Exploring the Future: How Opioid and Marijuana Funds Will Transform Our Mental Health Center

Grand Traverse County commissioners recently decided to form a committee that will outline how to distribute funds from the county’s opioid settlements and marijuana revenue. This new process is expected to help local organizations in need starting in 2025. The commissioners also received an update about a newly opened mental health center in the region.

To create this distribution process, commissioners Darryl Nelson, Lauren Flynn, and Ashlea Walter will work on an ad hoc committee. They will team up with County Administrator Nate Alger, Deputy Administrator Chris Forsyth, Finance Director Dean Bott, and Civil Counsel Matt Nordfjord. Walter, who suggested the committee, mentioned that their role is not to decide where the funds go, but to build a framework for the commissioners to follow.

A community taskforce that focused on opioid funds has already met for several months to propose specific ways to use the $1.65 million currently available. This amount could grow to approximately $5.8 million in the coming years. However, the taskforce has not yet had the chance to present its recommendations, and some members are concerned about this delay. Nelson expressed that the county needs to respect the taskforce’s efforts and take deliberate actions moving forward. The commissioners plan to have a study session by mid-March to review the taskforce’s recommendations. So far, only $111,500 of the available opioid funds has been spent, including $72,000 for consulting services and $39,500 for drug treatment programs.

Regarding marijuana tax revenues, the county has already committed most of the expected $886,000 for 2024. Key allocations include $500,000 to Camp Greilick and $150,000 to Pine Rest for child psychiatry services. Although concerns have been raised about controlling funding requests, Commissioner TJ Andrews stressed the need for a fair and transparent process to prevent favoritism in funding decisions.

In addition to their discussions about funding, commissioners also learned about the new Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center, recently opened with significant support from the county. Munson Healthcare COO Laura Glenn shared that the center will provide essential mental health services. It aims to offer help to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

The center, located on the Munson Medical Center campus, will gradually expand its services. Initially, it will operate Sunday through Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM and will work towards round-the-clock availability. In its first week, the center already served 11 patients, demonstrating a clear need for such facilities in the community.

Glenn emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation and transparency in the center’s operations. This will ensure accountability and help the community see the impact of its work. As community leaders and citizens voice their expectations, the center’s success will play a crucial role in enhancing mental health services in the region.

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