Bills to Improve Access to Mental Health Services

Bills to Improve Access to Mental Health Services

by | Jun 8, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Improve Access to Mental Health Services through Michigan Crisis and Access Line

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4043 and House Bill 4044, which ensures that callers to the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) have access to information about availability of psychiatric beds. These bills will improve access to mental health services.

 

“Mental health is key to maintaining one’s overall health,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that build on the successful rollout of the Michigan Crisis and Access Line earlier this year, further improving access to mental health services.”

 

 MiCAL is a crisis line that is available for anyone in the state who needs behavioral health or crisis response services. MiCAL is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides Michiganders with crisis services and non-crisis “warm line” services, informational resources, and facilitated coordination with local systems of care such as Community Mental Health Services Programs, Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans, and other applicable entities. In addition, MiCAL integrates with treatment registries including psychiatric beds, substance use disorder services, and crisis residential services.

 

House Bill 4043 amends the Mental Health Code to require MDHHS to provide all of the information on its electronic inpatient psychiatric bed registry to the contractor or entity that operates MiCAL.

 

House Bill 4044 amends the Mental Health Code to enable MDHHS to work with the MiCAL contractor to leverage the electronic inpatient psychiatric bed registry and other sources of information to provide the most current provider information available. The MiCAL contractor must also inform individuals seeking behavioral health care that electronic inpatient psychiatric bed registry data may not be accurate and bed availability is not guaranteed.

 

These bills were sponsored by Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Twp., and a copy of HB 4043 can be found here and a copy of HB 4044 can be found here.

 

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Grants available to improve residential recycling

Grants available to improve residential recycling

by | Jun 8, 2021 | Environmental

 

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2021
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, GreenbergJ@Michigan.gov, 517-897-4965

Grants available for Michigan communities to improve residential recycling

$575,000 in funding by EGLE, The Recycling Partnership
will build on recent successes combating contamination

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and The Recycling Partnership today announced $575,000 in grants for Michigan communities to dramatically improve residential recycling. The grants are available to introduce communitywide projects aimed at fighting recycling contamination and improve the quality of materials residents recycle at curbside or drop-off locations.

“After the impressive results from previous grant projects, we’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to additional Michigan communities, in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership,” said Liz Browne, director of EGLE’s Materials Management Division.

In addition to continuing to build on the success of Michigan’s award-winning Know It Before You Throw It recycling education campaign, grantees with curbside recycling service will use The Recycling Partnership’s nationally acclaimed Feet on the Street cart-tagging program. Feet on the Street is designed to improve the quality of curbside recycling by providing residents personalized and real-time education and feedback on their curbside recycling practices. Grantees with drop off recycling services will use a modified version of the Feet on the Street program to combat recycling contamination and illegal dumping at recycling drop off sites, while also improving awareness and participation in the local recycling program.

“Capitalizing on national expertise through engaging The Recycling Partnership as part of EGLE’s grant project was a brilliant strategy,” said Mike Csapo, general manager at Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County (RRRASOC). “Our work is already yielding tangible, unexpected benefits beyond those anticipated when the project was conceived. The project will yield data, strategies and technology that will provide lasting value in addition to accomplishing the original goals and objectives.”

Selected drop-off recycling program grantees will benefit from inclusive signage and site improvements, security upgrades for features such as cameras, increased recycling participation and other opportunities to educate households on what is and is not recyclable.

All Michigan community recycling programs are eligible to submit an application for grants up to $4 per household for curbside programs and up to $3 per household for drop-off programs. Applications are due Aug. 20, 2021, and complete instructions can be found in the request for proposal at recyclingpartnership.org/.

The announcement today follows recent successes, including by the city of Novi – an RRRASOC member community – which successfully reduced drop-off recycling contamination by almost 45 percent during the city’s fall 2020 quality improvement program campaign. In addition, the city of Grand Rapids’ curbside recycling program reduced contamination by more than 40 percent in its residential recycling stream.

This spring, two additional communities – Auburn Hills and Canton – kicked off Feet on the Street with three more programs that start this summer. Auburn Hills and Canton report the program is an experience that draws them closer to the community and their residents.

