Walworth County Uniters
Building a Safer Walworth County: Breaking Stigmas, Connecting Resources, Preventing Crisis.
About Us
The Walworth County Uniters from Urban Rural Action are a dedicated group of people who live and work in Walworth County, WI and are united by a common goal: preventing targeted violence by improving access to mental health resources in our community.
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Walworth County is a mental health desert, lacking in-patient crisis facilities. When someone experiences a mental health crisis, they often have to leave the county—and their families and support systems—to seek help elsewhere. We Uniters are committed to addressing this gap by fostering conversations about mental health, erasing the stigma surrounding it, and educating the public about existing resources.
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Their work focuses on ensuring that individuals receive support before reaching a crisis point, creating a safer, healthier, and more connected community.
Our Mission
The Walworth County Uniters work together to prevent targeted violence in our community by improving access to mental health resources, fostering open conversations, erasing stigma, and empowering individuals with the tools they need to seek help before a crisis occurs.
Our Vision
We envision a safe and supportive Walworth County where mental health challenges are met with compassion, resources are accessible to all, and every individual feels connected to their family, community, and support system.
Meet the Team

Britt Brill
Britt Brill is a wife of 18 years, a momma to three, who was born and raised in Walworth County

Dalia Rojas
Full time employment recruiter, mother, and Walworth resident.

Rachel Czys
I work in the Holistic Health / Wellness / Fitness Industry.

Tyler Surface
Community Partner Lead
I work at New Beginnings APFV as a Crime Victim Advocate and have a background in Criminology and Psychology.

Molly Mclaughlin
I am 39 years old from Whitewater, Wisconsin. I have 2 sons and am a paraprofessional.

Maryann Zimmerman
Walworth County Coordinator
I lead UR Action's work in Walworth County. Contact me at maryann@uraction.org
Trusted Community Partners
Uniting to Prevent Targeted Violence in Wisconsin is proud to partner with New Beginnings, a dedicated organization committed to fostering resilience and empowerment in our community. As a trusted ally, New Beginnings brings invaluable expertise and resources to our shared mission of creating safer, more inclusive spaces. Together, we work to address the root causes of targeted violence by promoting education, building relationships across differences, and supporting individuals in need. Through this partnership, we are making meaningful strides toward a future where every member of our community feels valued, respected, and secure.
Uniting to Prevent Targeted Violence in Wisconsin is deeply grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of Matheson Memorial Library, an unofficial yet invaluable community partner. By generously providing their facilities for events and programs, the library fosters opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection. Their commitment to promoting education and community engagement aligns seamlessly with our mission to prevent targeted violence and build safer, more inclusive spaces. We appreciate Matheson Memorial Library's dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening our community.
Upcoming Events
Share the Love:
Cookie Deliveries to Law Enforcement
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UR Action is spreading kindness this Valentine’s season! From February 14-18, we’ll be delivering cookie platters to area law enforcement agencies to show our appreciation for their dedication to community safety. A small gesture can go a long way in building positive relationships and fostering stronger community connections.
Want to help? If you're a community member interested in contributing, please reach out via email by February 12, 2025, at maryann@uraction.org
February 14-18
Healthy Dialogues
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Join UR Action at UW-Whitewater for a morning dedicated to the power of healthy conversations! From 9 AM to 11 AM, we’ll explore how respectful, open dialogue can strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and build safer, more connected communities. Stop by to learn practical communication strategies and engage in meaningful discussions!
February 24 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mental Health Awareness Social
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Let’s break the stigma—together! Join UR Action at UW-Whitewater for an interactive and engaging social event focused on mental health and disabilities. This is a welcoming space for open conversations, networking, and connection. Grab some refreshments, mingle with others, and help foster a more understanding and supportive community.
March 17 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Strong Minds, Safe Communities Scholarship Competition
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Calling all Walworth County high school seniors! Compete for the Strong Minds, Safe Communities Scholarship at UW-Whitewater and share your ideas on mental wellness and community safety. This full-day event (9 AM – 5 PM) is open to the public, so families and community members are encouraged to attend and support these future changemakers.
April 26 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cinco de Mayo and Healthy Dialogues
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Join UR Action at UW-Whitewater for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a purpose! Enjoy delicious treats while learning about healthy dialogues in all relationships—whether with family, friends, coworkers, or partners. Good communication is key to strong, positive connections, and this event will provide practical tips in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate culture, connection, and community!
May 5 | TBD
Walworth County Uniters:
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
Walworth County faces a significant mental health crisis, compounded by limited access to resources and facilities. Classified as a mental health care desert, the county’s ratio of mental health providers to residents is substantially below state and national averages. This makes it challenging for individuals to access timely care when they need it most.
Key Challenges

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Provider Shortage: The limited availability of mental health professionals leaves many residents without adequate support.
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Lack of Inpatient Crisis Services: There are no inpatient mental health crisis facilities in Walworth County. Residents in crisis must travel outside the county for care, separating them from their families and support systems.
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High Demand for Suicide Prevention: With mental health challenges on the rise, community programs like Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training are essential but not sufficient to meet the growing need.
Walworth County
Mental Health Stats
Here are some key data points highlighting the mental health challenges in Walworth County, Wisconsin:
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Mental Health Provider Shortage: Walworth County is classified as a mental health care desert, with a significantly lower ratio of mental health providers to residents compared to state and national averages. This makes accessing timely care difficult for many individuals​ in Walworth County
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Inpatient Crisis Services: The county lacks inpatient mental health crisis facilities. Residents in crisis often have to leave the county to access inpatient care, which separates them from their families and support systems at a critical time​.
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Suicide Prevention Needs: The county has initiatives like the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training, aimed at equipping community members to recognize warning signs and offer support. However, the need for systemic mental health resources remains high​.
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Community Resources and Crisis Lines: The county relies on crisis lines and virtual resources to support individuals in need, which, while helpful, may not be a substitute for local, immediate care options​.
Mental Health Resources
General Information
Crisis Intervention: Contact Walworth County Health and Human Services at 262-741-3200 and ask to speak with a crisis worker. If you need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.
Eligibility: To be eligible for ongoing services, an individual must be a resident of Walworth County.
Fee Information: They do not discriminate on ability to pay. Costs are covered by a variety of sources such as Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance or HMO. We also provide a sliding scale fee based on ability to pay.
Information and Referral: Crisis Intervention is available during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions, schedule services, and to help you find the right services to meet your needs. Call 262-741-3200.
List of mental health resources available in Walworth County, Wisconsin:
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1. Walworth County Health and Human Services
Offers behavioral health services, including mental health assessments, outpatient treatment, and crisis intervention services. The Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program provides psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges. More details are available through the county's Behavioral Health division.
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2. NAMI Walworth County
The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.
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3. 211 Wisconsin
A free, confidential helpline that connects residents to local health and human services, including mental health resources and crisis intervention services. You can reach them by calling 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211 for assistance.
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4. Aurora Health Care – Behavioral Health Services
Provides outpatient mental health services and counseling. Locations are available near Walworth County, with therapists specializing in a range of mental health conditions.
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5. Open Arms Free Clinic
Located in Elkhorn, this clinic offers limited mental health services for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
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6. Walworth County Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
Offers immediate assistance to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Contact them through the county's crisis line.
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For more detailed information, you can explore Walworth County's Behavioral Health Services website or contact 211 Wisconsin for additional support options. These resources address both preventative and crisis-level needs in the community.
This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, opportunity number DHS-23-TTP-132-00-01.