CMHA kicks of social media campaign: statewide survey findings underscoring public opposition to privatization of Michigan’s public mental health system

Parallel to this press release, CMHA kicked off a social media campaign centered around the findings of this poll. A sample of one of the posts is provided below. The full set of posts, which will appear in that campaign, can be found here.

“Voters strongly oppose privatization. A powerful 58% of voters strongly oppose shifting Medicaid mental health management to private companies, compared to a mere 8% who strongly support it.”

March for Medicaid Planned at Michigan Capitol on Program’s 61st Anniversary

Medicaid advocates are calling on Michiganders to gather at the State Capitol on July 30 for the March For Medicaid – Michigan Families For Fair Care, a rally celebrating the health care program’s 61st anniversary while raising concerns about potential federal changes that could affect coverage for millions of residents.

Created 61 years ago, Medicaid was established with the promise that people would be able to access needed health care regardless of their income. Today, nearly 2.5 million Michiganders rely on the program for medical services, long-term care, behavioral health treatment, and other essential health needs.

Organizers say that promise is now facing significant challenges as federal policy changes threaten Medicaid funding and coverage. They warn that any cuts to the program would have far-reaching consequences, impacting families, seniors, people with disabilities, and health care providers in communities across Michigan.

The March for Medicaid will take place on Thursday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Participants will gather to recognize Medicaid’s impact on the lives of recipients and to advocate for protecting access to health care coverage. Register here.

Advocates say the event will serve as both a celebration of Medicaid’s legacy and a public demonstration of support for the program’s future, emphasizing that they will not stand by while coverage for vulnerable residents is reduced.

Organizers are encouraging Medicaid recipients, family members, health care professionals, community leaders, and supporters to attend and make their voices heard.

CCBHC July Newsletter

The June CCBHC Newsletter is now available! Download it here or access it directly on the CCBHC webpage under Newsletter Archives.

Listen to latest ‘Connections’ Podcasts

Real voices. Real journeys. Discover the stories that connect us. Hear powerful conversations that bring our community together and inspire better lives for all.

Dr. Tino Smith shares how his journey from Michigan’s youngest county commissioner and Wayne County Deputy Sheriff to pastor, business owner, and community leader shaped his passion for helping others find a clearer path forward to ease the burdens they carry. Listen Here.

MDHHS issues resources to help Michiganders understand the Healthy Michigan Work Requirements contained in the federal budget bill, HR1

As implementation planning continues for Medicaid changes resulting from House Resolution 1 of 2025, MDHHS is developing resources to help partners understand upcoming changes and prepare to support the people they serve.

Below are the latest updates and resources recently announced by MDHHS:

Learn About Healthy Michigan Plan Work Requirements: Work requirements will apply to some people covered through the Healthy Michigan Plan beginning in 2027. Visit our webpage (New Healthy Michigan Plan Work Requirements) to learn who may be affected, available exemptions, key timelines and other information. 

Access the Partner Toolkit

Our Partner Toolkit includes resources to support your outreach efforts, including:

Work requirements slide deck
Social media graphics
Rack cards
Posters

As beneficiary letters, flyers and other communications are released, they will also be added to the toolkit (Work Requirements Partner Toolkit) so partners have access to the same materials being shared with the public. 

Beneficiary Communications Begin in July

Beginning in July, some Medicaid beneficiaries with Healthy Michigan Plan coverage will begin receiving letters, emails and text messages about upcoming Medicaid changes. These communications are intended to help members understand what changes may affect them and what actions, if any, they may need to take. Copies of beneficiary communications will be posted to the Partner Toolkit as they are released.

State Toolkit for Modernizing Demographic Data

The Data Equity Coalition State Advocacy Toolkit (Spring 2026) is a policy and advocacy guide designed to help states update their race and ethnicity data collection standards to align with the federal government’s revised Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15). The toolkit is an advocacy resource that helps states modernize demographic data collection standards so race and ethnicity data are more accurate, consistent, and comparable with updated federal requirements.

CMS, NASHP to Host Webinar on New Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a public webinar on July  22, 2026  at 12:30 PM. ET to explain new federal Medicaid community engagement requirements established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

The webinar will focus on CMS’s recently issued Interim Final Rule, published June 1, which requires certain adult Medicaid applicants and beneficiaries to complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities as a condition of maintaining Medicaid eligibility. These activities may include employment, education, job training programs, community service, or other approved work-related engagements.

During the webinar, officials from the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) will provide an overview of the new requirements and explain how states must implement the policy. Topics will include eligibility determinations, exemption criteria, verification procedures, and state reporting obligations.

Register here for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Interim Final Rule on Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements Webinar.

Featured speakers include:

– Caprice Knapp, Principal Deputy of CMCS
– Jessica Stephens, Acting Director, CMCS Children & Adults Health Programs Group
– Additional CMCS policy staff

The event is intended to help states, health policy leaders, Medicaid stakeholders, and community organizations better understand the new federal requirements and their potential impact on Medicaid beneficiaries. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about implementation and compliance with the rule.

The webinar comes as states begin evaluating how the new community engagement standards could affect Medicaid enrollment, administrative processes, and access to coverage for eligible residents.

MDHHS announces HR1 & Medicaid Webinar Series

The HR1 & Medicaid Webinar Series is designed to help community partners understand and communicate Medicaid changes resulting from House Resolution 1 of 2025. The series will primarily focus on Healthy Michigan Plan work requirements and provide partners with the information and resources they need to help Michigan residents understand, prepare for and navigate these changes.

The recording of Session 1: Planning for Work Requirements is now available at: H.R. 1 and Medicaid Partner Webinar 1: Work Requirements, June 2026. This session provides an overview of the new federal provisions, how MDHHS is preparing for implementation, and the communication tools and resources currently available to support outreach efforts.

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and push for full inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is “The World Works Better With Us.”

Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that:

– celebrates disability identity and community
– recognizes disability culture and leadership
– marks the ADA anniversary and the ongoing work to make civil rights real in daily life

The first Disability Pride celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990. Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Now there are events nationwide that help people with disabilities take pride in who they are.

Many people with disabilities still face barriers to being fully included and valued. Ableism is often ignored, but its effects are real. It limits access to education, jobs, healthcare, and respect.

