Lauren Hubbard started at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services 11 years ago as a new, inexperienced nurse. Today, as director of community crisis services, Hubbard oversees the Milwaukee County Crisis Line, Milwaukee Mobile Crisis and community-based behavioral health services.
Last year, BHS’ mental health complex closed as part of a strategic plan to transition mental health services directly into communities with the highest demand. The closure resulted in a significant increase in demand for services offered by Milwaukee Mobile Crisis. As a result, there have been significant reductions in adult inpatient admissions, psychiatric crisis service visits and emergency detention visits.
“This approach is recognized as a national best practice model in behavioral health care, and Lauren played a pivotal role in its implementation,” said Mike Lappen, administrator of Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services.
Earlier this year, the adult mobile crisis team and children’s mobile crisis team merged to form a unified entity now known as Milwaukee Mobile Crisis. Hubbard has managed this merger, ensuring all clinicians are well-informed about current processes.
