Resch Foundation-funded initiative aims to address provider shortage
June 4, 2025
GREEN BAY — Emplify Health by Bellin and Marquette University are proud to announce the launch of the Resch Mental Health Initiative, a groundbreaking seven-year pilot program aimed at addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This initiative, made possible by a transformative gift from The Richard J. Resch Foundation to The Bellin Health Foundation, will provide a fully supported pathway for students from education to licensure to employment, significantly enhancing mental health care in the region.
The Resch Mental Health Initiative will proactively recruit 25 students from Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, assist them in earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and provide supervised training with a clinical supervisor hired by Emplify Health by Bellin.
“The Resch Mental Health Initiative is a transformative step toward addressing the mental health professional shortage in our region,” said Chris Woleske, Emplify Health Executive Vice President and Bellin Region President. “By providing a comprehensive and supported pathway from education to employment, we are ensuring our communities have access to the high-quality mental health care they deserve.”
A Marquette University Law School alumna and member of the Marquette Board of Trustees, Woleske played a key role in facilitating the partnership, working closely with Bellin Psychiatric Center and The Bellin Health Foundation, as well as The Richard J. Resch Foundation.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Richard J. Resch Foundation, we can remove longstanding barriers to educating more mental health providers to serve our communities,” said Debbie Patz, Vice President of Bellin Psychiatric Center. “We are profoundly grateful for this gift, and to our Marquette University partners for thinking big about ways we can achieve our goals together.”
Key program components include:
- Fully Funded Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Selected students will receive full tuition coverage and stipend support for an online master’s degree, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder their educational journey.
- Hands-On Clinical Training: Students will complete all clinical training components, including a paid practicum, internship and post-graduate fellowship, at Emplify Health by Bellin locations. This paid, hands-on experience will prepare them to meet the growing demand for mental health services.
- Mentorship and Professional Development: The program includes dedicated mentorship and professional development opportunities, ensuring students are well-supported and well-prepared to enter the workforce.
- Employment Path: Graduates will have the opportunity for employment at Emplify Health by Bellin, providing a clear and secure career path.
- Sign-On and Retention Bonuses: Additional incentives, such as sign-on and retention bonuses, will further support the retention of these professionals in the region.
“Investing in the Resch Mental Health Initiative is an investment in the future of our region,” said Sharon Resch of The Richard J. Resch Foundation. “By supporting the education and training of mental health professionals, we are not only addressing a critical need but also fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”
The seven-year pilot program also is expected to have a substantial economic impact, with program graduates working with an estimated 26,000 clients per year. In 2019, the per person cost of untreated mental illness totaled $9,801*, meaning this pilot program alone could result in $254 million in annual savings.
“This partnership with Emplify Health by Bellin and The Richard J. Resch Foundation is a testament to our commitment to improving mental health outcomes in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Scott D’Urso, Marquette University acting vice provost for graduate and professional studies and Graduate School dean. “We are excited to play a crucial role in training the next generation of mental health professionals who will make a meaningful impact in our communities.”
For more detailed information or specific inquiries about the program, please contact The Bellin Health Foundation at TheBellinHealthFoundation@bellin.org.
Interested students may access more information here or contact Graduate Admission Counselor Jordan L. Mason at (414) 288-0327 or jordan.l.mason@marquette.edu.
* New England Journal of Medicine, 2023
About Emplify Health and The Bellin Health Foundation
Formed in December 2022, Emplify Health is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Emplify Health has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Emplify Health strives to lead local, regional and national healthcare transformation to enrich individuals for their healthiest lives at every stage. Learn more at emplifyhealth.org.
The Bellin Health Foundation was established in 1994 with a mission to bring local health initiatives to life. With the help of our donors and friends, it envisions access to world-class healthcare without financial compromises. Giving opportunities through the foundation help advance common goals in that direction. Donations made to The Bellin Health Foundation remain local and solely dedicated to supporting the programs and services of Emplify Health by Bellin in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Marquette University Graduate School is built on a tradition of preparing the next generation of mental health scholars, researchers and professionals. Through diverse course work and meaningful experiential learning opportunities, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program embodies the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — care for the whole person — and shapes graduates into providers who transform lives by supporting people in their holistic growth and wellness.
About Kevin Conway
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.