May 09, 2026
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to overall well-being and an estimated one in five children and youth have a diagnosable mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder that can significantly affect learning, development and quality of life; and,
WHEREAS, nearly 590,000 children and youth ages 0 to 20 in Michigan received Medicaid in 2025, underscoring the vital importance of health insurance coverage in ensuring access to comprehensive 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,
WHEREAS, Native American, African American and LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high suicide rates and face elevated risks due to stigma and systemic barriers, which underscores Michigan's commitment to advancing equitable, culturally relevant trauma-informed mental health care; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan has demonstrated a commitment to suicide prevention by training more than 13,000 youth-serving individuals over the past decade via the Transforming Youth Suicide Prevention program, and by providing timely support and intervention through the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline and Mobile Crisis Response; and,
WHEREAS, school-based mental health services are a vital tool for addressing the needs of Michigan children, including the estimated 15.4% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 who experienced a major depressive episode in the past year and the approximately 18.8% who experienced moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, helping reduce barriers to care and promoting well-being in educational settings; and,
WHEREAS, by effectively empowering parents and caregivers, the developmental and educational needs of children, youth and young adults are supported, which is essential to promoting long-term mental health, resilience and success; and,
WHEREAS, increasing public awareness and education about children, youth and family mental health is key to reducing stigma, promoting early identification, strengthening suicide prevention efforts, and advancing community-based approaches that support children and youth in remaining with their families; 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 family-driven/youth-guided 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 are 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;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2026, as Mental Health Day for Children, Youth, and Their Families in Michigan, and call upon all Michigan residents to promote mental wellness, reduce mental health stigma, and advance equitable, quality care for every child, youth and their family.