Disability Pride Month challenges that. At its core, Disability Pride is about being accepted on our own terms. It means disability isn’t something to hide or fix. It’s part of who we are. Everyone deserves inclusion, rights, and respect, without having to earn them. Disability Pride Month also reinforces a basic principle: people with disabilities belong in the decisions that shape school, work, health care, and community life.

CMS announces webinar on changes to federal HCBS waivers

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a webinar that will provide an overview of the new 1915(c)(11) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.

Fundamentals of the Working Families Tax Cut Legislation Section 1915(c)(11) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Authority

This webinar will provide states with:

An overview of the 1915(c)(11) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver;
Conditions for waiver approval and ongoing requirements;
Considerations for 1915(c)(11) waiver design;
1915(c)(11) parallels and new opportunities; and
Comparison of 1915(c)(11) to other related HCBS authorities.

Following the presentation, webinar participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

July 22, 2026  |  1:30pm – 3:00 pm ET  |  Webinar Registration – Zoom

Save the Date Improving Outcomes Winter Conference and Workshop Submissions

Join us on November 4-6 for the Improving Outcomes Winter Conference at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. This conference tracks (Finance, Provider Network, IT and Quality) breakouts specifically catered to you. More information on breakout sessions and how to reserve your room, click here.

Interested in submitting your workshop proposal for the IO Conference? CMHA and the IO Committee will use the information requested in this form to assure appropriateness of content and specific track requested.

November 4-6, 2026  |  Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest  |  Submit this electronic form by 5pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Registration Open Prime For Life New Instructor Training

Join us for a two-day training at Central Michigan University Prevention Providers in Mt. Pleasant. Attendees will receive 14 CE credits after completion of the program.

Prime For Life is an evidence-based program and curriculum that provides a judgment-free way of understanding how alcohol and drug-related problems develop, what we can do to prevent them, and why sometimes we need help. The program is delivered by a certified Prime For Life Instructor. This training is designed to prepare the helping professional to present Prime For Life with fidelity, to increase chances of impact, to teach in a collaborative way, and to deliver the content with Finish Line Focus.

August 3-4, 2026  |  Courtyard by Marriott Mt. Pleasant  |  For more information on the program, please click here

Registration Open Project Towards No Drug Abuse Training

This training is for prevention professionals, community-based providers/organizations, and health educators from providers that implement prevention in schools.

The Project TND training workshop is designed to provide implementers with an understanding of the theoretical basis, content, instructional techniques, and objectives of the program. In addition, the training is designed to build the skills that teachers need to deliver the lessons with fidelity.

August 17, 2026  |  Hilton Garden Inn Detroit/Novi  |  For more information on the program, please click here

Motivational Interviewing Conference announced through CMHIS

As the Michigan partner of the SAMHSA-funded Center for Mental Health Implementation Support (CMHIS), CMHA learns of a range of resources designed to foster strong and innovative clinical practices. One of these resources is described below:

The 2026 Great Lakes Motivational Interviewing Conference “10 Years Together – Renewing Our Capacity for Change,” is August 5–7, 2026, in Madison, WI. The lineup includes pre-conference sessions on August 5th, full programming Aug 6–7, skill-building workshops for all experience levels, expert keynotes, and great networking opportunities. Whether someone is new to MI or a seasoned practitioner, there’s something for everyone.

Link to learn more and register: https://www.wisconsinconnect.org/micon.html

No-cost high quality consultation available from SAMHSA-funded Center for Mental Health Implementation Support

Weekly Update readers may remember that CMHA is the Michigan partner of the SAMHSA-funded Center for Mental Health Implementation Support (CMHIS). That partnership provides Michigan’s behavioral health system, at no-cost, with deep knowledge of how to sustainably implement effective mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery practices and programs to support organizations and systems in improving the lives of the people they serve.

CMHIS and its bi-regional Hubs (in our case, hubs centered in the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University) can help your organization or system improve the delivery of mental health care by strategizing to overcome barriers and planning new program implementation from start to finish.

Funded by SAMHSA, in addition to a range of courses (publicized in CMHA’s Weekly Update), CMHIS provides high quality no-cost support and consultation on a range of topics central to the work of CMHA member organizations.  

The CMHIS goal is simple: to support your team as you implement the most effective mental health care in your community.

A recently developed video outlining, in only a few minutes, the resources available to you, as a CMHA member, from CMHIS can be found here: Introducing the Center for Mental Health Implementation Support

More information on CMHIS at: https://www.cmhisupport.org/

Community Mental Health is expanding crisis services with a “one-stop shop” crisis care model

A new Community Mental Health crisis care center in Greater Lansing is expanding access to immediate, community-based behavioral health services by providing comprehensive, 24/7 crisis intervention designed to reduce reliance on hospitalization and better meet rising demand. The CEI Crisis Center is moving to a new facility at 2900 Stabler Street in Lansing, Michigan.

Explanation on Behavioral Health Transport Impact on Community

Michigan lawmakers from both parties are pushing new legislation to improve how patients in mental health crises are transported to care. Currently, many of these patients are taken by ambulance, which can be uncomfortable, costly, and not well‑suited for behavioral health needs. Providers say ambulances can even escalate a patient’s distress and tie up emergency resources that are needed for 911 calls.

New SAMHSA CCBHC Funding Opportunities Now Available

SAMHSA has released three new CCBHC funding opportunities, with applications due Monday, August 17, 2026:

CCBHC Improvement and Advancement Grants to sustain and enhance services at existing CCBHCs.

Pre-Applicant Webinar: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Improvement and Advancement | June 30, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m. ET

CCBHC Planning, Development, and Implementation Grants to support the development and establishment of new CCBHCs.

Pre-Applicant Webinar: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC): Planning, Development, and Implementation Grant | July 1, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET

CCBHC State Planning Grants to support states in developing certification systems, PPS methodologies, and readiness for potential participation in the Section 223 CCBHC Demonstration.

More information is available in SAMHSA’s announcement of the new CCBHC NOFOs.

Technical Assistance will be available through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s CCBHC Success Center to support clinic’s SAMHSA CCBHC Improvement and Advancement Grant submission strategy.  A webinar will be held on July 9, 3:00-4:00pm ET. A registration link. is forthcoming.

