Whitmer, Dems invest in student, adult mental health resources

Ask anyone seeking mental health care treatment in Washtenaw County about their experience accessing care, and you will likely here the same story: crowded psychiatric ER waiting rooms, months to schedule with a new therapist, up to two years for diagnostic testing, inability to find an inpatient bed, and overwhelmed care providers.

Governor Whitmer acknowledged this dire situation in her 2022 State of the State address and has worked to address these issues at the root. Earlier this month, using money from the American Rescue Plan, Whitmer and the Michigan legislature approved $500 million for student academic recovery and mental health. Funding will be used to attract and retain teachers, school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses.

Whitmer also worked to expand the Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) program for behavioral health providers. In addition, last Thursday, May 19, Whitmer signed legislation investing $800 million in treatment, prevention, and mental health in response to the opioid crisis.

Other highlights of Whitmer’s executive budget include behavioral and mental health structural reform, reducing racial disparities, and investments for front line workers. 

More notable quotes:

“There isn’t a governor in the country who could have predicted the challenges that lay ahead just over a year ago, but Governor Whitmer has helped lead Michigan through a difficult time and we are now emerging from the public health crisis in a very strong financial position,” said State Budget Director David Massaron. – WLNS.com article by Andrew Birkle

"Now, more than ever, our students need access to these services, and there's no better place than in our schools to provide them. We are very pleased to see this important funding going to districts across the state so they can hire the key staff needed to support our students," said Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.

WCDP June Program Features Judicial and MI Senate Candidates 

Getting Promote the Vote on the November ballot is crucial!

•  Learn where to sign:  See the list here
•  Organize a signing party:  Sign up here to be contacted
•  Use our list to offer the petition to your neighbors:  Sign up here to get in touch with your Area Captain

• Sat, May 28 @ 1-3 p.m. at the home of Harvey Somers, 2129 Autumn Hill Drive, off Miller a mile west of Maple 

WCDP volunteers are helping area residents with their computers starting Monday, June 6 from 4-7 p.m. Bring your laptops or tablets (PCs and Macs) to the Washtenaw County Democratic Party Office, 418 West Michigan Avenue, next to Dos Hermanos.
 
A computer expert will be available to help with:

• Downloading programs
• Creating an email or Facebook account
• Backing up your documents and photos
• Checking for malware or viruses
• Performance issues—slowdowns, unexpected shutdowns,
• overheating, unusual noises, software problems

• The Ann Arbor Farmers Market
• The Ann Arbor Art Fair
• Pride Festival
• African American Festival

Yard Signs Available

• Whitmer Gilchrist Nessel Benson: $15
• Black Lives Matter: $5
• Whitmer Gilchrist on white: $10