Evers visits West Bend, touts 'Get Kids Ahead' program supporting mental health services

WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers was in West Bend Monday, April 11, continuing his tour promoting a new program that provides money for his "Get Kids Ahead" program. 

Evers spoke at West Bend East High School Monday afternoon, where he talked about the $15 million going to Wisconsin's K-12 schools to help support mental health services. That can include anything from direct mental healthcare, hiring mental health navigators, providing mental health first aid and trauma-based care training, or family assistance programs. 

"We've seen alarming increases in emergency department visits for mental health and behavior health among Wisconsin students. With one hospital alone reporting a 40% increase in emergency visits for students," said Evers. 

Students K-12 across the state will be able to opt in to a $10,000 minimum amount of funds, with more money being provided on a per-student basis. 

An additional $5 million is going to the UW System for the same services.