Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel joined with other health leaders Monday at Pine Rest in Grand Rapids to discuss with stakeholders how the state is continuing its commitment to ensuring Michigan families can more easily access behavioral health services.
The roundtable discussion focused on the nearly $364 million in investments for behavioral health services included in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 24 and FY 23 budgets.
“Everyone deserves access to quality health care where and when they need it,” said Hertel. “This year’s budget builds upon the current-year budget with investments in behavioral health services that build a Michigan where everyone can live a safe, healthy life. We will work to increase the number of providers in Michigan through scholarships, as well as continue to improve access to care through certified community behavioral health clinics, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, crisis stabilization units and mobile crisis response units to help improve access to behavioral health care for youth and adults.”
Bob Nykamp, vice president and chief operating officer at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, noted the state’s investment in behavioral health demonstrates alignment between Michigan legislators and leading behavioral health care organizations on one of the state’s most pressing health care issues.
“The need for behavioral health services has been steadily rising over the past several years, and this is especially true for children and young adults. Families in crisis have often found the services they or their children need do not exist in their area or require extended wait times for care,” Nykamp said. “This investment from the State of Michigan is a commitment to prioritizing access to care for all who need it. It allows Pine Rest and other behavioral health leaders to take action to help Michigan residents thrive.”
The FY 24 budget includes the following investments to improve access to behavioral health for Michigan youth and families:
• $279.7 million to expand the number of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) sites in Michigan. CCBHCs serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay.
• $45 million to improve facilities for school-based health services and $28.9 million to continue school-based mental health services on campuses.
• $5 million for the Michigan Crisis and Access line.
• $5 million to offer scholarships for those going to college studying behavioral health and strengthen the health care workforce.
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