Michigan Care Career DCW and Employer Portal

IMPART Alliance, a longtime partner of CMHA and a leader in efforts to ensure that Michigan has a strong and vibrant Direct Care Worker workforce, is reminding the field of the MI Care Career portal!  The MI Care Career DCW and Employer job matching portal is open to the state for entering profiles into the system. Here is the link to the program https://micarecareer.michigan.gov/

IMPART and MDHHS look forward to hearing from you about the portal. For assistance, please email MDHHS-MICare-Career-Support@michigan.gov.

Michigan’s Medicaid decline puzzles experts, though they expect more to lose coverage

Below is and excerpt from a recent Bridge Magazine article regarding the dramatic reduction in Medicaid enrollment among Michiganders.

Michigan has seen one of the largest decreases in the nation in Medicaid enrollment in recent years.

As of February, there were nearly 2.03 million Michiganders enrolled in the comprehensive safety-net insurance program for low-income people and families. That was about 235,744 fewer people, or a 10% decline, from the same month in 2020, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The full article can be found here: Michigan’s Medicaid decline puzzles experts, though they expect more to lose coverage – mlive.com

These Michigan counties have seen the largest drop in Medicaid coverage

Below is and excerpt from a recent Bridge Magazine article regarding the dramatic reduction in Medicaid enrollment among Michiganders.

More than 1,000 fewer Oceana County residents were enrolled in a Medicaid health plan in February compared to 12 months prior.

The West Michigan county had an 11.8% decrease in residents enrolled in the safety-net insurance program for low-income people and their families, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. That was the largest year-over-year decline in the state during that period.

Michigan’s enrollment in Medicaid has been on the decline in recent years — a trend that is being monitored closely by the state and industry leaders.

The full article can be found here: These Michigan counties have seen the largest drop in Medicaid coverage – mlive.com

Policy Brief: Lessons from 10 Years of Medicaid Expansion in Michigan

The Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation recently issued a policy brief. Below is an excerpt from the brief:

The expansion of Medicaid in Michigan through the Healthy Michigan Plan has provided a reliable source of insurance coverage and access to care for many adults ages 19 to 64 with low incomes and has become a key component of the state’s healthcare system and safety net over the past decade.

The full brief can be found here: Policy Brief: Lessons from 10 Years of Medicaid Expansion in Michigan

DOJ opinion on Olmstead threatens the right of people with disabilities to live in the community

Below is an excerpt from a recent article from the Arc’s national office on threats to the protections and freedoms made possible by the Olmstead decision.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that threatens one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities: the right to live and receive services in the community, not be unnecessarily confined to institutions.

The opinion targets Olmstead v. L.C., the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision that recognized institutional isolation of people with disabilities as discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more than 25 years, Olmstead has helped people with disabilities fight for the supports they need to live at home and in their communities.

This opinion isn’t a court decision. It doesn’t erase Olmstead or change Supreme Court precedent. It also doesn’t take away the ADA, Section 504, or the regulations that protect community living.

But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them. This opinion seeks to undermine one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have from being pushed into institutions when they can and want to live in the community. The DOJ itself acknowledges that this opinion is “out of step” with how federal courts have understood Olmstead.

The full article can be found here: DOJ Olmstead Opinion Threatens Community Living Rights

Policy Update: NADSP Condemns Justice Department’s Attempt to Weaken the Right to Community Living

Below is an excerpt from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) in response to the recent DOJ opinion regarding Olmstead:

Statement by Joseph M. Macbeth, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals: The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals is profoundly disappointed by the June 18 legal opinion issued by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. This is not a ruling by the Supreme Court or another federal court, and it does not overturn Olmstead or eliminate protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It represents the legal interpretation of the Justice Department official who authored it and remains subject to review by the courts.

Nevertheless, it is a hostile action by the Trump Administration that seeks to weaken one of the most important civil rights protections secured by people with disabilities.

The full statement can be found here.

Michigan Blue Cross to limit mental health benefit. Will thousands lose care?

Below are excerpts from a recent Bridge Magazine article on the limits on mental health coverage proposed by Michigan Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Thousands of Michiganders could lose access to their mental health providers under a new Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan policy. 

Effective March 1, the state’s largest insurer will no longer cover limited-license therapists who practice in private offices. Michigan has about 13,000 social workers, counselors, psychologists, and family and marriage therapists, according to one estimate, with an unknown number affected by the end of the longstanding Blue Cross benefit.

The full article can be found here: Michigan Blue Cross to limit mental health benefit. Will thousands lose care? – Bridge Michigan

SAMHSA Notice of Funding Opportunity: Behavioral Health and Community Safety Partnerships

The purpose of Behavioral Health and Community Safety Partnerships is to support communities in reducing the behavioral health impacts of crime, violence, and disorder; strengthening community safety; and improving outcomes for youth, families, and other individuals affected by crime, violence, and disorder.

Learn more at: Behavioral Health and Community Safety Partnerships | SAMHSA

HRSA Funding Opportunity: Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Planning helps organizations in rural areas build a partnership network and create a strong base for substance use disorder (SUD) and related services. It also helps build capacity to develop, implement and sustain these services.

Funding will serve as a critical first step to creating SUD service systems that make care easy to access, strengthen the behavioral health workforce, gain strong community buy-in, and prepare communities to deliver prevention, treatment, recovery, and other supportive services over the long term.

RCORP-Planning grants support planning and preparation activities only and do not support direct service delivery.

Information on this funding opportunity can be found here.

Upcoming Panel: Behind the Scenes in Medicaid — How States Are Navigating a Changing Environment

Today’s Medicaid programs are operating in a rapidly changing environment — shaped by significant budget pressures, high turnover among state program leadership, the operational demands of implementing new eligibility and work requirement policies, and a heightened focus on curbing fraud, waste, and abuse, all while positioning programs for long-term success. At the same time, states continue to advance major priorities such as behavioral health system improvements, maternal health initiatives, payment and delivery system modernization, and rural health transformation efforts.