“The Feet on the Street program has really helped us educate our residents,” said Amy Hamilton of the Downtown Development Authority for the City of Canton, which began targeted efforts to combat curbside contamination in April. “We knew we had a high participation rate, but we didn’t realize how much confusion there was about what can go into the recycling cart. Being able to give residents real-time feedback on what is accepted in your curbside program has been invaluable. Thanks to Feet on the Street, we’ve established an open dialogue with our residents, which has allowed us to target our education efforts and greatly reduce our contamination levels. This program has been a win-win for everyone.”

In addition to cart tagging, selected curbside grantees will benefit from the use of The Recycling Partnership’s new mobile app, while all grantees will implement effective recycling education materials, such as direct mail and targeted digital and social media campaigns.

Michigan’s recycling industry generates nearly 36,000 jobs statewide and an annual payroll of $2.6 billion. Achieving EGLE’s 45 percent recycling goal would support 138,000 new jobs in Michigan’s recycling industry and provide $9 billion in annual labor income and $33.8 billion in economic output, according to a recent study commissioned by EGLE.

“We are thrilled to see measurable results from more than 100 Michigan communities working to improve the quality of their residential recycling streams,” said Jill Martin, director of Community Programs at The Recycling Partnership. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with EGLE and help the Great Lakes State capture more quality recyclables, creating a more circular economy, a less wasteful planet and stronger, healthier Michigan communities.”

To learn more, visit recyclingpartnership.org/
MDHHS shares improvements to child welfare system 

MDHHS shares improvements to child welfare system 

by | Jun 7, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2021 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

MDHHS shares improvements to Michigan’s child welfare system 

Court appearance highlights continued reform that protects youth, helps families 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and court-appointed federal monitors today shared continued significant improvements made to the state’s child welfare system.

Accomplishments continue under the administration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who took office in January 2019. Today’s updates came during a virtual federal court hearing to address progress during the first six months of 2020 – when the state made inroads even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, MDHHS child welfare staff continued to make important regular contacts with children under state care, using technology to meet with children virtually even when they could not meet in person. From March to June 2020, 97% of monthly worker visits with children in foster care occurred.

“MDHHS and its Children’s Services Agency remain dedicated to accomplishing the priorities that have been in place based on the department’s agreement with the court,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “They include strongly focusing on child safety and well-being in foster homes and child-caring institutions, maintaining family connections, ensuring we find suitable permanent homes for children in a timely fashion, and continuing to shift child welfare toward a more prevention-focused framework.”

In June 2019 – five months after Whitmer took office – Judge Nancy G. Edmunds of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan approved a new agreement that streamlined the monitoring process, allowing MDHHS to devote more resources to directly supporting children and families.

During the six-month period covered by the new court monitoring report, Michigan improved data collected by the state’s child welfare technology system. That provides staff with better information to keep children safe and families together. The state also improved its performance by meeting the standard for timely completion of Children’s Protective Services investigations of reported child abuse or neglect.

Today’s court appearance was the first for Demetrius Starling as the new executive director of the department’s Children’s Services Agency.

“I also want to commend the state for what seems to be a very energetic start to the work that Director Hertel and Director Starling are supervising and overseeing,” Judge Edmunds said. “I’m glad to see that the department is taking a really aggressive approach to resolving these outstanding problems.”

Starling took over last month following the departure of JooYeun Chang, who received praise from the court for her reform efforts.

“I was inspired by the progress we made under the leadership of former director Chang,” Starling said. “I am dedicated to building on our progress. We are committed to addressing the needs of Michigan’s most vulnerable children. Michigan has made significant strides in improving safety for children in care as a result of our continued meaningful collaboration with private child welfare agency partners and community stakeholders. That will remain a top priority. If we do that, Michigan eventually will be able to exit federal court oversight.”

The report released today by the court monitors shows Michigan met commitments for:

  • Generating from its child welfare information system accurate and timely reports and information regarding the requirements in the court agreement.
  • 90% of all investigations of reported child abuse or neglect to be completed within the required time frames.
  • 95% of foster care workers to have caseloads of 15 or fewer children.

In addition, MDHHS has further made progress in priority areas mentioned during last year’s court appearance. That includes continuing to take steps to reduce maltreatment of children in foster care and provide increased support to relative caregivers so they can keep children safe.

