On March 30, 2026, Administrator Mike Lappen resigned from his position with Behavioral Health Services. This caught the board by surprise. What were the antecedents to create the resignation? The truth is, only Shakita LaGrant-McClain, the current Department of Health and Human Services director, and Mike really know what happened.
Several articles were written by Graham Kilmer and Eva Wen. I felt I was misquoted in both. To Ms. Wen’s credit, she followed up with me to ensure she could edit the story so it was presented properly. This is why I joined the National Association of Broadcast Journalists- Milwaukee chapter the following week. It is so important that we have a chance to tell our stories in our voices. There are three things that I want to make sure the record reflects in MY VOICE.
First, I stand ten toes down for the people of Milwaukee County. This is why I serve on a volunteer board for Mental Health. At the pleasure and request of David Crowley, Gubernatorial candidate and current Milwaukee County Executive, I accepted this Herculean invite. This board, in conjunction with hundreds of workers in DHHS, helps to establish the budget for the county. This power was originally with the elected County Supervisors, but was taken away in 2014 after the passage of Act 203 in 2013.
Second, Mike Lappen is a man I have seen do great work in the past decade with Milwaukee County. I respected him as a member of the board and recognized the strengths he brought to the table. However, Mrs. LaGrant-McClain is the Director and has sole authority to create her own team. I admire her vision for wanting to be proactive. I understand the extra pressure of her position is magnified by being an African American woman. I support not because she is Black, but because she is competent and caring for the County. But let it be known, I do have her back, and I am with her as we move forward.
Lastly, and most importantly, this issue is a distraction to the tsunami of torrential budget cuts coming into our immediate future. Our focus has to be on how we will secure funds for our most vulnerable citizens. Last year, we had a deficit of over thirteen million dollars. Our reserves only have about 28 million in the account, and we can’t go below 20 million. Which means we have about 8 million in discretionary funds. When we reach that level, the reserves can only be used for mandated programs. And, if/when that is gone, services will be compromised or gone. We are already losing a lot of services.
The citizens of Milwaukee County are always invited to listen to our board meetings and come to speak at our listening sessions. If this board is to have true power, it must be supported by an aware citizenry. Sometimes, sexy headlines steal the attention, but beloved, we must be vigilant in our pursuit of excellence and not be distracted from the real issue. Milwaukee County Mental Health is nearing a state of emergency. And when there are no official Mental Health programs, the Correctional facilities become the default Mental Health facilities. Who do you think will hurt the most in Milwaukee County? You’ve been alerted and warned. And to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Act accordingly, beloved.