MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW logo

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association

THIS WEEK

We roll into the busiest championship weekend of the 2021-22 school year with previews for our Girls & Boys Track & Field Finals and Lower Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals, along with coverage of eight championships awarded over the last two days in Upper Peninsula girls and boys golf and boys tennis. We also say good-bye to a Hall of Fame coach closing his career on the track Saturday, look back at one of the most incredible sprint performances in MHSAA history, and catch up with one of the state’s most highly-regarded baseball prospects in years.

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AROUND THE STATE

Preview: Reunited Co-Champs, Title Streak Possibilities Headline Tennis Finals

Many of the strongest contenders are familiar heading into this weekend’s Lower Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals. But intriguing storylines could make all four tournaments especially memorable for the teams playing to finish on top.

Preview: 4 Team Championships, Many More Contenders at LP Boys Finals

There are a number of knowns entering Saturday’s MHSAA Lower Peninsula Boys Track & Field Finals, as a number of stars are returning and looking to add to their past achievements. What’s more difficult to forecast than usual is how the team competitions will finish. All four divisions appear to have multiple serious contenders, and many more possible outcomes.

Preview: Opportunities Await for Standouts to Join All-Time Greats

Winners of 26 individual titles from the 2021 Girls Track & Field Finals will be back at Saturday’s Lower Peninsula championship meets hosted by Rockford, Ada Forest Hills Eastern, Kent City and Hudsonville Baldwin Middle School. Here is a glance at team contenders and individuals to watch in all four divisions.

Preview: Past Champions Filling Upper Peninsula Girls Track & Field Finals

An extraordinary 16 individual champions from last season’s Upper Peninsula Girls Track & Field Finals will return to Kingsford this weekend seeking the same success and more. And only six of them are seniors. The star-studded meet will feature the final high school races for standouts like three-time champion Landry Koski from Rock Mid Peninsula and Houghton distance star Ingrid Seagren.

Preview: UP Boys Finals Feature Fierce Team Races, Statewide Headliners

There’s an excellent chance many statewide eyes turn to Saturday’s Upper Peninsula Boys Track & Field Finals at Kingsford High School. Start in high jump, where Menominee’s Brady Schultz is one of four athletes sharing the top performance in that event in Michigan this season.

Escanaba Edges Negaunee to Claim Anticipated Battle for Best in UPD1

All season long, the Escanaba Eskymos and the Negaunee Miners were the top two boys tennis teams in the Upper Peninsula, seemingly on a collision course to fight for the Division 1 championship for the second-straight year.

More from the Finals: Division 2

Repeat Medalist Autore Leads as Islanders Start Next Championship Tradition

The Cedarville girls golf team won the Upper Peninsula Division 3 championship last season, and DeTour took the top honor in 2017. So it was only logical that the first-year cooperative program comprised of two schools would be a formidable favorite Thursday at Highland Golf Club. True to expectation, Cedarville/DeTour fired a 420 to win by 43 strokes.

More from the Finals: Division 1 | Division 2

It’s Championship Time for Badker, While Houghton Holds On for Team Title

From the Division 3 boys basketball championship game at the Breslin Center to the Great Northern Conference golf final at Escanaba Country Club, the story of much of Brady Badker’s senior year has been second place. That changed Wednesday afternoon, as Menominee’s Badker won the individual championship at the Upper Peninsula Division 1 Final at Sage Run Golf Course in Bark River.

More from the Finals: Division 2 | Division 3

Performance of the Week: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Brock Porter

One of Michigan’s most highly-regarded baseball talents in years, Porter continued his dominating senior season May 20 with his fourth no-hitter of the spring – this time in a 4-0 win over Detroit Catholic Central in the Catholic High School League Bishop semifinals at Comerica Park. He struck out 16 hitters, upping his season total to 87 with only 17 walks over 42 innings. He’s 6-0 and has allowed only one earned run – and three total – this season.

