The Mental Health Association in Michigan hosted the annual Michigan Partners in Crisis event Nov. 3, bringing together industry experts to explore the theme Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care.
Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of Government and Political Affairs at the MHA and Lauren LaPine, senior director of Legislative and Public Policy at the MHA, joined as panelists to discuss behavioral healthcare access and policy opportunities at the state and federal level. Kutter and LaPine spoke alongside Angela Kimball, senior vice president of Political Advocacy and Public Policy at Inseparable, a mental health advocacy organization.
“Look for opportunities to collaborate with community partners and lawmakers,” said LaPine when asked how community members can help address gaps in behavioral health. “We need to keep coming together, learning from one another and figuring out what’s working in order to scale those solutions.”
Kutter added, “Be bold. Be brave. Vote and talk to your lawmakers – they want to hear from you as leaders of your communities in order to make change.”
Other event panelists included Rep. Luke Meerman and Rep. Donovan McKinney who spoke about legislative work in the juvenile justice system. Julie Stewart and Leonard Swanson, MSW of Wayne State University’s (WSU) School of Social Work also joined to share details about statewide crisis response programs and the work of WSU’s Center for Behavioral Health.
Michigan Partners in Crisis is a coalition of organizations and jurists dedicated to enhancing access to quality, clinically appropriate treatment and support services and settings for children and adults experiencing emotional disorders and mental illnesses. This coalition seeks mechanisms that reduce the over-reliance on the criminal justice system as a response to mental illness and emotional disorders, while preserving the well-being and safety of consumers, families and the general public.
To learn more, visit the Mental Health Association in Michigan webpage or contact the MHA Advocacy team.