On July 7, join a Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) panel for an inside look at how Medicaid leaders are navigating today’s dynamic environment: setting priorities, managing teams, and making decisions in a complex and evolving budget and policy landscape. The 60-minute conversation with current and former Medicaid directors will highlight how state leaders are adapting in real time and what it will take to sustain strong, resilient programs into the future.

Learn more about this panel and register here: Behind the Scenes in Medicaid: How States are Navigating a Changing Environment – Center for Health Care Strategies

Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness

The U.S. Health Secretary announced over $700 million in new funding to expand mental health and addiction treatment programs and help people experiencing homelessness access care and recovery services. The funding aims to expand mental health and addiction treatment, reduce homelessness, and connect people to coordinated care and long-term recovery services.

CMHA Testifies in House Rules Committee in Opposition to HB 6022

This week, Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) staff testified before the House Rules Committee in opposition to House Bill 6022, legislation that would make significant changes to preadmission screening requirements under the Mental Health Code as part of the broader Mental Health Framework proposal.

CMHA reiterated its strong opposition to the bill, emphasizing that HB 6022 would increase bureaucracy, create new administrative burdens for providers and patients, and make it more difficult—not easier—for individuals to access behavioral health services. During testimony, CMHA noted that the proposal would add “more regulation, more hoops, more red tape” without increasing system capacity or improving outcomes.

CMHA also stressed that the bill attempts to advance a broader Mental Health Framework initiative that remains opposed by a wide coalition of stakeholders, including the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Association of Counties, mental health advocacy organizations, providers, and thousands of consumers and families.

While HB 6022 includes a provision requiring preadmission screenings to be completed within three hours, CMHA argued that this issue can and should be addressed separately through HB 5334. Association leaders pointed out that community mental health agencies already complete more than 98 percent of screenings within the required timeframe, and that the real cause of prolonged emergency department stays is the lack of available psychiatric beds and treatment placements—not delays in conducting assessments.

The House Rules Committee did not take a vote on HB 6022. At this time, the bill’s next steps remain uncertain. CMHA encourages members to continue reaching out to their state representatives to voice their opposition to HB 6022 and urge lawmakers to pursue collaborative, stakeholder-driven reforms that strengthen Michigan’s public behavioral health system rather than adding unnecessary administrative burdens.

Budget Framework Reached as Leaders Continue FY27 Negotiations

Legislative leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have reached a framework agreement for the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, marking a significant step toward completing budget negotiations before the July 1 deadline.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) announced during his weekly press conference that the framework was finalized late Wednesday following negotiations among legislative leaders and the governor. The agreement, signed by Hall, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), and Whitmer, establishes broad fiscal parameters while negotiations continue on specific spending priorities.

According to Hall, the framework includes no tax increases, no use of the state’s Rainy Day Fund to balance the budget, and overall spending below last year’s levels. While K-12 schools are expected to receive additional funding, the overall budget will require spending reductions.

“This is going to be challenging for some people because this is a budget where you’re going to have to make cuts,” Hall said. “We made some cuts last year and we’re going to have to do it again.”

Hall declined to discuss additional details, saying confidentiality is necessary to preserve the agreement while negotiators finalize budget targets. He expressed optimism that lawmakers could still complete the budget before the statutory July 1 deadline.

The speaker said potential areas for savings include addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in state government, including the elimination of “ghost employees.”

Hall said negotiations gained momentum after legislative leaders began working directly with Senate Democrats on a spending plan, with State Budget Director Jen Flood later joining negotiations on behalf of the governor. Leaders continued discussions through the Juneteenth holiday and the weekend to reach the current framework.

While the framework does not include a property tax reduction, he said those conversations could continue concurrently with budget negotiations.

Psychiatric Bed Flexibility Bill Advances from House Health Policy Committee

As Michigan continues to face a shortage of more than 1,000 inpatient psychiatric beds, the House Health Policy Committee this week advanced legislation that would give psychiatric hospitals greater flexibility to use existing capacity by temporarily converting licensed adult beds for minors, or vice versa, based on patient demand.

HB 5903, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), is intended to help address the state’s critical shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds. During committee testimony on May 13, Bierlein said Michigan lacks more than 1,000 psychiatric beds to meet minimum capacity needs and more than 3,000 beds to achieve optimal availability.

Under current law, psychiatric beds are licensed exclusively for either adults or minors. Hospitals cannot temporarily reassign beds to accommodate shifting patient demand without first obtaining additional licensing approval. Bierlein said the legislation would provide hospitals with the flexibility to respond more effectively to fluctuations in demand while maintaining existing patient safety standards.

One hospital CEO testified in support of the bill alongside Bierlein and said the hospital frequently experiences shortages of adult psychiatric beds while adolescent beds often remain underutilized during the summer months and school breaks. He noted that the legislation would allow hospitals to make better use of existing capacity without compromising patient safety, as adults and minors would continue to be housed in separate units.

“At a time when Michigan families are struggling to access mental health care, we should be removing barriers that prevent providers from delivering timely treatment,” Bierlein said.

Save the Date: 2026 NACBHDD Fall Virtual Legislative & Policy Conference 

The behavioral health and I/DD policy landscape is shifting rapidly. To help you navigate these changes and connect with peers, NACBHDD is proud to host the 2026 Fall Virtual Legislative & Policy Conference. This interactive, two-day event is designed to equip you with critical policy updates, actionable strategies, and invaluable peer-to-peer networking opportunities. Stay tuned for registration details next month; you won’t want to miss this! 

October 21st – 22nd, 2026    |    Zoom    |    Registration officially opens on July 8th, 2026

Summer Conference 2026 Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2026 CMHA Annual Summer Conference at Grand Traverse Resort! This year, we welcomed 423 attendees from across Michigan, including board members, CEOs, COOs, CFOs, medical directors, clinical directors, case managers, supports coordinators, children’s supervisors, provider agencies, and partners throughout the public mental health and substance use disorder systems.

Over two days, participants explored critical topics impacting behavioral health today, including advocacy efforts, healthcare integration, crisis intervention, substance use disorder services, evidence-based practices, data analytics, trauma-informed care, Medicaid policy changes, and the future of Michigan’s public behavioral health system.

Missed a Keynote? View the session recordings below.

