Emplify Health, Marquette University Launch Mental Health Initiative

On June 4, 2025, Emplify Health by Bellin and Marquette University announced the creation of the Resch Mental Health Initiative, a seven-year pilot program designed to tackle the shortage of mental health professionals in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This initiative is funded by a generous contribution from The Richard J. Resch Foundation to The Bellin Health Foundation.

The program aims to recruit 25 students from the defined regions, guiding them through their education, licensure, and into employment. Participants will work toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, with their educational costs fully covered. This includes tuition, fees, and a stipend to alleviate financial burdens.

Key features of the Resch Mental Health Initiative include: – **Fully Funded Education:** Selected students will receive comprehensive financial support for their master’s program, removing economic barriers to entry. – **Clinical Training:** Students will gain practical experience through a paid practicum, internship, and post-graduate fellowship at Emplify Health by Bellin facilities, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet local mental health service demands. – **Mentorship Opportunities:** The program includes structured mentorship and professional development to support students’ transition into the workforce effectively. – **Employment Opportunities:** Upon graduation, participants will have job placements available at Emplify Health by Bellin, securing a career path in the mental health field. – **Incentives for Retention:** The program will offer sign-on and retention bonuses to promote long-term employment among graduates.

Chris Woleske, Executive Vice President of Emplify Health and President of Bellin Region, stated, “The Resch Mental Health Initiative is a transformative step toward addressing the mental health professional shortage in our region. By providing a comprehensive and supported pathway from education to employment, we are ensuring our communities have access to the high-quality mental health care they deserve.”

Debbie Patz, Vice President of Bellin Psychiatric Center, expressed gratitude toward The Richard J. Resch Foundation for their support, highlighting the removal of barriers to training more mental health providers.

Sharon Resch of The Richard J. Resch Foundation emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Investing in the Resch Mental Health Initiative is an investment in the future of our region. By supporting the education and training of mental health professionals, we are addressing a critical need and fostering a healthier community.”

The program is expected to have significant economic implications, projecting that graduates will serve approximately 26,000 clients annually. In 2019, the cost of untreated mental illness was calculated at $9,801 per individual, suggesting that this initiative could lead to annual savings of approximately $254 million by alleviating the burden of untreated mental health issues.

Scott D’Urso, acting vice provost for graduate and professional studies at Marquette University, noted the partnership’s role in enhancing mental health outcomes in the region. With a focus on training future mental health professionals, Marquette University is committed to preparing graduates who can effectively support their communities.

For further details about the Resch Mental Health Initiative, interested individuals can reach out to The Bellin Health Foundation at TheBellinHealthFoundation@bellin.org. Prospective students can find additional information through Marquette University’s Graduate Admission Counselor, Jordan L. Mason, at (414) 288-0327 or jordan.l.mason@marquette.edu.