Save the Uplfit WI Warmline!!!
Effective April 8, Mental Health America of Wisconsin (MHA) has been forced to shut down its Statewide Peer-Run Warmline due to recent federal budget cuts from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Despite demonstrating a clear statewide impact, the Warmline contract was terminated without notice due to a sudden surge in mass federal funding cuts nationwide. The Warmline was Wisconsin’s only Statewide peer-run mental health line, providing free and confidential support to more than 24,000 individuals experiencing emotional distress in 2024. Staffed entirely by Certified Peer Specialists—individuals with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges—the Warmline served thousands of Wisconsinites annually, particularly those who didn’t feel safe or supported by traditional crisis systems.
Unlike 988 or emergency services, the Warmline offered a safe, non-clinical alternative for individuals to discuss their concerns, de-escalate, and receive referrals to community-based resources—without the risk of involuntary intervention or law enforcement involvement. In many cases, it prevented mental health issues from escalating into crises, reducing strain on emergency departments and public safety systems.
The original intention was to use all funds raised from the event to support the UpliftWI Warmline operations. In light of this abrupt and detrimental departure of this much-needed service, we are now seeking to Save the Uplift WI Warmline! All proceeds will go first to reimburse the Uplift Warmline Operations from the time it ran without reimbursement (March 24-April 8 as the contract was terminated with no notice March 24th) and then additional proceeds will go toward reestablishing the Uplift WI Warmline and other peer services.