Whitmer Hosts Mental Health Roundtable in Pontiac

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2022

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Hosts Mental Health Roundtable in Pontiac to Push for Additional Mental Health Investments for Students

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sat down with students, parents, educators, and mental health professionals at Pontiac High School to advocate for additional mental health investments in schools at the beginning of Student Appreciation Week. The governor’s fiscal year 2023 School Aid Fund budget recommendation would invest $361 million for school-based mental health services, including hiring and retaining mental health professionals and opening 40 new clinics for students across the state.

“Last year, I made largest education investment in Michigan history and delivered resources to hire over 560 mental health professionals, including nurses, social workers, and psychologists,” said Governor Whitmer. “In my budget for the next school year, I’m proposing another historic investment in on-campus mental health supports for our kids. We can and must work together to expand access to mental health care to help our kids thrive in and out of the classroom. My budget includes the highest per-student investment in Michigan history – I look forward to making that investment reality. Let's get it done.”

Governor Whitmer’s Proposed Mental Health Investment

The fiscal year 2023 School Aid Fund Executive Recommendation includes $361 million for school-based mental health services. Today’s visit highlights the increased need for school-based mental health services and the Governor’s proposed response. Governor Whitmer’s proposed budget includes:  

• $150 million to offer training for teachers in partnership with TRAILS.
• $25 million to give every school free access to quality mental health screeners.
• $120 million to hire more school-based mental health professionals.
• $50 million to continue to strengthen school-based mental health supports to ensure school nurses and social workers are part of a bigger effort and not isolated resources.
• $11 million to open school-based health centers in regions with limited access to care.
• $5 million to provide on-demand help for school-based clinicians responding to unique cases in partnership with the Michigan Child Collaborative Care at the University of Michigan.

School-based health centers, also known as child and adolescent health centers, are housed in school buildings and staffed by clinicians. There are over 100 sites across Michigan, serving more than 200,000 students annually in communities where families lack access to medical services. Governor Whitmer proposes adding 40 more sites.

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