Governor Tony Evers made a stop at Washburn Elementary School on his 2024 State of the State tour. Gov. Evers visit to Washburn help highlight mental health access for kids and youth throughout the state of Wisconsin.

During Gov. Evers visit to Washburn Elementary School, the staff demonstrated their Sources of Strength program. Kids learn lessons through interactive games, emotional regulation and creative expression with a talking circle.

In Gov. Evers 2024 state of the state address, he announced creating an Interagency Council on Mental Health. Also he will be directing Wisconsin state agencies to work together to reduce barriers and gaps in mental health services.

Gov. Evers fought to secure $30 million in the 2023-25 biennial budget to continue support for school-based mental health services.

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health’s 2023 Annual Report was released last month. According to the annual report youth across the state reported levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts at extremely concerning rates. Especially among girls, kids of color, and LGBTQ youth.

About one-third of high school students in Wisconsin experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness nearly every day, which is a 10-percent increase over the last decade.

The number of youths experiencing a serious episode of depression increased from last year’s rate of one in seven to approximately one in six. Furthermore, nearly one in ten teens have attempted suicide, and nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide.

For more information about the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health you can read more here. Also for other stories about mental health you can read more here.