From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …
— Marquette University today announced Prof. Matthew Hearing has received a $2.42 million federal grant to explore treatments for stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression.
These illnesses affect both the brain and mind, and Hearing aims to develop better ways to address them. Examples include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and others. The announcement notes “deficits in cognitive flexibility” are a common thread among many such conditions, often taking the form of ineffective problem-solving or “negative thought patterns” that supersede healthy ways of dealing with stress.
“Flexible behavior — the ability to adapt behavior in response to changing environmental contingencies — is a critical component of everyday life,” Hearing said in a statement.
The research team will investigate how chronic unpredictable stress leads to neurological changes resulting in lower mental flexibility, according to the announcement. William Cullinan, dean of the university’s College of Health Sciences, says the award provides an “exciting opportunity” to expand on existing research in this area.
“This particular approach has strong implications for understanding and treating a range of debilitating stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions,” he said in the release.
The funding comes from National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health.
See the release below.
— The state Department of Health Services awarded more than $21 million from Wisconsin’s share of opioid settlement funds over the last three months of 2024, the agency announced today.
That’s the most allocated in a given quarter since the state started getting opioid funds in 2022 from settlements with drug companies and other businesses, according to today’s release. Funds have gone toward opioid abatement, addiction treatment, building projects and more.
DHS has gotten about $75 million in opioid settlement dollars so far, and will receive another $153 million through 2038. In today’s release, the agency says it’s seeking public input on how to use state fiscal year 2026 funding to address the opioid crisis.
“Everyone’s voice is critical as we plan for using this next round of settlement funds,” DHS Director of Substance Use Initiatives Michelle Haese said in a statement.
See the release below.
— WisPolitics and WisBusiness.com are hosting a virtual luncheon Wednesday at noon to explore how policymakers and the health care community can improve youth mental health.
The one-hour event will feature four panelists:
- Maureen Busalacchi, director of the Division of Alcohol Policy Prevention and Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin and current president of the Wisconsin Public Health Association Inc.
- Dr. Mary Pfeifer, retired (2024) Neenah Joint School District superintendent;
- Debbie Patz, vice president of Bellin Psychiatric Center, Emplify Health;
- And Erich Pfeifer, president and CEO of Marine Travelift.
Register for the free event here.
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