May 9, 2025: Mental Health Day for Children, Youth, and Their Families

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to overall well-being and an estimated one in five youth has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder that can significantly affect learning, development, and quality of life; and,

WHEREAS, effectively supporting the developmental and educational needs of children and youth from birth through adulthood is essential to promoting long-term mental health, resilience, and success; and,

WHEREAS, 47.1% of Michigan youth ages 0–18 were insured by Medicaid in 2023, emphasizing the vital role of public health coverage in ensuring access to mental, behavioral, and physical health care; and,

WHEREAS, suicide remains the second leading cause of death for children, youth, and young adults ages 10–24 in Michigan, and Native American, African American, and LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high suicide rates and face elevated risks due to stigma and systemic barriers, underscoring Michigan’s commitment to advancing equitable, culturally relevant, trauma-informed mental health care; and,

WHEREAS, the implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline stands as a testament to Michigan’s commitment to providing timely support and intervention; and,

WHEREAS, school-based mental health services are a vital tool for addressing the needs of Michigan children, including the 13.5% who experience anxiety or depression, helping reduce barriers to care and promoting well-being in educational settings; and,

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness and education about children, youth, and family mental health is key to reducing stigma, promoting early identification, and strengthening suicide prevention efforts; and,

WHEREAS, mental health needs must be met with compassion, empathy, and proactive support that empowers children, youth, and families to thrive. Uplifting the voices of those with lived experience is essential to shaping programs, policies, and systems that truly reflect community needs; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Association for Children’s Mental Health remain committed to collaborative partnerships with children, youth, families, and providers to ensure supports are accessible, inclusive, and effective; and,

WHEREAS, a commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes is essential to aligning Michigan’s mental health systems with the evolving needs of our communities;