Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeking proposals for mobile response team expansion to
address crisis situations for youth through MI Kids Now program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to expand access to mobile response teams to address crisis situations for young people through the MI Kids Now Mobile Response II Grant Program.

The program is intended to expand intensive crisis stabilization services for children who are experiencing emotional symptoms, behaviors, or traumatic circumstances that have compromised or impacted their ability to function within their family, living situation, school/childcare or community.

Eligible applicants are Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSP) as defined under Section 330.1204 of the Michigan Mental Health Code. This service will be available to families regardless of current participation in or eligibility for CMHSP services, and CMHSPs would be able to use grant funding to design services that are proactive in nature and address crisis situations prior to further escalation.

The amount available is $1 million with an individual maximum award of $200,000. The department estimates issuing up to five awards. Grant applications for the MI Kids Now Mobile Response Grant Program RFP must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 21.

A pre-application conference will be held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instruction on using the EGrAMS system. The pre-application conference will be held on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m., and will last approximately 90 minutes. The conference can be accessed at https://bit.ly/40aUsFf

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” link and selecting the “MKNII-2024” grant program.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Mental Health Awareness Month shines spotlight on available resources

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have joined mental health advocates around the nation to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Observed nationally since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month promotes mental health education and support to increase individual well-being and decrease the stigma often associated with seeking help for mental illness.

“Everyone should have access to mental health services and resources when they need them and where they need them,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is proud to continue to offer resources to support families experiencing concerns with mental health, substance use or other mental health-related issues.”

MDHHS is dedicated to addressing mental health care as part of a larger public health approach and ensuring Michigan families have access to support when dealing with personal and community-related crises and tragedies.

The department is diligently working on a variety of initiatives to expand access and eligibility to programs that support mental health and well-being. Last year, MDHHS increased its investment in children’s behavioral health services by developing a new Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports. Since its inception, the bureau has developed and issued $6 million in grants for community mental health service programs to explore innovative ways to support children and families in crisis, and for efforts to expand workforce to support the growing demand for mental health services across the state.

Additionally, the new bureau is overseeing efforts to improve behavioral health supports for youth and families with involvement in the child welfare system. These efforts are highlighting the reality that consistent access to care and opportunities for timely, effective interventions are essential to family preservation and successful reunification in the community.

“We know the negative emotional impacts of a disaster can last for months or years,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, MDHHS medical director for behavioral health and forensic programs. “Everyone recovers differently, and it can take time to regain emotional strength and equilibrium after all the stress, changes and loss we’ve been through. At the same time, we can be strengthened by the knowledge of all that we have been able to achieve during this time.”

Over the past two years, MDHHS and its partners have implemented three statewide lines to ensure that mental health or substance use help for all Michiganders is just a phone call away: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Michigan Peer Warmline and Frontline Strong Together Crisis Line. Cumulatively, almost 11,000 callers a month have received help from these three lines.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a free 24/7 line that people can use confidentially and anonymously through call, text or chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 is available to provide support to anyone who may be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with mental health or substance use concerns. It is also a resource for family members or friends who may be concerned about a loved one’s mental health.

The Michigan Peer Warmline, 88-PEER-753 (888-733-7753), is a statewide warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health and/or substance use conditions. The Warmline connects individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers.  All calls are anonymous and the warmline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Frontline Strong Together, 833-34-STRONG, is a new service funded through MDHHS that provides 24/7 support to first responders (police, EMS, fire, dispatch and corrections) and their families through a crisis line, specialty treatment and referrals. This service was developed in a partnership between first responder professional unions, Wayne State University and Michigan Crisis and Access Line staff.

Mental health in the workplace has also taken on new significance in the wake of pandemic work-life challenges. The MDHHS Stay Well program recently created a collection of resources to help plan, implement and sustain wellness programs for employees within organizations, and is working closely with Labor and Economic Opportunity as they expand offerings attending to workplace mental health. Mental Wellness Tools for Organizations is available on the Stay Well website.

According to the ongoing Household Pulse Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 30% of Michigan adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during the most recent reporting period (March 29 – April 10, 2023). The Pulse Survey also found more than 12% of Michigan adults “who have ever had COVID-19” reported experiencing long-term health effects from their infection, also referred to as Long COVID. Long COVID can be associated with mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression and concentration or memory problems, also known as “brain fog.”

For additional mental health resources, visit the COVID-19 webpage.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS provides update as federal  Public Health Emergency comes to an end Free COVID-19 testing and vaccines to continue to be available

LANSING, Mich. – As the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) comes to a close today, May 11, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides updates about changes to data reporting, Epidemic Orders and the continued availability of COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

“MDHHS will continue to provide resources to Michiganders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, including access to free testing and vaccines,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Based on changes being made at the federal level, there will be updates made to data reporting and other requirements our state has been following for the past three years.”

Testing
MDHHS will continue supporting free over-the-counter test (OTC) distribution through the Michigan library program. Tests shipped direct to households via Project Act will be supported until at least June 2023. MDHHS will also support distribution of COVID-19 antigen tests to high-risk settings including long-term care, shelters, jails and schools.