Monday, June 8, 2026

Keynote: Baldly Bipartisan – A preview of what to expect in Michigan’s political and public policy worlds in 2026

Keynote: Can You Hear the Voices? What Psychosis Feels Like (Recording Coming Soon)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Keynote: The History of Michigan’s Managed Behavioral Health System

Keynote: We All Rise: Activating the H.E.R.O. Within A Closing Keynote on Hope, Mental Health, and the Power to Rise Together

Conference Photos

Relive the conference and browse photos from throughout the event on our Facebook page CMHA Summer Facebook Photo Album

Thank you to our attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who made this year’s conference such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall!

Fall Conference Workshop Submissions

Submit your workshop proposal for the CMHA Fall Conference. CMHA will use the information requested in this form to assure appropriateness of content, to assess whether the presentation meets criteria for social work “Continuing Education Clock Hours,” and/or substance abuse professional certification “Contact Hours” and to develop program descriptions.

Oct. 28-27, 2026   |   Grand Traverse Resort and Spa   |   Submit this electronic form by 5pm on MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026.

New CCBHC TA Email and Interest Form Now Available

CMHA has launched a new CCBHC TA email address and TA interest form to help clinics access support more easily. General CCBHC TA questions can be sent to CCBHCTA@cmham.org. Clinics seeking direct 1:1 technical assistance should complete the CCBHC TA Interest Form so the TA team can better understand the request and connect clinics with the appropriate support.

CMHA partner, With One Voice, requests your participation in baseline suicide prevention survey

CMHA and a number of its members have long been partners of With One Voice. With One Voice aims to establish a statewide suicide prevention network. Our strategic plan focuses on supporting suicide-affected groups, assisting those impacted by suicide, and advocating for change at state and national levels.

With One Voice has recently launched a Michigan Suicide Prevention Training Baseline Survey to better understand the reach of suicide prevention and related trainings across the state. The survey will also help inform the development of a statewide training directory and upcoming training calendar on our website.

A few quick notes:

This is not an evaluation or audit.
Estimates are welcome and expected.
The survey takes approximately 5–7 minutes.
Requested by Friday, June 19.

Take the Michigan Suicide Prevention Training Baseline Survey here.

Please feel free to share the survey widely with organizations providing suicide prevention, mental health, crisis response, awareness, stigma reduction, postvention, or community education trainings. Those who complete the survey will also have the option to receive a With One Voice lapel pin and sticker!

Staying Connected with With One Voice: With One Voice (WOV) is also looking forward to creating more opportunities to connect in the months ahead. Additional quarterly webinar dates and monthly coalition connection opportunities will be shared soon, and we hope you will continue to stay engaged as this statewide network continues to grow!

wovmichigan.org   |   withonevoice@gryphon.org   |   Facebook    |    LinkedIn

Unified Partnership regarding BCBSM policy changes

The National Association of Social Workers–Michigan (NASW‑MI) and the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) have formed a unified partnership to advocate against recent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) policy changes, working jointly with lobbyists and stakeholders to protect both providers and clients.

This collaboration is significant because it brings together two major professional organizations to challenge policies that could restrict billing practices, disrupt supervision models, and ultimately reduce access to mental health care across the state. By aligning their efforts, NASW‑MI and MMHCA strengthen their collective voice, increasing the likelihood of influencing policy decisions and safeguarding the stability of Michigan’s mental health workforce.

CCBHC-T TA Informational Webinar Introducing Finance, Access, and Workforce Modules Scheduled for June 29

The CCBHC-Transformation (CCBHC-T) program is excited to launch the first three TA modules focused on Finance, Access, and Workforce for CCBHCs. Join us for an introductory webinar on June 29 at 1:00pm to hear directly from the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) contracted to deliver the TA content. During this webinar you will hear about the content, structure, and available TA supports for each module, and learn the process to sign up for individualized 1:1 TA tailored to clinic needs. Register here to join! 

Listen to latest ‘Connections’ Podcasts 

Real voices. Real journeys. Discover the stories that connect us. Hear powerful conversations that bring our community together and inspire better lives for all.

In this powerful conversation, Chuck Edwards shares his journey from a successful career in the mortgage industry to helping individuals and families navigate mental health, behavioral challenges, and addiction recovery. Drawing from his own experiences of childhood struggles, family wounds, and personal healing, Chuck now leads Solutions to Live By (ATLB), where he passionately helps clients uncover the root causes of their challenges and find hope, healing, and lasting transformation. Listen Here.

MDDC announces Peer Mentor 101 Training

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the upcoming Peer Mentor 101 Training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) September 9-11, 2026. This training equips participants with the skills needed to support their peers, strengthen self‑advocacy, make informed choices, and increase independence.

Peer Mentoring is a Medicaid‑covered service that promotes self‑determination and empowers individuals receiving CMH services to direct their own lives.

Individuals interested in participating must be referred by their local CMHSP. The training will be held virtually.

To request an application packet or for additional information, please contact Tracy Vincent by phone at 517‑284‑7296 or email vincentt1@michigan.gov

MDRC announces: Disability Advocacy Training Series

Starting this week, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is offering three virtual trainings to help disabled people, families, advocates, and community members build practical advocacy skills. Together, these sessions will explore how to identify issues, understand systems, share your story, connect with policymakers, and take action toward more inclusive communities.

You are welcome to attend one session or join MDRC for the full series.

Thursday, June 11
Cause Advocacy: Creating More Inclusive Communities, Part 1
What does it mean to advocate for a cause? This session will introduce the foundations of cause advocacy, why it matters, and how it can be used to move communities toward meaningful change.

Thursday, June 18
Cause Advocacy: Creating More Inclusive Communities, Part 2
Building on Part 1, this session will help participants explore how to identify issues, understand the systems connected to those issues, and begin planning effective action.

Thursday, June 25
Disability Advocacy Workshop: Preparing for Meetings with Legislators
Meeting with elected officials can feel intimidating, but preparation makes a difference. This workshop will offer practical tools for sharing your story, building relationships with policymakers, and preparing for productive advocacy conversations.

All sessions are virtual and take place from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ASL and CART captioning will be provided.

Whether you are just getting started or looking to strengthen your advocacy, these trainings are designed to help you turn your experiences and concerns into action.

