In Michigan, several counties have taken significant steps to improve mental health care for their residents. Jackson, Hillsdale, Ottawa, and Washtenaw counties passed mental health millages. These measures have had a real positive impact, making mental health services more accessible and robust.
A Brief History of Medicaid Expansion in Michigan
Back in April 2014, Michigan expanded Medicaid through a program called Healthy Michigan. This move helped many Michiganders with low incomes access healthcare. However, it also led to a 60% cut in state funds for community mental health agencies. This significant reduction left many residents without the essential mental health care they needed.
In response, counties began passing mental health millages—taxes specifically directed at funding mental health services. Ottawa County struck first in 2017, and Jackson, Hillsdale, and Washtenaw followed. These millages have allowed these communities to expand mental health services significantly.
Benefits of the Millages
Since the introduction of these millages, the counties have reported impressive outcomes. For instance, Jackson and Hillsdale counties receive about $2.7 million annually from their millage, which funds essential mental health programs, including crisis responses, individual therapy, and services within jails. LifeWays, which operates in these counties, reported providing 5,800 services in Jackson County and 6,800 in Hillsdale County in the 2023 fiscal year.
Maribeth Leonard, CEO of LifeWays, emphasized how critical the millage is: “Without it, we wouldn’t have been able to expand our services.” Their ability to offer a 24/7 crisis center, mobile services, and even a residential unit has dramatically changed how mental health crises are addressed in the community.
Ottawa County’s approach has also been promising. The millage there raises approximately $4 million annually, allowing the Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) to develop diverse programs. Dr. Michael Brashears, CEO of CMHOC, pointed out that this funding enabled them to support not just serious mental health issues but also the mild-to-moderate conditions often overlooked.
The Expansion of Access to Services
Washtenaw County’s millage, generating between $5 and $7 million a year, has resulted in transformative changes too. With a focus on behavioral health care that is not limited by insurance status, the county has seen a rise in mental health-related calls—from 4,500 per month in 2018 to 8,500 in 2023. According to Lisa Gentz, program administrator at the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, around 91% of millage funds directly go to expanding access and reducing barriers to care.
The millage has also funded programs that help address homelessness, thereby improving community safety and well-being. For instance, the CARES team offers around-the-clock access to mental health services along with peer support. This initiative led to a remarkable increase in the number of adults and youth receiving support—147% and 104%, respectively.
Conclusion
The successful passing of mental health millages in these Michigan counties has shown that local action can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health care. With increased funding, communities can address gaps in services, support vulnerable populations, and enhance overall quality of life for residents. As Dr. Brashears aptly put it, the millage has allowed them to be true community partners, tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of those they serve.
For more detailed information, you can explore the initiatives from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan and other related resources.
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