By Madison Olson
Disclaimer: We strive to connect community voices with legislators whenever possible, as we believe those closest to the issues have the most valuable insights. Senator Jesse James, a current elected official with a deep interest in mental health, participated in a recent discussion with JONAH’s Mental Health Task Force. The following summarizes that conversation, which we hope will inspire further action.
On Thursday, January 23rd, Senator Jesse James joined JONAH’s Mental Health Task Force for a roundtable discussion with local advocates, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. The conversation addressed pressing issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and healthcare access, with a focus on legislative solutions.
Senator James, a lifelong resident of the Eau Claire area, served in the U.S. Army for six years before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College to study police science. Since January 2023, he has represented Wisconsin’s 23rd Senate District, which includes parts of Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Marathon, Price, Rusk, and Taylor counties. He chairs the Senate Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Children and Families Committee and serves on the Council on Military and State Relations. He and his wife, Vicki, live in Thorp, where they run a small business, and he continues to work as a police officer in Cadott.
Senator James has been personally impacted by substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse—adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that shape his commitment to these issues. “This session, I believe, can be a turning point in focusing on mental health,” he said, stressing the urgent need for increased investment in services.
Expanding Access to Care
A key topic was the need to improve access to mental health care, particularly in rural areas where provider shortages lead to months-long wait times. One attendee advocated for a single-payer healthcare system to ensure more equitable access to services.
Another participant raised concerns about the lack of mental health and addiction treatment in the prison system. “Mental health care in our prisons is critically underfunded and needs immediate attention,” they stated. Another noted the increasing difficulty in committing individuals to psychiatric care, citing new county-level discretion in these cases. Senator James acknowledged that Northwest Connections (NWC) presents a significant barrier to accessing emergency mental health care and expressed interest in Arizona’s model, which integrates mental health and addiction treatment into a regional system.
“The goal is to have someone to call, a response team, and a safe place to go,” James said, emphasizing his commitment to reducing emergency room visits and law enforcement involvement as the default response to crises. He also discussed plans to use a surcharge on the 988 crisis line to raise $5.3 million for mobile crisis responders.
Addressing the Need for Treatment Facilities
The discussion also highlighted the shortage of treatment facilities. Many voiced frustration with the lack of available beds and the bureaucratic hurdles for those in crisis. “The current system doesn’t work for people who need urgent care,” one participant said. Concerns were also raised about individuals being placed in police custody as a last resort to receive emergency mental health care.
Senator James recalled a legislative draft he had prepared before the closure of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), which would have expanded its services. While HSHS has since closed, he remains open to converting it into a state-run facility to address the treatment gap.
Medicaid Expansion and Coverage Gaps
Advocates emphasized the need for Medicaid expansion to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment. One participant called for Medicaid to cover more facilities, including county jails, where services are currently ineligible for reimbursement. The discussion circled back to the potential benefits of a single-payer system to ensure universal access to care.
Senator James acknowledged the complexities of Medicaid expansion but expressed openness to continued discussions. “I’m still evaluating the best path forward—whether we should expand Medicaid as a whole or focus on expanding mental health services specifically,” he said.
Promoting Mental Health Education and Peer Support
The need for proactive mental health education, especially for young people, was also discussed. One advocate stressed the importance of teaching children about mental health from an early age. Another highlighted the value of initiatives like the Green Bandana Project (GBP) and peer support programs.
Senator James agreed, emphasizing a shift from crisis response to prevention. “We need to make sure we’re not just reacting to crises but actively preventing them,” he said.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, Senator James plans to push for legislation addressing mental health care gaps, particularly in rural areas. He supports expanding mental health services in schools and public-private partnerships to create a more responsive system.
James also proposed investing $100 million into the 988 mental health crisis line to improve statewide access to care. He emphasized the importance of mobile crisis response teams, recognizing the current system’s inability to meet growing needs.
For more information or to get involved, visit jonahjustice.org or contact the lead organizer at [email protected]. To reach Senator James, visit https://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/23/james/
This discussion allowed folks who have experienced a variety of mental health challenges and who have supported people experiencing mental health crises to clarify their concerns with an elected official who learned their perspectives and shared his goals. As a result we plan to work together more in the future to improve mental health care and access in the state of Wisconsin. This is what relationships are all about!
(This article is based on a roundtable discussion held on January 23, 2025, and reflects participants’ views.)