Title IX at 50: Mumford Sprinter’s Magnificent 2006 Final Remains Unmatched

Michigan’s illustrious track & field history is filled with legends who have achieved glory at every race distance and in every field event. But the sprints arguably remain the featured attraction at any meet – and Shayla Mahan’s Lower Peninsula Division 1 Finals performance on June 3, 2006, at East Kentwood remains among the most glorious and awe-inspiring over nearly a century of MHSAA history.

Self-Taught Lutzke Leaving Williamston with Decades of Memorable Lessons

If it were possible to string together all of the moments that made Mitch Lutzke into a Hall of Fame high school track & field coach, the first half of the video would look like a one-man pentathlon. At most, the now-longtime Williamston leader brought into coaching a season of mostly-junior varsity cross country experience as a student at Albion High, and some additional knowledge gleaned from marrying a college All-American runner.

GAME TIME

Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule

Boys Golf (UP) · June 1-4
Girls Golfs (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Boys Tennis (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Girls Tennis (LP) · Finals: June 2-4
Boys Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Girls Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Boys Golf (LP) · Finals: June 10-11
Boys Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Soccer · Finals: June 17-18
Baseball · Finals: June 18
Softball · Finals: June 18

MHSAA TV

For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.

Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.

 

Michigan High School Athletic Association Newsletter

1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823

Oakland County Providing Veterans with Free Transportation

Oakland County Providing Veterans with Free Transportation

Oakland County Providing Veterans with Free Transportation

Pontiac, Michigan – All military veterans who live in Oakland County now have access to door-to-door transportation services from their homes to Oakland County Veterans’ Services offices in Troy and Pontiac.

“The goal of the program is to eliminate any transportation barriers that may prevent our veterans from accessing the benefits they earned while serving our nation,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said.

In partnership with SMART, free transportation is offered from any point of origin in Oakland County to a Veterans’ Services’ office and back home. All veterans who make an appointment with the Veterans’ Services team will receive contact information for SMART to arrange their transportation.  ADA transportation is available and transportation arrangements should be made at least three days prior to the appointment.

“When the county reached out to us to help with transportation for this grant-funded project for veterans, we jumped at the chance to assist,” said Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART, “Through our various community transit partners in Oakland County, SMART is positioned to be able to coordinate a ride to ensure all veterans who need a ride can get one.”

Garth Wootten, manager of Oakland County Veterans’ Services, noted that access to transportation, especially ADA-equipped transportation, can be an obstacle many of veterans face.

“This program will help eliminate that barrier and allow all veterans to access their benefits,” Wootten said. “I’m so pleased to be partnering with SMART for this service for our veterans.”

Oakland County Veterans’ Services helps veterans and their dependents with disability compensation, pension, healthcare, burial benefits, education, life insurance, home loans and more. From applying for benefits to appealing a finding, the benefits counselors are available to help Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. To book an appointment or learn more, visit oakgov.com/veterans or call 248-858-0785 in Pontiac or 248-655-1250 in Troy.

The Veteran’s Transportation Program is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

Ford to Invest $2 Billion to Create more than 3,200 Jobs

Ford to Invest $2 Billion to Create more than 3,200 Jobs

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2022

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

                                                                                          

Gov. Whitmer: Ford to Invest $2 Billion to Create More than 3,200 New Manufacturing Jobs, Secure Critical EV Production in Michigan

 

  • $2 billion investment ensures future opportunity for EV manufacturing growth, while securing internal combustion engine portfolio in Michigan
  • Third EV/battery-related investment of more than $1 billion secured in Michigan since beginning of the year

 

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Ford Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel Steven Croley, elected officials and state leaders during the Mackinac Policy Conference today to announce an investment by Ford of more than $2 billion across the company’s plants in Michigan. The project is expected to create more than 3,200 good-paying, UAW jobs and help further the company’s electric vehicle future in the state while also securing the company’s existing internal combustion engine vehicle operations in Michigan.

