(Milwaukee, Wis.)— U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) today asked for accountability and updates on efforts to improve Milwaukee County’s Mental Health Complex after reports of patient sexual abuse.
She wrote to Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Disability Rights Wisconsin.
In every letter, she wrote, “…it is unconscionable that some of our most distressed and vulnerable citizens potentially face abuse when they are seeking help.”
The Mental Health Complex could stand to lose $60 million – or one-third its annual budget – if it does not act to adequately ensure patient safety. Moore requested an update from Walker on steps the county is taking to implement its corrective action plan.
In her letter to Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, she encouraged him “to speak out against these abuses” and detail to her and “the community exactly where the system failed.” She also wrote, “…families and patients deserve accountability. It seems they have yet to receive it.”
She requested an assessment of the county’s progress implementing corrective measures from CMS. She wrote, “…we must ensure that proper steps are being taken to ensure patient safety and prevent abuse.” CMS could withhold crucial federal funding that keeps the county’s Mental Health Complex working if they believe the county has not made necessary improvements.
