Dear Friend,

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist and I proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Michigan.

This month is a reminder of the importance of talking about our mental health, so we can work together to reduce stigma and increase awareness of the consequences of unaddressed mental illness.

I know there is a lot going on in the world right now, and it can be hard to find peace amidst all the noise. This is your reminder to take care of your mental health – go for a walk, spend time outdoors, call an old friend, or do something else that makes you happy and brings you peace. Mental health is health — and everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. That includes our young people, who are experiencing the highest rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist joined “You Matter” brand creator Meech Harmon for a Mental Health Awareness fireside chat with students, faculty, and board members of Harper Woods High School. We must continue to create spaces where young people can feel safe to speak openly about their struggles and to know that it is ok to ask for help. And we must continue to expand access to mental health services in our public schools.

In my State of the State Address this year, I called for bipartisan action to limit the use of phones in our classrooms. The data is clear — phones negatively impact students’ mental health and academic performance. Commonsense restrictions on phone use during class lead to more learning and less bullying. Kids listen, raise their hands, and make more friends. Three-quarters of students say they feel happy or peaceful without their phone. Let’s get this done for our kids.

If you are struggling with your mental health, I want you to know that you are not alone. If you or a loved one needs help, please see the resources below. This month, let’s look out for one another. Check on a friend or family member and ask for help yourself if you need support.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Get Support - Mental Health Resources

I recognize that there has been a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in our communities. We hear you, and you are not alone. My administration has always been committed to ensuring that Michiganders have access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, including mental health support.

Since taking office, we have made historic investments to expand access to mental health services in schools. These efforts include securing $214 per student for on-campus mental health, $328 million in school safety needs, and continued investments in school safety and student mental health. Recently, Corewell Health opened a full-service, school-based clinic at Harper Woods High School, offering medical care and mental health counseling to more than 2,700 students across the district. We will continue to propose historic investments in behavioral health services and state psychiatric facilities and further expand access to mental health resources in schools and through community agencies.

As we continue to face unprecedented challenges, many resources and programs are available to help during times of need.

• Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, in addition to prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 1-800-273-8255 or the three-digit dialing code 988.
• Community Mental Health Services Programs: Mental health services in Michigan are coordinated through local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). The alphabetical list includes contact information for your local program. Each CMHSP has an Access Line and a Crisis Line.
• Free or Low-Cost Mental Health Care: Find help through local Community Mental Health Services Programs. Some clinics offer free mental health care. Free clinics use volunteer healthcare providers to give free or low-cost care to people without insurance.
• Medicaid Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) administer Medicaid Waivers for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, and administer prevention and treatment services for substance use disorders.
• MDHHS Office of Recipient Rights protects and promotes the rights of people receiving public mental health services and empowers recipients to fully exercise these rights.