Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025

CONTACT: Erin Stover, stovere@michigan.gov

MDHHS, LEO highlight resources during Mental Health Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – May is Mental Health Month and to help residents seeking services the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are highlighting resources available to Michigan families in need of behavioral health services.

“We want to ensure all Michigan residents have access to the behavioral health services when they need them, where they need them and at the level of care they need,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Michigan agencies offer a variety of services, and we want to ensure residents are aware of these resources.”

988 available day and night

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline where compassionate care and accessible support is available via call, chat or text. 988 is for anyone experiencing behavioral health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Gambling helpline provides connections to treatment

The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117, is available for crisis intervention and referral to treatment. Trained and experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or virtually to provide immediate help to address issues related to gambling disorder, including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups. 

Investing in mental health and safety is critical to build strong workplaces

Employees and employers across the state are encouraged to review resources available at Michigan.gov/workplacementalhealth to build mental health strategies that have a positive impact on employee well-being, the employer’s bottom line and our communities.

“As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, let’s remember that supporting mental well-being isn’t just a one-month focus — it’s a year-round commitment,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When we address workplace mental health, it fosters a supportive environment where employees feel valued, understood and empowered to seek help when needed. By continuing to prioritize mental health, we create a stronger, more compassionate and more productive workplace for everyone.”

LEO offers many resources to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace. The Workplace Mental Health report outlines key strategies for employers to build supportive organizations by integrating mental health strategies that establish healthier workplaces, enhance employee well-being and promote resilient companies.

There are also upcoming webinars about Cultivating a Workplace Culture of Well-Being. There are two upcoming sessions in this series scheduled for May 15 and June 12, and you can access previous recordings if you want to catch up on all the previous topics. These webinars cover a variety of topics including common mental health conditions, the impact of stigma at work, how to foster a supportive workplace and much more.

To stay up to date on workplace mental health offerings, LEO encourages Michiganders to sign up for Workplace Mental Health email updates.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics offer help to all

There are 35 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) across the state, which serve all individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. These clinics provide nine comprehensive behavioral health services, including 24/7 mobile crisis response and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. 

In FY24, CCBHCs provided services to more than 130,000 unique individuals. Michigan has been working to expand these clinics, and currently 82% of Michiganders now live in a county with 24/7 mobile crisis response.

Adult Crisis Stabilization Units provide support

Michigan currently offers two Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU) through Network 180 in Kent County and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network in Wayne County.

Adult CSUs provide immediate crisis support to anyone in a behavioral health crisis with services ranging from a couple hours to up to 72 hours. Programs are focused on stabilizing individuals 18 and older with CSU staff providing support until the individual is actively engaged in their next level of care. These units are also equipped to manage and treat minor medical conditions so individuals in a behavioral health crisis aren’t sent to the emergency room for basic medical care.

Substance use disorder help available

Comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) services are offered throughout Michigan to support the health and well-being of residents impacted by SUDs. Services focus on four key areas: treatment, recovery support, prevention and harm reduction. This includes medications for opioid use disorder and overdose reversal, inpatient and outpatient treatment, harm reduction programs and recovery community organizations and centers. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/SUD. 

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Sizzle Safely: MDARD Presents Food Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Don’t Let Foodborne Illnesses Crash Your Cookout

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages Michiganders to keep food safety top of mind as they fire up the summer barbecue season this holiday weekend.

“Nobody wants foodborne illnesses at their picnic or cookout,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “The recipe for safe summer gatherings begins with thorough hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, cooking meats to the proper temperature and keeping prepared foods chilled.”

MDARD offers the following tips to help keep outdoor eating safe and fun:

1. Safe food begins with proper hand washing: Everyone involved in cooking or eating should wash their hands with soap and water. If water is not available, use disposable handwipes or hand sanitizer. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel.
2. Keep food at the appropriate temperature: Bacteria grow most rapidly in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the “Danger Zone.” It’s especially important to keep cold foods cold when it’s hot outside. When transporting food to a picnic site, pack food on ice to keep it cold so bacteria can’t grow and spoil it. Don’t leave perishable foods out in the heat all day. Pack leftovers back in the cooler with plenty of ice to cool hot foods quickly and keep everything out of the danger zone.
3. Pack beverages in a separate cooler from perishable foods: The beverage cooler will be opened more often, letting in the hot air, while the food cooler will keep contents cooler longer.
4. Pack raw meats separately: Keep raw meat away from prepared salads, fresh fruits and vegetables and condiments. The juices from the raw meats can contaminate foods that will be eaten without cooking.
5. Cook all meats at the proper temperature: Bring a meat thermometer and test your meats for doneness to assure they are properly cooked. Don’t rely on time or the color of the juices as an indicator of doneness.
6. Pack clean soapy towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands: Use a table cover for picnic tables whenever possible. Picnic tables are usually exposed to weather and wildlife and may not be clean even if they look clean. Wipe down the picnic site before you set up for your gathering and before you go home as a courtesy for the next picnickers.

For more food safety tips, visit www.foodsafety.gov or www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2025

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

Exceptionally high interest in how proposed Medicaid cuts
could affect Michigan families, businesses during MDHHS briefings
Two virtual briefings, recording offered to provide additional access to information 

LANSING, Mich. – Two virtual Medicaid funding briefings offered to statewide community partners last week by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) were maxed out, when more than 5,000 people registered for the events.

MDHHS provided the briefings to ensure everyone has a chance to learn more about how proposed federal Medicaid cuts could result in a loss of health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, reduce access to providers for all residents, increase financial burdens on hospitals and small businesses, and significantly strain the state’s budget. Due to the high demand, MDHHS has posted a recording of the briefing online as well as additional supporting materials. 

“We know Michigan families, business owners and health care providers are very concerned about how these proposed federal cuts will affect our state and want to make sure everyone gets a chance to hear this information,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “These cuts will impact health care services for all Michigan families – whether they have Medicaid or commercial insurance – and small town and rural communities are likely to be disproportionally affected through the loss of hospitals and providers. Studies show a lack of access to health care can lead to higher mortality rates, worse health outcomes, increased health disparities and strain the state’s emergency care system.”

A Congressional plan to cut $880 billion from Medicaid so they can deliver a $4 trillion tax cut has been announced. If passed, this would be the largest cut to Medicaid in its 60-year history. Nationwide, millions would lose access to health care and the cost of health care will go up for every single American.

Earlier this week, MDHHS published a report the department compiled in response to Executive Directive 2025-3 from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which directed MDHHS to identify the potential impact proposed cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders’ health.

Medicaid serves a central role in Michigan’s health care system, providing comprehensive coverage to more than 2.6 million Michigan residents through over 200,000 Medicaid-enrolled providers. Jointly funded by the state and federal government, Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2025 Medicaid budget is approximately $27.8 billion. A majority of this funding – around 70%, or $19 billion – comes from the federal government.

Medicaid is also one of the most cost-efficient forms of coverage, ensuring those with the greatest need have access to vital services, particularly in underserved communities and rural areas. It has lower total and per capita costs than all other major health programs, including Medicare and private health insurance.