Green Bay Reporter

Emplify Health by Bellin and Marquette University have announced a new partnership to address the shortage of mental health professionals in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Resch Mental Health Initiative will recruit 25 students from these regions, assisting them in earning a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and providing supervised training.

"The Resch Mental Health Initiative is a transformative step toward addressing the mental health professional shortage in our region,” stated Chris Woleske, Executive Vice President at Emplify Health and Bellin Region President. The initiative aims to provide "a comprehensive and supported pathway from education to employment."

Chris Woleske, who is an alumna of Marquette University Law School and serves on the Marquette Board of Trustees, played a significant role in establishing this partnership. She collaborated with Bellin Psychiatric Center, The Bellin Health Foundation, and The Richard J. Resch Foundation.

Debbie Patz, Vice President of Bellin Psychiatric Center, expressed gratitude for the support received from The Richard J. Resch Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Richard J. Resch Foundation, we can remove longstanding barriers to educating more mental health providers," she said.

The program offers several key components:

- Fully funded Master’s degree: Students will receive full tuition coverage and stipends for an online master’s degree.

- Clinical training: Students will undergo paid practicums, internships, and fellowships at Emplify Health by Bellin locations.

- Mentorship: Dedicated mentorship opportunities are included to support student development.

- Employment path: Graduates may secure employment at Emplify Health by Bellin.

- Bonuses: Sign-on and retention bonuses are offered as incentives.

Sharon Resch of The Richard J. Resch Foundation emphasized the importance of this investment. "Investing in the Resch Mental Health Initiative is an investment in the future of our region," she noted.

The seven-year pilot program expects graduates to work with approximately 26,000 clients annually. With untreated mental illness costing $9,801 per person according to a 2023 study by the New England Journal of Medicine, this initiative could lead to $254 million in annual savings.

Scott D’Urso from Marquette University highlighted their commitment through this partnership. “This partnership...is a testament to our commitment to improving mental health outcomes," he said.

For further information about the program or specific inquiries, contact The Bellin Health Foundation or Graduate Admission Counselor Jordan L. Mason at (414) 288-0327.