 

“We are thrilled that Ford is advancing its long legacy in Michigan by investing $2 billion to create 3,200 good-paying UAW jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement marks another historic economic win for the state in recent months and will help our economy grow even stronger. I am proud that we came together to deliver economic development legislation that has helped us land huge projects, creating thousands of jobs. With this announcement, Michigan has added nearly 25,000 auto jobs since I took office and we continue to lead the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue in this spirit of collaboration to keep growing our economy, creating jobs, and advancing the future of mobility and electrification.”

 

Investments announced today will secure critical activities related to electric and internal combustion vehicle production. More than 65 percent of the new jobs supported through the Critical Industry Program will help drive new EV and other vehicle production-related activities across five plants in Southeast Michigan, including a new packaging facility in Monroe Charter Township. As the company continues to electrify its existing fleet, the remaining investment will help ensure those vehicles will also be built in Michigan by providing a strong base in Michigan for future decisions around converting vehicles and plants to electric.

 

Today’s announcement follows a historic $7 billion investment by General Motors to build its all-electric future in the state, converting its Orion Township assembly plant to produce full-size EV pickups and building Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing and a $1.7 billion investment by LG Energy Solution to quintuple its battery production capacity in Holland. Collectively, these investments demonstrate Michigan’s continued growth in, and efforts to attract significant investments in the advanced manufacturing, EV and mobility sector to the state.

 

“Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution and strengthening our portfolio of iconic vehicles that customers love. That’s why we’re announcing historic investments in our home state of Michigan, creating thousands of high-quality union jobs to expand production of the all-new F-150 Lightning as well as the next generation global Mustang and Ranger for the U.S. market,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford Blue. “Ford is proud to assemble more vehicles and employ more union auto workers in the U.S. than any other auto manufacturer, and with today’s announcement, we will have created or retained 10,000 jobs and invested more than $10 billion in Michigan since 2016.”

 

Ford’s decision to expand in Michigan will have a far-reaching impact on the entire state, with the influx of jobs resulting in spinoff investments and local redevelopment opportunities. More than $22.5 billion in new personal income is expected to be generated by the direct, indirect, and induced jobs that this opportunity will create over 16 years. This personal income will be utilized to not only support the many small businesses in the community that are still recovering from the COVID pandemic, but will spur demand to redevelop underutilized and blighted properties in the community and the state for commercial and residential purposes.

 

In addition, the project has an employment multiplier of 4.3, which means that an additional 3.3 jobs in Michigan’s economy are anticipated to be created for every new direct job, due to the extensive supply chain that exists in Michigan.

 

To support today’s transformational investments, the Michigan Strategic Fund today approved:

  • Critical Industry Program (CIP) through Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund (SOAR) – $100.8 million 
  • The Critical Industry Program will support investments at five facilities in Michigan that will lead to the creation of 3,030 new jobs and $1.16 billion of investment.
  • State Essential Services Assessment (State ESA) Exemption – $34.4 million
  • The State ESA will support investments at 10 in Michigan facilities, including the five also supported by CIP, that will lead and additional $854 million of investment and the creation of an additional 230 new jobs.

 

Signed into law by Gov. Whitmer in December, the Critical Industry Program and Strategic Site Readiness Program were created to ensure Michigan could effectively compete for billions of dollars in investment and attract tens of thousands of jobs to bolster the state’s economy.

 

“Michigan, thanks in large part to Ford, has put the world on wheels for decades, and we intend to keep doing so for decades to come. Regardless of party, we’re all committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our title as the car capitol of the world,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake).

 

“Michigan workers have the best skills, the most training and the strongest work ethic of anyone nationwide. They deserve the good-paying jobs and long-term commitment this project will provide,” said Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell). I look forward to going through the details of this plan with the Appropriations Committee and finalizing the agreement soon.”

 

Since 2016, Ford has announced nearly $10 billion in investment in Michigan, largely around electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing, supporting nearly 10,000 new and retained jobs for Michigan’s manufacturing workforce.

