Co-Response Program Builds on Success

An innovative partnership between La Crosse County and the City of La Crosse that pairs mental health crisis responders with police officers is expanding. First launched on a limited basis in 2021, the program has been successful in helping to divert people from hospitalization or jail. "We're able to keep people in their homes and get them coordinated with care the next day," said Sam Seefeld, who supervises the program for the county. Last week, the county board accepted grant funding of about $160,000 for the program, part of a larger award of $370,000 to the City of La Crosse. The three-year federal grant means hours for the co-response program can be expanded from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday. The co-response model produces better outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis, and long-term savings for our health and criminal justice systems. Read News 8's story on the program's expansion by clicking here. The award of a competitive grant to the program is a tribute to all city and county staff who have put in the hard work to make it a success. Pictured above are county crisis responders Hans Wagner and Ryan Slosser with Officer Joel Miller of the La Crosse Police Department (LCPD). County crisis responders Paige Storlie and Becca Rodriguez also work on the program, along with LCPD Officer Sonja Weber.

Donate Blood This Thursday

La Crosse County's employees and programs made life better for people in every part of our community in 2023. At last week's county board meeting, County Administrator Jane Klekamp gave a presentation looking back on some of our major achievements in 2023. The presentation also detailed our strong financial position at the end of the year. View the presentation here.

ADRC in the News

News 19 recently spoke with Carissa Pagel-Smith about the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County's plan to hire a second dementia care specialist. "Adding that dementia care specialist really addresses the community's need. There's a growing number of individuals with dementia in our community as well as an increase of complexity," Carissa, who is our ADRC Manager, said. "The goal of our dementia care specialist, as well as the ADRC, is to help people maintain that independence and stay in the community for as long as possible." Watch Carissa talk to News 19 here.

Lorraine Johnson, who works as a clerk at the La Crosse County Register of Deeds, said people often come to the office expecting to have a hard time getting what they need. "Things aren't as difficult to accomplish as people think they are when they come in," she said. "People often leave surprised at how easy it was." Lorraine has worked for the county for 10 years, including nine years at the Register of Deeds. "We always try to be helpful, and we enjoy answering questions," she said. Learn more about the Register of Deeds, including how to sign up for our free property fraud alert service at this link.

Highway Dept. Impact Report

In 2023, the La Crosse County Highway Department replaced 22 failing culverts, paved 8 miles of roadway extended the STH 16 bike trail and upgraded 11,700 feet of guardrail. Learn more about Highway's accomplishments in 2023, and plans for this year, in the department's annual Impact Report by clicking here.

Adaptive Art Series at Onalaska, Holmen Libraries

Adults with disabilities are invited to participate in “Art in the Library for All,” an adaptive art series led by Sandra Whiteman, Healing Arts Specialist. Participants will create poetry or paintings (or both) depending on which program they select. As part of the series, the Onalaska Library will host a poetry writing program on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. The Holmen Library will host painting programs on Thursday, Feb 1 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. Please register to attend at this link.