The recent forced departure of Mike Lappen, the head of Milwaukee County's Behavioral Health Services division, has sparked a heated debate and raised concerns among the Mental Health Board. This incident has exposed a deeper issue within the county's leadership and its relationship with the board, highlighting a pattern of sudden and unexplained personnel changes in critical mental health roles.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is the apparent lack of transparency and respect shown by county leadership towards the Mental Health Board. The board members, who are composed of medical professionals and individuals with lived experience, felt disrespected and misled. This is not the first time such a situation has occurred; the previous sudden resignation of John Schneider, the former treatment director, in July further underscores the recurring theme of unexplained departures.
The county's decision to release a suspect in a homicide case from a mental health facility without notifying the courts, as mentioned by County Executive David Crowley, may have contributed to the tension. This incident, combined with the recent resignations, raises questions about the county's commitment to effective mental health management and the board's oversight role.
The power dynamics between the Mental Health Board, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the county executive are complex. While the board has the authority to approve nominees for the Behavioral Health Services administrator position, the director and county executive also possess the power to remove them. This hierarchical structure, coupled with the lack of communication, has created a sense of frustration and distrust among the board members.
The board's chairwoman, Kathy Bottoni, emphasized the importance of respect and input, stating that the board's opinions and actions matter. However, the county's leadership seems to prioritize their vision, as suggested by Mary Jo Meyers, the county executive's chief of staff. This power struggle highlights the challenges of effective governance and the need for clear communication and collaboration between different levels of leadership.
In my opinion, this situation highlights a deeper issue of accountability and transparency in local governance. The sudden and unexplained departures of key mental health officials raise concerns about the county's ability to provide consistent and effective services. It also underscores the importance of a collaborative and respectful relationship between the Mental Health Board and county leadership to ensure the well-being of the community they serve.
As the board members grapple with these issues, they must decide whether to continue their service, supporting the county's vision while also advocating for the mental health needs of the community. This decision will shape the future of Milwaukee County's mental health services and the role of the Mental Health Board in holding the county accountable.