Additional information and registration can be found here: Disability Advocacy Training Series | Eventbrite

HB 6022 Approves by the House Health Policy Committee

On Wednesday, the House Health Policy Committee, passed HB 6022 on a 10-0-7 vote. The bill received YES votes from Reps: VanderWall, Thompson, Meerman, Tisdel, Bierlein, DeBoer, Prestin, St. Germaine, Bohnak and Whitsett. The following Reps passed: Schmaltz, Frisbie, Witwer, Brenda Carter, Neeley, Hoskins and Foreman. There were no NO votes.  The bill addresses preadmission screening requirements under the Mental Health Code and is intended to advance certain components of the Mental Health Framework initiative.

The bill would make Medicaid health plans financially responsible for certain behavioral health services and allow those plans to conduct pre-admission screenings for the patients they cover. The legislation would also codify the three-hour deadline for completing screenings. If a community mental health agency or health plan does not respond within that timeframe, hospitals or contracted providers could conduct the screening instead.

CMHA remains opposed to the bill.  

1. HB 6022 advances a broader Mental Health Framework proposal that is opposed by numerous stakeholders, including the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Association of Counties, mental health advocacy organizations, providers, and thousands of consumers and families across Michigan.

2. The three-hour preadmission screening issue is separate from the Mental Health Framework and can be addressed through HB 5334. The provision appears to have been added to HB 6022 to build support for a much broader policy proposal that otherwise lacks stakeholder consensus.

3. The Mental Health Framework would create new paperwork, reporting, regulatory, and administrative burdens for patients, providers, and CMH organizations, potentially delaying services and treatment, without increasing system capacity or producing better outcomes for individuals seeking care.

4. CMHA and its members were not included in the development of HB 6022 and had no opportunity to review or provide input before the bill was introduced. Meaningful reform should be developed collaboratively with all affected stakeholders.

HB 6022 now goes to the House Rules Committee for consideration, if approved there it then goes to the House Floor. Again, we believe Rep. VanderWall is trying to push this bill through the House as fast as possible, before the Legislature adjourns for the summer recess.

Audit Finds DHHS Oversight of Michigan 211 Hotline Insufficient

A new state audit has found that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is not adequately monitoring the state’s 211 hotline system or sufficiently overseeing the contractors responsible for operating it.

The audit, released this week by the Office of the Auditor General, identified one material condition and one reportable condition related to DHHS’s administration of the service. Auditors concluded that “significant improvement” is needed in the department’s oversight of hotline operations and in its monitoring of employees responsible for overseeing hotline contractors and grantees.

Michigan’s 211 hotline provides residents with information and referrals for services such as food assistance, housing support and health care resources. Because the service is operated by third-party organizations, DHHS is required to maintain internal controls and conduct regular contract monitoring.

While auditors acknowledged that DHHS has implemented some oversight practices, they found the department does not consistently monitor the maintenance of the hotline’s resource database to ensure information is accurate and complete.

Under contract requirements, operators must regularly update and verify database content, confirming that at least 90% of records are accurate every 12 months and making more frequent updates when necessary. However, auditors found the contractor met the 90% accuracy standard in only one of the seven quarters reviewed. The audit also identified inaccuracies on DHHS webpages that originated from information pulled from the 211 database.

Auditors further reported that DHHS could not provide documentation showing it had reviewed a required gap analysis designed to identify unmet service needs and resource shortages. In addition, the department acknowledged it had not enforced contract penalties when warranted and had not verified certain information included in reports submitted to the Legislature.

In its response, DHHS agreed that oversight of Michigan 211 needs improvement. Department officials said they will work with contractors to strengthen monitoring practices and ensure compliance with existing contractual requirements.

DHHS also noted that although the hotline operator did not consistently meet performance standards during the audit period, performance improved during fiscal year 2025. The department said staff continue to closely monitor operations and, if penalties are warranted, will coordinate with the Department of Technology, Management and Budget to determine appropriate action.

SAMHSA CCBHC Resources: Housing Stability and Rural Communities

SAMHSA has released two new publications highlighting opportunities for CCBHCs to strengthen care and partnerships in key areas.

Improving Housing Stability for People with Behavioral Health Needs Through the CCBHC Model explores how CCBHCs can support housing stability through collaboration with national, state, and local partners.

Impact and Opportunities for CCBHCs in Rural Communities describes how CCBHCs are improving access and quality in rural areas and highlights opportunities to further strengthen the CCBHC model in rural communities.

AI Algorithms Used in Coverage Determinations

Health insurers are increasingly using AI-driven “coverage algorithms” to decide whether care is medically necessary, how long treatment should last, and whether services will be approved. Unlike clinical tools used by providers, these algorithms often lack regulatory oversight, transparency, and external validation, as companies treat them as proprietary. Those in opposition of such usages argue that this creates risks for patients because the systems may be designed to reduce costs, leading to denied or delayed care and worse health outcomes.

CCBHC June Newsletter

The June CCBHC Newsletter is now available! Download it here or access it directly on the CCBHC webpage under Newsletter Archives.

CMS Releases Medicaid Work Requirement Interim Final Rule

On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its interim final rule on implementing community engagement requirements (commonly referred to as “work requirements”) as provided under H.R.1. You can find the rule here, along with CMS’s press release and fact sheet.

Because CMS released an interim final rule, the rule will be effective July 31, 2026, with an opportunity for public comment, due July 31, 2026.

Background: H.R.1 requires expansion enrollees, non-pregnant adult Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19-64 who typically meet a higher income threshold than in traditional Medicaid and receive coverage in their state as a result of Medicaid expansion or waiver, complete at least 80 hours of work or qualifying activities per month. Other qualifying activities can include community service, work programs, educational programs, or a combination of these activities.

The law provides exemptions to meeting these requirements for those who are “medically frail,” which includes individuals with a substance use disorder, disabling mental disorder, or those participating in a Drug Addiction or Alcoholic Treatment or Rehabilitation Program. The Interim Final Rule seeks to provide further implementation guidance on these exemptions.

While people are still digesting the 400-page, two top lines have emerged:  

Restrictive Medical-frailty Definition:  Shifts from a one-step to a two-step standard where a person must have a serious medical condition, and show the condition impairs their ability to work. The new standard creates more work for Medicaid beneficiaries, clinicians, and states.  

