Funding to be distributed to certified clinics locally
LAPEER COUNTY — Lapeer County will be among the beneficiaries of a portion of the nearly $9 million in funds to be awarded to expand mental health and addiction services statewide.
On Friday, Oct. 8, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced that Lapeer County will receive $971,037 for mental health and addiction services; while neighboring Sanilac County will be awarded nearly $1 million in funding.
Stabenow said the funds will help transform the way mental health and addiction treatment is funded and delivered to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
“In Michigan and across our country, we are finally transforming the way we deliver high-quality services in our communities and the results are clear,” she said. “Now more people who are struggling with mental health issues or addiction will get the treatment they need close to home.”
Since 2018, Michigan has received more than $151 million in grant funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.
“Because of the hard work of so many of our community partners, our mental health care and addiction initiative is a proven success story,” said Stabenow.
Statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services show that people who received services at these clinics: (1) had 69% fewer emergency department visits; (2) spent 60.3% less time in jails; (3) saw a 40.7% decrease in homelessness.
About 84% of these clinics either already provide direct services on site at elementary, middle, and high schools or plan to in the future.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
