Grand Rapids Reporter

Several provisions that enhance public health and safety will be established with the bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2023.

The budget provides funds for the development of a state psychiatric hospital, a laboratory for public health and environment initiatives, expanded dental care coverage and improved access to mental health resources throughout Michigan, according to a recent news release.

“The FY 2023 MDHHS budget represents a real and sizable investment in meeting the mental health needs of Michiganders,” said Robert Sheehan, CEO of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan. “While mental health needs are and have always been a part of the everyday lives of Michigan families and communities, this need has grown substantially as a result of the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, the threat posed by gun violence, and a range of other factors in our environment. This budget recognizes these needs and responds concretely with a range of clinical and fiscal approaches.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) shared what the 2023 budget will provide Michigan families.

“Since day one, I have been focused on delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families,” Whitmer said in the release. “Our bipartisan budget makes critical investments in two things that are top of mind for every family and community—health and safety. It will increase access to mental health services by building a new state psychiatric hospital complex, expanding behavioral health capacity and offering tuition reimbursement for mental health professionals.”

Duane Breijak, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter, said he is proud of the lawmakers who worked on the 2023 budget and the investments it makes.

“Michigan has been long overdue for serious investments in the behavioral health workforce, and COVID has only heightened the critical need for enhanced mental health services across our state,” Breijak said in the release. “This year’s budget shows a serious bipartisan effort to address these vital services in settings from schools, to hospitals, to our community mental health system.”