Self-attestation for 2027: The rule temporarily allows for an individual to self-declare in limited circumstances to verify work or exemption status, including for medical frailty through 2027.   

This is an acknowledgment that states will need time to establish systems upgrades to access new data sources and particularly to implement the medical frailty exemption. 

While the rule is set to take effect on July 31, 2026, CMS is accepting comments through that date. You can submit them here.

Unless the Secretary grants an extension, states are required to implement work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027, with some states choosing to implement these requirements sooner (so far this includes Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, and Iowa).

HHS announces 10 new states in CCBHC Medicaid demonstration

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and in partnership with the Substance Abuse for Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced 10 new states selected for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia. This expansion reflects continued momentum behind the CCBHC model, which provides sustainable Medicaid funding to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services nationwide.

By enabling participating states to implement a prospective payment system, the demonstration helps ensure providers can deliver coordinated, whole-person care while strengthening behavioral health systems and supporting long-term financing beyond time-limited grants.

SAMHSA Webinar: CCBHC Toolkit for Engaging Service Members, Veterans, and Families

SAMHSA will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 9 from 2–3:30 p.m. ET introducing its new CCBHC Toolkit for Engaging Service Members, Veterans, and Families. The webinar will highlight practical strategies to help CCBHCs identify and engage military-connected populations, increase awareness of military and Veteran experiences, strengthen partnerships with Veteran-serving organizations, and improve service coordination. Register here.

Protect MI Care Recommendations

The Protect MI Care coalition provides recommendations to Michigan health officials on how to implement new federal Medicaid requirements in a way that minimizes coverage loss and administrative burden.

Pocketing Money Meant for Kids: Private Equity in Autism Services  

A new report argues that the growing role of private equity in autism services raises serious concerns about how care is delivered. It suggests that profit-driven business models can lead to cost-cutting measures—such as reducing staffing levels, limiting training, and increasing caseloads—that may ultimately lower the quality of care provided to children. At the same time, firms often emphasize revenue growth through billing practices and service expansion, which can shift the focus away from patient needs.

MDHHS issues MHF Coverage Responsibility Updates

Below is a recent communication from MDHHS regarding the mental health framework, including its delay:

This communication is to notify providers of important updates regarding the implementation of the Mental Health Framework Initiative.

As a reminder, the Mental Health Framework Initiative included multiple different elements, with a goal of improvement to service delivery for mental health care services, based on the level of need of the enrollee, not just the place or type of service. One element of the Mental Health Framework Initiative included shifting coverage responsibility between Medicaid Health Plans (MHP) and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) for specific mental health care services. Under these changes, MHPs would cover 3 new services (crisis residential, inpatient psychiatric, and outpatient partial hospitalization) for certain enrollees, while PIHPs covered all mental health care needs for other enrollees, determined by level of need.

These coverage responsibility changes were previously scheduled to go into effect October 1, 2026. MDHHS is temporarily delaying this specific element of the Mental Health Framework Initiative to allow more time for system-wide preparation. Under the original changes, the coverage responsibility would be driven by a benefit plan in CHAMPS (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System) called “BH-COVER”. Providers will still see this new benefit plan assigned to certain MHP enrollees effective October 1, 2026, but will not need to change processes based on its assignment. Other Mental Health Framework changes—including the expansion of standardized assessments for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental health care (see Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-01 for the State’s standardized assessment policy) and efforts to improve care coordination across systems—are continuing.

Improving coordination, access, and quality of care remains a top priority, and MDHHS will continue advancing key Mental Health Framework activities, including:

– Expanding use of the State-specified mental health assessment tools, LOCUS for adults and MichiCANS Screener for children and adolescents,
– Reviewing data to better understand service needs and access to mental health care for Medicaid beneficiaries,
– Strengthening care coordination across MHP and PIHP systems, such as expanding referral pathways between systems and joint collaboration/coordination of services,
– Continuing to clarify coverage responsibility for existing covered services to minimize provider confusion and abrasion; and

Deepening relationships between providers, Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs), PIHPs and Medicaid Health Plans to improve service delivery and the beneficiary experience across the State.

We look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to improve service delivery and support the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries across the State. Please see MHF website for further updates and details and email MDHHS-MentalHlthFramework@michigan.gov with any questions.

MDHHS extends deadline for applications for Behavioral Health Repayment Program

The Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) application cycle deadline has been extended and is now open through June 5, 2026.

Funding is available for behavioral health professionals who provide direct, outpatient behavioral health services in public behavioral health settings within Michigan and are committed to remaining with their employer for two years. Priority for this program is given to applicants who provide behavioral health services to children.

To apply you must:

– Be a behavioral health professional providing direct, outpatient behavioral health services.
– Be employed in Michigan, providing services to Michigan residents.
– Commit to remaining with your eligible employer for two years.

For more information, visit: Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) or contact MDHHS-Behavioral-Health-LRP@michigan.gov

Over half of Michigan’s small businesses may be forced to drop healthcare benefits, a new Senate bill could prevent this 

Below are excerpts from a recent article in Gongwer/State Affairs regarding sky rocketing health insurance costs:

Nearly eight in 10 small business owners in the state report double-digit increases in employee healthcare premiums and more than 75% say the cost of healthcare limits their ability to hire new employees, according to a survey released Tuesday.

The survey from the Small Business Association of Michigan said inflationary costs are harming small businesses. About 65% of business owners report the cost of healthcare being a significant barrier to offering employee benefits.

“Someone must pay the increased cost of healthcare, and in Michigan, it seems small businesses owners are bearing the brunt of it, with double-digit cost increases,” SBAM President Brian Calley said in a statement.

He said some employers have seen increases of as much as $2,000 an employee.

“For a small business with 25 employees, that’s $50,000 more per year just in healthcare costs – $50,000 that could instead be used to hire another employee or invest in the business,” Calley said.

Within the survey, Michigan business owners responded to the prompt “With the way things are going with health insurance costs, it will be [X] years before I might consider dropping coverage entirely for my employees.”

