Gov. Evers tours recovery center in La Crosse, calling attention to mental health assistance

Wisconsin’s governor called attention to the “Year of Mental Health” in the state by visiting a substance abuse recovery center in La Crosse on Tuesday.

Gov. Tony Evers toured the Coulee Recovery Center on Ferry Street and talked about the need for such facilities.

“Considering the behavioral health of the people of Wisconsin, visiting centers like this (is) really important,” Evers said. “This is obviously a very successful one, always short on funds but not short on their success.”

Evers has proposed $500 million in his latest budget to support services for people who have behavioral or mental health needs.

The governor had been to the Recovery Center in the past for a ceremony but did not have time on that occasion to tour the facility.

Tuesday’s visit happened as Republican lawmakers followed through on their promise to take more than 500 items out of the Democratic governor’s budget.

Evers isn’t happy about the cuts, citing one eliminated program for the Delavan Darien School District in southern Wisconsin, where students help their peers to battle health problems.

“The need is there, it’s overwhelming need,” Evers said. “They’re actually not only reaching out to kids, they’re reaching out to the community. They’re having mental health and behavioral health discussions in the community.” Evers calls cutting funding for such a program “foolishness.”

In 2021, the Recovery Center was awarded a peer recovery grant by the state, providing $30,000 a year for five years.