gjaehnig@mininggazette.com
HOUGHTON A May 3, 2021, social post published by the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office criticized Michigan for its lack of mental health care access, along with an appeal to the public:
“We are asking that you help us start the discussion locally, contact your state representatives, contact your mental health board and help us figure out how we can fix this problem,” the appeal read. “These are our brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters who are crying out for help. We owe it to ourselves to make a change.”
Unfortunately, finding a solution to the problem may be more complicated than it may appear. In Michigan, as well as across the nation, there are several factors that inhibit access to behavioral health care, including many of those in need, or who qualify for financial assistance for it, simply do not not want it. But there is more.
gjaehnig@mininggazette.com
HOUGHTON In a recent press release, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Michigan.”
In her 12-point proclamation, the governor went on to say that “all individuals can experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives and should feel comfortable in seeking help and support to manage these times.”
She also stated that the various challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, including isolation, loss of income, fear, and bereavement, have significantly contributed to declining levels of mental health in children, teens, and adults in our state. In most state documents, there is noticeable language that uses behavioral health and mental health interchangeably.
Spotlight on The News: Focus on mental health and public schools in Michigan
WXYZ-TV7 Spotlight on the News
(L-to-R) Chuck Stokes with Robert Sheehan and Robert McCann
and last updated 2021-05-07 14:05:09-04
WXYZ DETROIT â On Mother s Day, May 9th, Spotlight on the News will drill down on the state of mental health and public education in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Where does the Great Lakes State rank and what kind of help is available for those who need it? Our guests will be Robert Sheehan, CEO, Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, and Robert McCann, Executive Director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan.
Detailed Agenda for the 2021 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference now available! Kaylor Erickson | Apr 28, 2021
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Through our extensive stakeholder process, we have developed numerous exciting panels that will cover the most important topics in Michigan health policy.
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We are honored to have over almost 70 speakers slated for this conference, including:
Marti Kay Sherry:
Dominick Pallone:
Elizabeth Hertel:
Rep. Mary Whiteford:
David Schneider:
Robert Sheehan:
Sean Kendall:
Steve Barnett:
CEO, McKenzie Health System
This is just the start we have many more exciting speakers teed up for May 27th!