NCHC's Chuck Kerstell Named Wisconsin Co-Responder of the Year

North Central Health Care is proud to celebrate Chuck Kerstell, CART (Crisis Assessment Response Team) Crisis Professional, for being named the recipient of the 2026 Wisconsin Co-Responder of the Year Award.

Presented by the Wisconsin Co-Responder Committee at the Annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Symposium, the award recognizes a mental health professional who demonstrates exceptional commitment to collaboration, compassion, innovation, and community impact through the co-responder model.

For those who know Chuck, the recognition comes as no surprise.

With nearly four decades of experience in the mental health field and more than 14 years serving North Central Health Care, Chuck has become one of the most trusted and respected crisis professionals in Marathon County. Since helping launch the county's co-responder pilot program in 2016, he has worked alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, social services, and community organizations to build a more coordinated and compassionate response to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises.

His impact can be felt across the community.

Whether he's responding to a crisis call with law enforcement, collaborating with partners at the Marathon County Jail, helping train the next generation of crisis professionals, or meeting with a client in their home after a difficult experience, Chuck consistently approaches every interaction with empathy, professionalism, and respect.

Deputy Jackie White of the Marathon County Sheriff's Department, who nominated Chuck for the award, described him as the embodiment of person-centered care.

"What really sets Chuck apart is his unwavering dedication to person-centered care," White wrote in her nomination. "He approaches every interaction with empathy, respect, and professionalism, ensuring that individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis feel heard, supported, and valued."

That commitment extends far beyond the initial crisis response.

Chuck is known for developing comprehensive safety plans, conducting follow-up calls, coordinating care with treatment providers, and even meeting clients face-to-face in their homes to help them stay connected to services and supports. His goal is always the same: helping people remain safe, supported, and successful in their communities whenever possible.

According to his nominators, Chuck's work has helped strengthen partnerships throughout Marathon County while contributing to positive outcomes for individuals in crisis. Since the co-responder program began, the county has experienced increasing calls for service while continuing to reduce the number of emergency detentions, demonstrating the value of early intervention and collaborative crisis response.

In addition to his direct work with clients, Chuck is a leader, mentor, and educator. He regularly co-facilitates Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings for law enforcement, corrections staff, and behavioral health professionals, helping improve understanding of mental health crises and strengthen partnerships across systems. He also plays a vital role in onboarding and training new crisis professionals at NCHC.

Kimberly Moore, Assistant Director of Acute Care Clinical Services at NCHC, noted that Chuck's influence extends throughout the organization and community.

"There are so many examples of Chuck being a highly empathic, collaborative, and dedicated crisis professional and co-responder," Moore wrote in her nomination. "He sets the standard for every new employee under my leadership."

Perhaps the strongest testament to Chuck's impact comes from the people he serves. Community members, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and even individuals experiencing crisis often ask for Chuck by name, a reflection of the trust he has built over years of service.

The Wisconsin Co-Responder of the Year Award recognizes professionals who go above and beyond to improve safety, strengthen partnerships, and support individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Through his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people he serves, Chuck exemplifies the very best of that mission.

Congratulations, Chuck, and thank you for the countless lives you've impacted throughout your career. We are proud to have you as part of the North Central Health Care team.