WISCONSIN — UpliftWI has taken 16,508 calls in its first year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). 

DHS said this far surpassed expectations. At its launch, DHS expected UpliftWI to take between 10,000 to 13,000 calls based on data from regional warmlines — a non-emergency phone service.

UpliftWI launched in late July 2023. The warmline is designed to help people in difficult situations before they become a crisis. From noon to midnight, the line is staffed by others who can “offer hope and knowledge gained from their experiences living with mental health and substance use concerns.”

The warmline is free and confidential. Callers remain anonymous and do not have to share identifying information, such as a name or address. DHS explained that the conversation will always stay between the caller and staff member; however, if the caller asks, the staff member may share information from their conversation if the caller requests support from other people.

“UpliftWI’s inaugural year has shown it’s a critical resource for people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges,” said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. “Calling UpliftWI is like talking with a friend. The operators understand the stress of these difficult situations and can help navigate them based on their lived experiences.”

Staff who answer calls are certified peer specialist, which means they have previously experienced their own mental health and substance use issues, completed training and passed a state exam. That exam tests their ability to support others.

Staff members listen to callers’ needs and help them problem solve. They can also provide information on community resources if the caller is interested in them.

The goal is to diffuse situations via “conversations and connections between people with similar life experiences.”

You can call UpliftWI at 534-202-5438. Interpreters are available for Wisconsinites who do not speak English.

Similar support can be found around Wisconsin. Those in need of support can do a drop-in visit at a peer-recovery center or through a scheduled stay at a peer-run respite. Find recovery center locations here. Find respite locations here.

DHS said if someone is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, they should call or text 988. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911.