The department also has made additional progress in updating the child welfare technology system that is used by caseworkers and used to track data to report to the court that demonstrates improvements. The department is beginning to transition to a new information technology system. “We know that the top priority for child welfare staff is engaging directly with families and children instead of being hindered by an outdated technology system,” Starling said.

MDHHS also shared with the court today comprehensive reform actions the department has taken in the wake of the death of a child who was improperly restrained by staff at a child-caring institution in Kalamazoo in May 2020. That includes restricting the use of restraints in facilities, reducing the number of youth in child-caring facilities by placing children in more family-like settings or reunifying them safely with their families more quickly and creating a task force that recommended reform of child-caring facilities.

To view the latest federal court monitor report and other information, go to www.michigan.gov/ChildWelfareAgreement.
DNR: Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ weekend June 12-13

DNR: Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ weekend June 12-13

by | Jun 7, 2021 | Recreation

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– DNR News –
June 7, 2021
Contact: Jessica Holley (ORV), 517-331-3790; Sierra Medrano (fishing), 517-230-8788; or Ron Olson (state parks/Recreation Passport), 517-243-1477

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ weekend June 12-13

a woman with long dark hair, wearing a red plaid jacket, helps a young boy wearing a baseball cap hold a fishing pole out over a grassy, rocky ridgeThe Department of Natural Resources has three big reasons for you to get outdoors Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13. Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks – is back and all free of charge.

“Michigan is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities and most beautiful natural spaces you’ll find anywhere,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

These two days include:

  • Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and nonresidents can enjoy two days of free fishing without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
  • Free ORV Weekend. Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride 3,800 miles of designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
  • Free Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and 1,300 state-managed boating access sites. Visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport to learn more about all the Passport provides.

Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends take place twice a year on back-to-back days.

Protect yourself and the outdoors

view of a single-file row of off-road vehicles, driven by people wearing helmets, heading away from the camera, on a tree-lined trailFor the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when they’re enjoying Michigan’s woods, water and trails. Helpful safety tips – for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics – are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the Safety Information section. The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.

Additionally, the DNR encourages people to recreate responsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit our Do Your Part website to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Fishing fun: Introducing youngsters to the thrill of fishing is a big part of this longtime Michigan tradition.
  • ORV riding: Off-roading on the state’s 3,800-plus miles of designated trails, not to mention five scramble areas, draws ORV enthusiasts from all over Michigan.
  • Beach, boating at Interlochen State Park: During “Three Free” weekend June 12-13, the DNR is waiving the Recreation Passport requirement for vehicle entry to the state’s more than 100 state parks; it’s a great opportunity to enjoy beaches, take advantage of boating access sites, cast a fishing line and much more.
  • “Three Free” graphic
  • Recreation Passport logo
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

AG Seeks to Reduce DTE Gas Requested Rate Hike

by | Jun 7, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel 
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, June 7, 2021

AG Nessel Seeks to Reduce DTE Gas Requested Rate Hike by 90 Percent

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urged the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to significantly cut a rate increase request from DTE Gas Co. as part of her work to keep natural gas services from one of the state’s largest utilities affordable.

In February, the Attorney General intervened in the company’s filed rate case as an advocate for the utility’s natural gas customers across the state. The company requested a $195 million increase, which would represent a greater than 11% increase for residential customers.

In her testimony, filed June 3, Nessel argued the request is excessive and unreasonable. Instead, Nessel asserted DTE should receive no more than a $19 million annual increase and should distribute those costs so that all customers are paying their fair share.  Her testimony seeks to provide DTE with necessary funding for infrastructure upgrades, while making sure that any rate increase remains moderate for all customers.

“Michiganders have been through a lot over the past year-plus, and I want to help make sure ratepayers are not blindsided by large increases in utility bills just when we are starting to see signs of returning to normalcy,” Nessel said. “While I certainly appreciate utility commitments to improve natural gas infrastructure in the state to ensure that our natural gas supply is safe and reliable, unnecessary and excessive expenditures must be avoided. My testimony in this case appropriately balances those concerns and offers a reasonable resolution for all ratepayers.”

Since taking office, the Attorney General has saved Michigan consumers more than $1 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC. This latest testimony reaffirms her commitment to affordable energy for consumers.

DTE provides natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state and electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan.