House mental health task force schedules Lansing meeting

State Reps. Klint Kesto and Hank Vaupel, co-chairs of the House’s mental health task force, today announced the panel’s next meeting is Thursday, Sept. 7, at the state Capitol.

The bipartisan task force will meet with mental health professionals and advocates throughout the state to gather input and ideas for improving services for Michigan residents.

“We’re only about halfway through the information-gathering process, but I think I speak for all of the members of the task force when I say this has been an eye-opening experience,” said Vaupel, of Fowlerville. “Our first three meetings in Howell, Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids have taught us a tremendous amount about mental illness and the obstacles people face each and every day.”

Kesto, of Commerce Township, said feedback gathered during task force meetings will help legislators develop reforms that address a wide variety of mental health challenges, such as veterans support, substance abuse, law enforcement training and more.

“Mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue,” Kesto said. “This process will result in a number of meaningful changes that give struggling Michigan residents a better opportunity to lead happy, successful lives.”

Experts scheduled to address the task force on Sept. 7 include an official from MedCart Specialty Pharmacy; Dr. Laura Hirshbein of University of Michigan Medicine; John Kinch, CEO of Macomb County Community Mental Health; Dennis Bott, executive director of the Macomb Oakland Regional Center; and an official from Peckham Inc. The public also is invited to attend and participate during a comment period.

The meeting will take place in the House Appropriations Room inside the Michigan State Capitol, Room 352. It will begin at 1 p.m. or after House session ends for the day.

Anyone unable to attend a task force meeting can submit written suggestions regarding mental health services online at www.House.mi.gov/CARES.