Free COVID-19 testing will also continue at neighborhood and community testing locations, including distribution of OTCs. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to support free COVID-19 testing at some locations.

No-cost coverage for testing will continue for Michigan residents with Medicaid through Sept. 30, 2024, however other insurers may require cost-sharing. Individuals should contact their insurer for more information.

Vaccines
All currently distributed COVID-19 vaccines are considered federal assets. COVID-19 vaccines will eventually move to the commercial market, however, as the federal supply persists there will be no changes or cost associated with receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The shift to commercial vaccine is projected to occur this fall. The Biden Administration recently announced a program to preserve free access to COVID-19 vaccines for the uninsured and underinsured even after the PHE ends.

Michiganders can find vaccine nearest them by visiting vaccines.gov or calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136. MDHHS will continue to support vaccination for homebound populations through collaboration with Disability Rights of Michigan. Through a partnership with MDHHS, Medical Network One and the Visiting Nurses Association will continue also be available to support COVID-19 vaccine events.

Therapeutics
Authorized COVID-19 therapeutics will continue to be available. The federal government has purchased a supply of antiviral treatments that will be available at no cost. After that supply is depleted, costs will depend largely on the type of health insurance an individual has available. No-cost coverage will continue for Michigan residents with Medicaid through Sept. 30, 2024.

Epidemic Orders
All remaining state Epidemic Orders will be rescinded. Residential and long-term care facility reporting, testing and vaccine orders are also ending. Hospitals and Nursing Homes will need to observe CDC and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance and requirements which will continue to mandate reporting.

Data
COVID-19 remains a reportable disease in Michigan so case, death and demographic information will continue to be posted regularly along with wastewater surveillance, outbreak reporting, COVID-like Illness and hospitalization data. Negative test and case reporting is being discontinued in some jurisdictions in the United States. CDC Transmission and Community-Level reporting will therefore be discontinued as those levels rely on case rates and/or test positivity.

Although Michigan will continue to receive positive COVID-19 test results, negative COVID-19 test reporting will no longer be required and total test volume and test positivity will no longer be available on the COVID-19 Dashboard.

Other reporting changes include:

• Per the ending of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Epidemic Order, Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged COVID-19 data will no longer be available on the LTC data page.
• Statewide, aggregate COVID-19 Nursing Home data will be available on the LTC data page.
• Individual facility data can be found through CMS.
• Detailed demographic information on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children cases will be discontinued.
• The K-12 School District Case Rates dashboard will be discontinued at the end of this school year.
• The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard will be updated to focus metrics on initiation and receipt of a bivalent vaccine and will be updated according to CDC cadence which is expected to be monthly starting in June.

Medicaid redeterminations
Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage this year as Michigan resumes Medicaid eligibility redeterminations to comply with federal legislation as the PHE ends. Renewals for traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan will take place monthly starting in June 2023 and run through May 2024. Monthly renewal notices will be sent three months prior to a beneficiaries’ renewal date starting with June renewal dates. Beneficiaries can check their renewal month at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

More information about the how benefits connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency are changing can be found at Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges.

To find the most updated information on COVID-19, including vaccines and testing, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2023

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS educates Michigan residents about how to stay healthy this tick season

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michigan residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors. Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across the state as weather warms. Ticks can be active when the weather is above 40⁰F.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Michigan residents who find a tick attached to their body should promptly remove it and monitor their health. If they begin to experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, they should consult a medical provider.”

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a tick bite, often after being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early symptoms can be non-specific and include fever or chills, rash, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can decrease the risk of serious complications.

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan. Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease in Michigan and cases are increasing, particularly in the state’s Upper Peninsula.

Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and has been expanding its range over the years. Information about Lyme disease risk by county is available at Michigan.gov/Lyme.

People can protect themselves against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by following these tips:

Avoid tick-infested areas.

• Ticks live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas.
• Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter at trail edges.
• Protect pets! Dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pets.

Use insect repellent.

• Apply an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin. Find a repellent product that is right for you.
• Treat clothes (especially pants, socks and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying repellents.

Perform daily tick checks.

• Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, including in your own wooded yard.
• Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers.
• To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.

Bathe or shower.

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that might be crawling on you.
• Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks in clothing.

The MDHHS Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Section has recently released a report “Michigan Trends in Tickborne Disease, 2016-2020,” which includes up-to-date information on the types of ticks that are common in Michigan and the diseases they can carry.

Not all ticks spread the same germs. MDHHS can help to identify ticks you may encounter outdoors. Residents can email photos of ticks to [email protected] for identification or submit ticks to MDHHS for identification. For more information on how to submit your tick and/or photos and information on ticks, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme.

For more information on Lyme disease, visit CDC.gov/Lyme.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

Rally, pinwheels bring awareness to child abuse prevention
Children Trust Michigan holds 15^th annual event at State Capitol

LANSING, Mich. – Advocates for children held spinning blue and silver pinwheels today as Children Trust Michigan held the 15^th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally outside the State Capitol.

About 250 people attended, planting the pinwheels in the ground following a ceremony where speakers talked about how communities around Michigan can prevent child abuse. The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention.

