Saturday, June 25, 2022
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
As it did last summer, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners again on Monday unanimously voted to approve a resolution opposing an effort to privatize mental health services in Michigan.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, introduced the legislation “to address gaps in Michigan’s mental health care system, making care more accessible to those in need and fully integrated with physical health.”
We hear a lot about services being integrated, but what does that really mean?
The insurance companies in Michigan say they want to “integrate” services by taking over the funding for mental health and substance use services (combined these are referred to as behavioral health services).
As mental health change legislation continues to be drafted in Michigan’s House and Senate, local mental health advocates are taking action now.
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners voted 8-0 on Monday, with Commissioner Brandon Stowell of Trufant absent, to accept a resolution opposing a mental health system redesign in the state of Michigan.
Conversations surrounding mental health and depression can often be difficult for many people and understandably so.
In an effort to bridge that gap in connecting people to resources available to them within the community, the Montcalm Care Network (MCN) is constantly working to bring more awareness to mental health issues and end some of the stigmas that might surround them.