 

Today’s news builds on Ford’s February announcement that it was forming a new partnership to activate the Michigan Central Innovation District in an effort to attract and retain highly skilled talent and high-growth companies while supporting the development of neighboring neighborhoods.  This new district, anchored by the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, will serve as a globally recognized hub for talent, mobility innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, affordable housing, small business opportunities and community engagement.

 

“Ford’s decision underscores the continuing vitality of our state’s EV and mobility sector Through a bipartisan and pragmatic approach, Team Michigan demonstrated again its commitment to winning the future of mobility and EV manufacturing here in Michigan,” said MEDC CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “Michigan is competing aggressively to win every EV and mobility investment. We appreciate and are grateful for Ford’s continued vote of confidence in Michigan and their partnership on this economic win that will positively impact Michiganders across our state for decades to come.”

 

Google has also joined Ford as a Founding Member of the Innovation District, where it will leverage the assets of the district to collaborate on new products and services that will define the future of mobility. As founding members, Google and Ford will also help mentor entrepreneurs and local businesses, as well as develop the workforce in Detroit.

 

“This announcement is a testament to UAW members who contribute their skill, experience, and knowledge to the success of Ford Motor Company,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “We are always advocating to employers and legislators that union jobs are worth the investment. Ford stepped up to the plate by adding these jobs and converting 3000 UAW members to permanent, full-time status with benefits.”

 

“The essential necessity of quality healthcare and full-time employment are longstanding principles that have been communicated to the Company by the UAW International Union and our UAW Local Unions since our inception,” said UAW Vice President and Director of UAW’s Ford Department Chuck Browning.  “I applaud the actions of Ford Motor Company to address these issues outside the realm of collective bargaining. These unprecedented steps taken by Bill Ford Jr. and CEO Jim Farley are both a refreshing and innovative approach to labor relations that delivers great benefit when most needed by our hard-working members.”

 

Quotes from legislators and local officials:

 

“Ford knows that the most talented and dedicated workers come from right here in Michigan. Today’s announcement is only possible when bold industry and government leaders share a commitment to the prosperity of our state and its people. The positive ripple effects of this major investment will be felt far and wide.”

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint)

 

“When we funded the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund in the legislature,  this is just the type of transformational investments we were aiming to bring to Michigan. These thousands of new, good-paying, union jobs represent not just a great contribution to our state’s economy but also meaningful, secure employment for thousands of households in our state— the kind of economic stability Michigan families need to thrive.”

House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski(D-Scio Township)

 

“We’re excited to hear the news that one of our anchors and largest employers in Wayne County is expanding its footprint and solidifying itself even deeper in our community. We’ve always known Wayne County is a great place for global companies to call home and we’re excited for what this means for our economy. This investment shows the state’s commitment to the largest county in the state and the well-being of its 1.75 million residents.”

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans

 

“Macomb County has a long history of providing the tools and teams necessary for automotive innovation, so we welcome this announcement from Ford and appreciate their ongoing commitment to our community when it comes to both EV and internal combustion technology. “Macomb’s skilled and talented workforce can help them meet rising consumer demand for vehicles, including the All Electric F150 Lightning. And we stand ready to get the job done.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel

 

“On behalf of the County of Monroe, we are excited to have another Ford facility here in Monroe County. We appreciate this significant capital investment and the new jobs it will bring to the area and look forward to continuing this long-lasting relationship.”

Tim Lake, president and CEO of the Monroe County Business Development Corporation

 

Gov Whitmer at event

 

Gov. Whitmer speaks at roundtable event

Oakland County Wins Silver in Environmental Leadership

Oakland County Wins Silver in Environmental Leadership

Oakland County Wins Silver in Environmental Leadership

Oakland County achieved silver status for exemplary action in the Michigan Green Communities program.

  • Oakland County is measuring greenhouse gas emissions, has a campus-wide sustainability plan, will integrate solar energy in an upcoming renovation, and plans to install electric vehicle charging stations.

