provides warmline coverage for 2 days

$1500 provides warmline coverage for 3 days

$2500 provides warmline coverage for an entire week.