Health and Human Services

Mission Statement: 

Prevent. Promote. Protect. Working together to support the health and well-being of our community.

Responsibilities

The Department of Health and Human Services provides an array of services and programs that cover the lifespan of Door County citizens. We promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals and the entire community. We serve individuals and families who need assistance with issues related to aging, disability, mental health, or substance use. We also determine eligibility for a variety of public programs, including Food Share, Medical Assistance, Wisconsin Shares Child Care subsidy, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

Vision

In carrying out the Department’s mission, staff strive to embody our Trauma Informed Vision:

Providing help for today and hope for tomorrow
By fostering a safe community that values
Your Voice, Your Choice, Your Future.


Critical Contacts

    • Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 920-746-2372

    • Baylake Consortium: 888-794-5747

    • Public Health: 920-746-2234

    • Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 920-746-2588

    • Report Child Abuse

      • Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm  Phone: 920-746-7155
      • After hours Phone: 920-746-2400
    • Report Elder Abuse/Adults at Risk 
      • Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm  Phone: 920-746-7155
      • After hours Phone: 920-746-2588

Door County Caregiver Connection

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCcaregivers/ - This group will provide caregivers with information, resources, and tools to help support them at home as well as connect them with other caregivers who may be  facing the same challenges. Please note: this group is not intended to be in place of the support groups we hold.


During Immediate Risk of Suicide

  • Call 911

  • Go to the emergency room

  • Call Door County Crisis/Suicide Intervention Hotline: 988

If you are struggling with difficult emotions during this time, you are not alone.  Here are some resources that may help:

Phone contact for those needing emotional support

  • Call Door County DHHS, (920)746-7155 to request supportive contact from a therapist or case manager
  • A  KIND VOICE, staffed by volunteers, 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm, 800-876-2399

Information/Referrals

  • Text “Hopeline” to 741741

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 (As of July 16, 2022, changing to 988.)

  • Trevor Project for LGBTQ+, 866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678

  • National Veterans Support Line 800-273-8255 or text 838255

  • Domestic Violence Advocacy Services 24 Hour Hotline, HELP of Door County, 920-743-8818 or 800-914-3571

  • Sexual Assault Center 24 Hour Hotline, Family Services of NE Wisconsin, 920-746-8996 

  • Mighty Teens Empowerment Door County, https://www.stridecreativedc.com/

  • Prevention Resources: “Door County Mental Wellness” and “Prevent Suicide Door County” – Find us on FaceBook.

  • Mental Health America, https://mhanational.org/

  • National Alliance on Mental Health, https://www.nami.org/Home


Land & Labor Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the Door County peninsula is the ancestral homeland of the Menominee Nation, one of 11 federally recognized Native American sovereign nations in Wisconsin. We acknowledge these indigenous communities who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.  Our presence here would not be possible without their caretaking for the earth and the continued contributions of the Tribal Nations of Wisconsin.

We acknowledge the labor of people of color who have come before us.  For generations, they have suffered and sacrificed to build our nation and communities. We honor their strength, resilience, and fight for freedom. 


Values

Door County DHHS is committed to: 

Trauma Informed Care

Past trauma, including adversities experienced as a child or adult, as well as historical and intergenerational trauma, impacts how people see the world.  DHHS seeks to create a safe and welcoming place for those with a history of trauma, recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms, and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.

  • We strive to approach one other in a manner that does not re‐traumatize or compound the trauma.  

  • Our services are person-centered and strength-based.  Those who access our services have voice and choice and are actively involved in all aspects of the services they receive.  

  • We believe that personal growth and recovery are possible for everyone.  

  • We lift up the voice of lived experience and involve peers and natural supports in our service delivery.

 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Diversity: We believe that the presence of difference enriches our workplace and the services we provide.  We approach everyone with a sense of curiosity and make adjustments to address people’s unique circumstances.  

  • Equity: We ensure that access, resources, and opportunities are provided for all to succeed and grow, especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

  • Inclusion: Our agency is welcoming to all people regardless of  race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, age, or life experience. Everyone is valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential. 

 Teaming Across Systems

  • Department employees and providers work cooperatively across programs, divisions, and agencies to generate collective impact.    

  • We utilize a collaborative approach with the individual or family at the center of the team.  

  • We encourage and empower people to identify their natural supports in the community.  These resources are utilized creatively and flexibly to support individuals in reaching their goals. 

  • We seek to foster resiliency and support autonomy so that individuals rely on others only to the extent necessary to learn and maintain new skills and behaviors.  

 Prevention Focus

We engage in a continuum of three levels of prevention methods: 

  • Primary: Early “upstream” efforts to improve the overall health and wellness of the community; 

  • Secondary: Intermediate interventions and treatment; 

  • Tertiary: Intensive recovery-focused services in response to crisis.

 Health & Safety

  • We promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals and the entire community.

When protective services are involved or when a consumer presents at risk to harm themselves or others, the plan involves keeping the person safe through the least restrictive means possible while also protecting the community through good supervision and monitoring.


Nondiscrimination Information