“Every child deserves to feel safe in their home, school and community,” said Michigan Department of Health and human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel, one of the speakers at the rally. “I’m so proud of our employees and the work they do to respond to concerns, and to connect families to the resources they need to be successful and create a safe, healthy and stable home environment for children. However, there is always more that can be done to strengthen families, strengthen communities and prevent abuse before it happens.”

More than 15,000 child abuse and neglect cases were confirmed in Michigan last year. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Children Trust Michigan, housed within MDHHS, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982.  It serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan, served as emcee for the rally.

“Child abuse prevention is an acknowledged community responsibility,” Greenberg said. “The theme of this 15^th annual event is ‘Building Together: Prevention in Partnerships.’ This nationwide campaign under the leadership of Prevent Child Abuse America and here statewide through Children Trust Michigan serves as a visual reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect.”

Participants walk to plant pinwheels during the 15^th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally.

She said one way to build strong communities is by supporting family resource centers, which are places where all families are welcomed and receive access to support in their community. Families can get parenting support, access to resources, child development activities and parent leadership development.

Other event speakers included Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Fatima Salman, president of the National Association of Social Workers.

Children Trust Michigan honored the 2023 winners of the Inspire Award – Anne Flynn from the Help Me Grow Calhoun program and Mattie Morgan from The Children’s Center in Wayne County.

Terry Loynes from the Child Center of Gratiot County and Erick Hamilton of Voices for Children of Genesee County shared parent stories.

The Dwight Rich School of the Arts Beginner Band from the Lansing School District provided entertainment.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel speaks at the 15^th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally as Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of the Children Trust Michigan, looks on.

For information on Children Trust Michigan and Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit childrentrustmichigan.org.

Today’s rally is one of two major Children’s Trust Fund events in April and May.

The annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event is May 16 at 5 p.m. at the Breslin Center on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing to raise money to support child abuse prevention programming. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to support the Children’s Trust Fund, visit www.michigan.gov/ctf.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov  

New state psychiatric hospital to be built on
existing Hawthorn Center location in Northville
State-of-the-art facility will serve both adults and youth as part of state’s
continued commitment to provide behavioral health services to Michigan families

LANSING, Mich. – Today, as part of the state’s continued commitment to providing behavioral health services to Michigan families, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) announced the location of a new inpatient psychiatric hospital. The southeastern Michigan facility will be located at the current site of Hawthorn Center, 18471 Haggerty Road in Northville.

The new hospital is being made possible by a $325 million FY23 budget allocation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the legislature. It will care for patients currently served at both Hawthorn Center and Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland.

The two facilities serve nearly 200 patients and are among the state’s five inpatient psychiatric hospitals for individuals who have severe mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hawthorn Center opened its doors in 1956, while Walter Reuther began operations in 1979, and need to be replaced due to aging infrastructure.

“We are excited to be able to provide Michigan families in need of inpatient, behavioral health care a new state-of-the-art hospital in southeastern Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The modern facility will allow MDHHS to continue providing quality, compassionate care to both children and adults. The consolidation of two of our current hospitals will also allow for efficiencies in administrative and support services while maintaining separate living and treatment facilities for adults and children.”

“DTMB is proud to be a part of this effort to improve the lives of Michiganders most in need of care,” said Michelle Lange, DTMB director. “Our team of construction experts are eager to exercise their skills to ensure that the new psychiatric facility is completed on time and on budget and is a top-notch facility that meets the needs of both the patients and staff.”

“The new facility is a perfect example of how the state is leveraging one-time resources for long-term strategic investments,” said State Budget Director Christopher Harkins. “We are thoughtfully and deliberately building the new facility on the current Hawthorn Center site, which is a convenient location for staff and patient families, and sustains a relationship with the community of Northville, which has long been a partner to the State of Michigan. This project will provide benefits for years into the future.”

“Mental health, especially for children, is an urgent need in our region,” said Mark Abbo, Northville Township supervisor. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the State of Michigan to develop a state-of-the-art facility to help those in our region in need, get the highest possible mental health care.”

During construction of the new facility in Northville, staff and patients currently being cared for at Hawthorn Center will be moved to a separate unit at Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital to allow for the demolition of the current Hawthorn facility.

While the new psychiatric complex will serve all ages, the hospitals will be distinct facilities with separate living and programmatic spaces for children and adults. The complex, however, will include shared administration and food service.

The construction manager for the project is Christman Company­, with design services provided by Integrated Design Solutions LLC. Construction is expected to begin this fall and anticipated completion is in 2026.

The State of Michigan operates five inpatient hospitals that serve nearly 650 patients. Caro Center, Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital and Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital serve adult patients while children and adolescents are treated at Hawthorn Center. The Center for Forensic Psychiatry provides diagnostic services to the criminal justice system and psychiatric treatment for criminal defendants adjudicated incompetent to stand trial or acquitted by not guilty by reason of insanity.

Michigan’s state hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission and are committed to providing evidence-supported, person-centered inpatient care to individuals in an environment that values compassion, collaboration and community reintegration.