Pontiac, Michigan – The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program has recognized Oakland County for its environmental leadership. The county achieved silver status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, climate resilience and adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and protection, and mobility.

“One of my first pledges to the residents when I became the county executive in 2019 was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the county government campus in Pontiac and Waterford by 2030 and in the county overall by 2050,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m honored that the Michigan Green Communities program has recognized the county for the environmental sustainability plans we’re developing that will ensure future generations have a safe and clean county where they can live, succeed and thrive.”

Since hiring its first chief environmental sustainability officer, Oakland County has begun tracking and measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, developed a campus-wide sustainability plan, integrated solar energy in an upcoming renovation, and plans to install electric vehicle charging stations in two parking lot projects.

The county was also recently accepted into the 2022 LEED for Cities program which provides technical assistance to help communities reach their sustainability goals.

“You cannot manage what you do not measure – metrics and data are critical to sustainability – and we are already gauging our performance in reaching our sustainability goals,” Erin Quetell, Oakland County’s chief environmental sustainability officer, said. “The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is a great way for municipalities of all sizes to track and measure their sustainability successes.”

As part of the 2021 MGC Challenge, 44 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more. Ten communities received bronze certification, 12 received silver certification, and 22 received gold certification.

The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.

MGC is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.

Michigan Now a Top State for Small Business Revenue Growth

Michigan Now a Top State for Small Business Revenue Growth

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2022
Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Now a Top State for Small Business Revenue Growth

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted new small business data indicating Michigan’s continued economic growth. According to Opportunity Insight’s Track the Recovery, January 2022 saw small business revenue in Michigan increase by 24% compared to January 2020, while the nation experienced a 6.9% increase over the same period. According to the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Michigan ranks tenth in small business revenue growth over the last two years.

 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they continue to create jobs and get things done,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The data continues to show that small businesses are at the forefront of driving innovation, jobs and economic growth in our state. I’m committed to getting small businesses the support they need to retain and recruit more workers and expand operations so we can keep this momentum going and see even better numbers in the future.”

 

This latest positive data closely follows the recent announcement that Michigan had the fastest small business job growth in 23 years and that 150,000 new small business applications were filed in 2021, 59% more than in 2019. Governor Whitmer also recently announced that the State has been approved for up to $236,990,950 in State Small Business Credit Initiative funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

 

Over 900,000 small businesses employ 1.9 million people. COVID-19 impacted small businesses nationally and here in Michigan. Governor Whitmer, through her MI New Economy plan is setting a bold goal for Michigan’s small businesses to build on this momentum and have Top 10 growth during the next five years.

 

Governor Whitmer remains committed to supporting small businesses as Michigan continues growing its economy. Under the MI New Economy plan, the governor laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities. As Michigan’s economy grows, bolstered by a multi-billion-dollar surplus and increasing momentum, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by small businesses and make bold investments needed to create economic prosperity for all.

 

  • $500 million to build on the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups.
  • $200 million to create a more conducive business environment for high-tech, high-growth start-ups and create jobs of the future in Michigan.
  • Added 220,000 jobs in 2021, drove down unemployment and took Michigan from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
  • Enacted a bipartisan tax cut for small businesses, enabling them to grow and create jobs.
  • Signed a Buy Michigan executive directive to increase state procurement and contracts with small and geographically disadvantaged businesses.
  • Signed the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package, which supports business by fully funding a competitive economic development toolkit to help make Michigan a national leader in business attraction.
  • Launched over $400 million to support small businesses through Growing MI Business grants.
  • In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Governor implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs, and provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.

