Finance Committee Backs Body Alarms for Staff at Mendota Mental Health Facility

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee voted unanimously Thursday (April 22, 1999) to provide body alarms to employees, including teachers, at Mendota Mental Health Institution.

The motion to buy the alarms was offered by Senator Kim Plache of Racine at the request of Senator Jon Erpenbach of Middleton. Mendota, which is in Erpenbach's district, has an increasingly serious problem with staff assaults. One attack last July left a staff member near death.

The provision authorizes a one-time reallocation of $320,000.00 to purchase a radio body alarm system for staff at the institution. Utility savings from care and treatment facilities allow for the reallocation of funds, and no new dollars will need to be used for the purchase.

"Mendota is the only mental health facility in the state that provides treatment for maximum security patients. The individuals who work there, as well as the patients themselves, are at higher risk for potential violence," Erpenbach said. "This 'person down' system can save crucial minutes when staff are attacked and would replace the current system where staff have to call a certain number to receive assistance."

Representative Sheryl Albers, speaking in support of the motion, mentioned the "liability" of the state and the need to protect the staff at Mendota. The Thompson administration also had a hand in securing funding for the alarms.

WEAC Council #1 and the Wisconsin State Employees Union worked together to help advance the measure. Council #1 represents Mendota teachers, and the WSEU represents other employees.

Council #1 Director Mike Moore and WSEU Director Marty Beil said the present security system at Mendota is inadequate.

"The violent nature of some of the residents sometimes creates circumstances that can jeopardize the safety of staff and other patients," they stated in a joint memo to the committee. "The proposed system would allow a quicker response to dangerous situations and lessen the potential for serious injury to employees and residents of the facility. We believe it is vital that this amendment be approved to ensure the security of both the members we represent and the patient population of Mendota Mental Health Institution.

The measure is now incorporated into the state budget bill that will be forwarded to the full Legislature.

Posted April 23, 1999