GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new resource is now available for those struggling with mental illness in Northeast Wisconsin.
“This is really important. There’s actually a shortage of psychiatrists around the country, but especially in Wisconsin,” said Nicole Petcka from the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
To help meet the need for more psychiatrists, students at the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay teamed up with the N.E.W. Community Clinic to provide free services to those who are low-income or uninsured.
“I was really excited to see the clinic open. Our first class here at MCW-Green Bay started working on the new clinic so it’s exciting to see it open and have that day,” she said. “I think it’s just a really great way to give back to the community. The community of Green Bay has does so much for MCW, so it’s really exciting to be able to service this community with this clinic.”
The Northeast Wisconsin Psychiatry Clinic is located inside the N.E.W. Community Clinic in downtown Green Bay. Students and doctors will help patients who’ve been screened and diagnosed with a mental illness.
“About 16% of our patients at this downtown office have issues with depression and that’s higher than the national average. So this is a wonderful benefit that we can offer them so they can see a doctor and get the care they need to continue life and be successful,” explained Bonnie Kuhr, CEO of the N.E.W. Community Clinic.
Right now the clinic is only open every 3rd Saturday of the month, but they’re hoping to extend those hours in the future.
“Again it’s just starting up so there aren’t a lot of spots available, but that should be opening up as we go into the future,” said Kuhr.
