MADISON, Wis. — Journey Mental Health Center says it has spent $1.8 million over the past four years making up the difference between Dane County’s funding and the cost of mental health services it provides to residents, and the nonprofit says it cannot keep covering the gap. The center receives about 35,000 calls from county residents seeking help each year, according to the organization. During a recent visit to the center, a team was dispatched to respond to an urgent call. Sarah Valencia, Journey’s president and CEO, said the services are essential but the organization cannot sign a contract that leaves it with a continuing deficit. “We want to keep doing these services, but we can’t keep subsidizing the programs,” she said. Valencia said the center has discussed the shortfall with county officials, but the talks have not yielded a resolution. She described the programs as state-mandated and said county funding has effectively relied on the nonprofit’s fundraising and reserves to cover costs beyond its allocation. The dispute raises questions about how the services will be funded as Journey says it can no longer absorb their uncovered costs. The center has not announced specific service reductions, and no agreement with the county was reported as of Oct. 7, 2026.