Duly Noted

 Panel recommends supporting independence for those with mental health issues

Michigan can increase its commitment to mental health and wellness, improving access to help and eliminating the stigma that is often becomes a barrier to people getting the assistance they need, according to a bipartisan panel of state leaders.

The Mental Health and Wellness Commission’s ground-breaking report “Improving the Quality of Life by Supporting Independence and Self-Determination” offers comprehensive changes to the way Michiganders look at and treat mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.
 
Gov. Rick Snyder created the commission in Feb. 2013. Snyder also issued an executive order creating the state’s Mental Health Diversion Council, charged with creating a plan to divert people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders from the criminal justice system and to treatment.

Headed by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, the commission included  Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor; Sen. Bruce Caswell, R-Hillsdale; Rep. Matt Lori, R-Constantine;  Rep. Phil Cavanagh, D-Redford Township; and James Haveman, Department of Community Health Director.

“These bipartisan recommendations are the first steps of a long-term plan intended to increase independence, promote self-determination and improve the quality of life for Michiganders affected by mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders,” Calley said.

The commission offers nearly 60 unanimously agreed upon recommendations for changes, focused around the ideas of removing barriers, eliminating the stigma, streamlining procedures to assist healthcare providers and governments and helping our most vulnerable residents.

Haveman said, “The Michigan Department of Community Health is eager to get started on implementing the recommendations in this report and making Michigan a better place for all residents.”

The report recognizes that Michigan is home to nearly 700,000 veterans, with more than 45,000 serving abroad in recent wars, many returning with injuries seen and unseen.  The report calls for a “no wrong door” policy so veterans get the care they need through a variety of sources.

“After spending nearly a year learning from the first-hand experiences of Michigan families and working with mental health professionals to identify ways to improve care in our communities, I am confident the recommendations my fellow commissioners and I have presented... provide us with an important set of first steps toward expanding access to mental health services and enhancing quality of life for countless citizens,” Sen.Warren said.

The full report is at: www.michigan.gov/mentalhealth

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