About 270 business owners, 80% of them with fewer than 50 employees, responded. Nearly half of those surveyed, 42%, said between one and three years years, 16% said between four and six years and 4% said in seven or more years.

Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-Saint Clair Shores, recently introduced a bill that would address the unaffordability issue.The bill would allow small businesses to create association health plans that would lower insurance costs for them and their employees.

“As small businesses face rising costs and fewer customers in today’s uncertain economic climate, many are struggling to keep their doors open,” Hertel said in a separate statement. “And when small businesses are stretched thin, it becomes even harder for them to be able to provide benefits, including quality health coverage for their workers.”

He said smaller businesses often lack the leverage needed to negotiate lower insurance costs through risk sharing, unlike larger corporations. Smaller businesses also frequently face higher administrative expenses.

The bill, SB 1011 Track, would allow businesses to band together, pool resources and put together insurance options that reduce costs for themselves and staff.

“As we work together to build a healthier Michigan and a stronger economy, association health plans can help level the playing field – giving small business the ability to lower costs and make healthcare more accessible for working families,” Hertel said.

Hertel said the cost of healthcare has remained the number one concern for small businesses for decades, and costs have increased upwards of 23% over the last few years, making it difficult for businesses to be sustainable long-term.

Over 85% of those surveyed by SBAM said employee benefit costs influence long-term planning and growth strategies.

“In a business like ours, we’re constantly watching every cost and finding ways to operate more efficiently, but there’s only so much you can do when health care premiums keep rising at this pace,” Patti Eisenbraun, owner of Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak, said in a statement.

Eisenbraun said climbing costs put small business owners in a position where they cannot offer coverage at all.

“We need to see the same level of urgency and creativity within the health care system that small business brings to solving challenges every day,” she said.

Mike Shabluk, owner of Erie Custom Signs in Saginaw, said small businesses want to provide coverage and take care of their employees.

“If nothing changes, more small businesses will be put in a position where they simply can’t offer coverage at all, and that has real consequences for employees, families and communities all across Michigan,” he said.

The SBAM Board of Directors issued an open letter in April that calls for broader attention to the healthcare cost crisis and asks those within the healthcare systems to minimize cost increases.

Must Not Walk Away From The Addiction Crisis | Opinion

Below are excerpts from a recent opinion piece, by Representative Paul Tonko, carried in Newsweek:

Long before Congress found the will to act on the addiction crisis, the recovery community was already doing the hard work. They were telling their stories at kitchen tables and in church basements. They were fighting stigma in communities where addiction was still treated as a moral failure and a source of shame. They were organizing, marching, testifying, and demanding that their government see what they already knew: Addiction is a disease, and recovery is not only possible — it is happening every single day.

Throughout my years in Congress, I have had the privilege of learning from these advocates. Organizations like Faces & Voices of Recovery have been tireless partners—bringing the voices of people in recovery directly to Capitol Hill, helping federal policymakers understand what works, and holding us accountable when we fall short. The progress we have made in addiction policy did not originate in a hearing room. It was carried to Washington by the people who lived it.

A new national survey released by Faces & Voices of Recovery now documents, in powerful terms, just how far that advocacy has moved the country. Public Perceptions of Addiction and Recovery: A 20-Year Follow-Up to the Hart Benchmark (2004–2026) finds that the transformation in American attitudes is profound. Fifty-two percent of likely voters now name mental illness as the top national health concern, up from just 7 percent twenty years ago. Concern about the lack of addiction treatment nearly doubled, from 32 to 59 percent. And 83 percent of voters, across party lines, support requiring Medicaid to cover addiction treatment as essential health care.

These numbers are no accident. They are the direct result of decades of advocacy, courage, and storytelling by people in recovery and the organizations that support them. They reflect what happens when individuals stand up and say: this is who I am, this is what I survived, and this is what I need to stay well. They reflect the researchers who developed life-saving medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone and the advocates who fought to make sure those tools were accessible and destigmatized. They reflect years of community organizing and public health education and, yes, the painful visibility that comes from losing more than 80,000 Americans a year to overdose.

That death toll, after years of harrowing increases, has begun to fall. The progress is fragile, but it is real. We are at an inflection point—a moment when science, public will, and policy are aligned in a way that could fundamentally change the trajectory of addiction in America.

Which is precisely why the current administration’s dismantling of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is so reckless and so wrong.

SAMHSA is the federal architecture that connects Americans in crisis to treatment, funds the recovery support programs that help people rebuild their lives, and deploys the technical assistance that allows states and communities to build on what works. The grant programs housed at SAMHSA were shaped, in many cases, by the testimony and advocacy of recovery organizations—including Faces & Voices of Recovery—who came to Washington year after year to explain what communities actually needed. When SAMHSA is gutted—when its staff is slashed, its grants frozen, its expertise scattered—the people who are hurt first are the ones those fought for by advocates for decades.

This recent survey confirms what advocates have been telling us: 81 percent of voters support increased federal funding for treatment and recovery services. They reject policies that would strip people in recovery of government assistance. These are not fringe positions. They are majority views held by Americans across income levels, education levels, and political ideology.

In a capitol defined by division, addiction policy has long been one of the places where we can still govern together. Republican colleagues have stood beside me in this fight for years. While we have disagreed on much, on this, we found common cause, largely because the recovery community demanded it of us. We must not fail them now.

At a time when the president’s fiscal 2027 budget again proposes large funding cuts and structural changes to SAMHSA, I am demanding we restore SAMHSA’s staffing and budget. Don’t cut addiction and mental health services. Don’t destroy the decades of progress we have made. Protect the funding streams that communities depend on. And let us agree that the gains of the past 20 years belong to the advocates, the families, and the people in recovery who built them.

They are not ours to discard.

Introducing Crossing Perspectives: A National Thought Leadership Series Bringing Together Housing, Health, and Behavioral Health 

Below is a recent announcement from the Corporation for Supported Housing related to an upcoming session on the connection between housing and behavioral health:

Housing and health systems are at a critical inflection point. 

Rising homelessness, growing behavioral health needs, and rapid policy changes are reshaping how we think about care, housing stability, and community well-being. At the same time, systems that have historically operated in parallel are being called to work in deeper alignment. 

To explore what’s next, the National Center for Housing + