In an effort to provide more visibility of behavioral health services within the community, the Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability & Behavioral Health Services in partnership with Kenosha County Public Health offered a mobile human services unit, “Human Services on the Go.”
The mobile unit was present for community events at local venues such as the Alliance Women’s Clinic, The Sharing Center and the ELCA Outreach Center, as well as the Kenosha County Fair.
In addition to sharing information about behavioral health resources, Human Services on the Go distributed 300 Narcan packs at the fair, gave six large group presentations, and facilitated hundreds of individual trainings.
“It was great to see the public’s interest in the behavioral health resources that Human Services on the Go brought out to people at the County Fair and other community locations this summer,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “These efforts are all about making it easier for people to learn about the life-saving services that are available through Kenosha County. We look forward to continuing this outreach in the future.”
In addition to the resources provided at the fair, Human Services on the Go provided over 100 Narcan packs, and six community events throughout July and August.
“The partnerships we made — and future trainings we scheduled with local businesses, schools, nonprofits and medical providers — proved the key points of Human Services on the Go: Help is available, Recovery is possible, Community collaboration is key,” said Kari Foss, Kenosha County Behavioral Health Manager.
Community collaboration with organizations like the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department — which recently made a significant arrest and seizure of narcotics, prescription drugs and fentanyl — validates the impact of a multi-system approach in tackling the Opioid Crisis in Kenosha, Foss said.
Those who missed Human Services on the Go at the fair can call 262-914-6005 or visit Kenosha County Public Health’s website for more information about Narcan.
Other resources:
The Kenosha County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resource Center, which links people with substance use disorder resources, may be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 262-764-8555.
The Kenosha County crisis hotline, operated by Kenosha Human Development Services, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at 262-657-7188.