 

Employers Encouraged to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace 

Employers Encouraged to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 31, 2022

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Employers to Implement Strategies to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace

New report details strategies to improve employee wellbeing and reduce workplace stressors

 

LANSING, Mich. – To further efforts to support mental health and wellbeing for more Michiganders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer tasked the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) with establishing a dedicated workgroup to focus on mental health, trauma, and resiliency in the workplace. The workgroup has released their findings and key strategies for employers to help build supportive workplaces by integrating employee mental health strategies that establish healthier workplaces, enhance employee wellbeing and promote resilient companies

 

This work builds on Governor Whitmer’s recently released mental health proposals that will help Michiganders get the comprehensive care they need, so that our state can attract and retain more mental health professionals, open more appointments and create good-paying jobs.

 

“Every person in Michigan should have access to the quality, affordable mental and physical care they need,” said Governor Whitmer. “By giving Michiganders the comprehensive care they deserve, and by making investments in mental health strategies in the workplace, we can build a stronger Michigan with a resilient workforce. The workgroup recommendations are another step closer to helping more Michiganders have access to mental health care.”

 

LEO worked closely with employers, workers and professionals to discuss how workplaces can implement supportive and empowering strategies, while also highlighting organizational opportunities for better workplace environments.

 

The report details the findings of the workgroup and key strategies for employers to help build supportive workplaces by integrating employee mental health strategies that establish healthier workplaces, enhance employee wellbeing and promote resilient companies.

 

“While we are incredibly proud of the work that has been done to come up with these proposals to improve mental health in the workplace, we realize there is still a lot of work to be done in order to develop and implement these and other workplace mental health strategies,” said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan. “We hope employees and employers across the state will join us in reviewing the report findings and recommendations and build on mental health strategies that will have a great, positive impact on employee wellbeing in addition to protecting the employer’s bottom line and our communities.”

 

Investing in mental health and safety is critical to build strong workplaces, a strong workforce and strong communities. It is also imperative for employers to focus on mental health and safety for the overall wellbeing of their employees.

To assist employers, the workgroup recommended five steps to help organizations focus on overall wellbeing, incorporate trauma informed strategies, and reduce workplace stressors that can lead to crisis:

  • Assess Your Workplace and Culture
  • Consider Workplace Policies, Practices and Procedures
  • Recommit to Employee Assistance Programs
  • Consider adding or expanding Employee Resource Groups
  • Consider adding mental health to joint employer/employee safety committees

 

In addition, the workgroup made recommendations for the State to consider in supporting mental health practices in the workplace:

  • Make the State of Michigan, as an employer, a model of workplace mental health and safety for other businesses.
  • Give preference for businesses incorporating employee mental health improvement strategies through the State’s procurement or grant processes.
  • Offer financial support from the State for businesses to implement employee mental health improvement strategies.
  • Develop a resource hub that allows various groups to access plans, policies and other information that is being used by employers in Michigan.
  • Continue workgroup efforts that identify specific workplace challenges and opportunities for specific industries (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing, education, service workers, etc.).
  • Develop Michigan-specific data tools for tracking progress on improving workplace mental health and safety.
  • Develop a State recognition or “pledge” concept to encourage employers to integrate mental health strategies into their workplace.
  • Identify incentives for recruitment and retention and work to alleviate potential shortages of mental health services providers in the community.
  • Provide opportunities for learning about successful strategies and programs from across the country and provide peer-sharing and learning opportunities in the state of Michigan.

 

 

“Many of us have been in workplaces where the overall attention to employee mental health has been great in some places and poor in others, and we’ve seen the positive impact strong mental health can have on employee satisfaction, work productivity and the company as a whole,” said Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Medical Director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and clinical professor of psychiatry at University of Michigan. “Our goal in this work with LEO is to help employers create a workplace where the mental health is strong and employees enjoy coming into work every day, which creates an environment that is beneficial to employees and employers alike.”

 

“Careers in the professional trades are vital to Michigan’s economic future and we are committed to ensuring those entering these high-demand fields are equipped with the physical and mental health support they need to succeed,” said DeShon Leek, Southeast Representative, Michigan Building Trades.

To learn more about the details of the report, the workgroup encourages employees and employers to join them for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 2:30 p.m. – join the virtual meeting here.