Ascension closing Racine mental health unit and investing $10 million in expanded Milwaukee facility
RACINE, WI — Ascension Wisconsin is relocating its inpatient mental health services from Racine to Milwaukee County, shifting care from Ascension Racine to a planned expansion at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee.
In a press release Thursday, Ascension Wisconsin announced the planned close of its in-person mental health unit at Ascension Racine, and its 10 to 15 inpatient beds will be transferred to Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee.
This shift is part of a broader $10 million investment to create a centralized behavioral health facility at St. Francis, which will ultimately house up to 60 inpatient beds, the release reads.
Mental health and public safetyCurrently, Racine County law enforcement has few options when they encounter individuals who need mental health care.
Racine Police Sgt. Kristi Wilcox said told Racine County Eye most mental health transports go to facilities in Winnebago, Madison, or specialized institutions like Rogers Behavioral Health. When the commitment is involuntary, police have to wait with the patient.
"That takes time and manpower, which is hard when we're already short on staff," she said.
The impact of Ascension Racine's closure may not be as significant as it seems at first, given that few patients have historically been transported there.
On the other hand, if the commitment is voluntary, officers serve more as transportation and can make the return trip to Racine more quickly.
The news about an expanded mental health facility closer to Racine was met with good news despite the three- to four-year transition plan. Racine Police Chief Maurice Ramirez said his officers are committed to helping patients.
"We will continue working with Ascension to get the patients the best mental health care possible," he stated.
Mental health needs continue to growThe county plans to open a new behavioral health center to deliver comprehensive services closer to home, and the closure of the inpatient unit at Ascension Racine only shines a brighter spotlight on the growing need for expanded mental health infrastructure in Racine County.
The Racine County Behavioral Health Center will include mental health clinics, counseling offices, and transitional living spaces, providing much-needed resources to the community.
The proposed center is estimated to cost $15 million and will cover 50,000 square feet. It will feature a two-story building with outdoor spaces for therapeutic activities.
The first floor will span 34,500 square feet, while the second floor will add another 15,500 square feet. The facility is designed to accommodate a wide range of mental health services and will include ample parking.
The expanded inpatient facility at Ascension St. Francis will eventually include outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient services for both adolescents and adults. Addiction treatment services, integrated collaborative care, and recovery coaching will also be part of the offerings.
Meanwhile, Ascension will continue to provide outpatient mental health services locally to ensure ongoing access.
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