The MHA issued a request for proposals earlier this year for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2023 state budget with the goal to increase the number of beds available to care for pediatric psychiatric patients requiring inpatient hospitalization.
The MHA received 10 applications totaling $130.3 million from organizations in six distinct regions of the state, encompassing many innovative ideas to help ensure access to inpatient behavioral health services for the most vulnerable Michigan residents. Unfortunately, the amount of funding requested exceeded the amount of money available to distribute, so funding decisions were made based on the program scoring criteria by a third-party entity.
The MHA has granted funding to six institutions across five geographic regions of the state and anticipates these funds will be used to bring 110 inpatient beds online and expand behavioral health treatment services for pediatric patients.
The six organizations are as follows:
- HealthSource Saginaw
- Holland Hospital
- Memorial Healthcare
- Munson Healthcare
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
- Straith Hospital
The MHA appreciates the time and effort that went into developing proposals and looks forward to being a partner in expanding access to behavioral health services across the state.
Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.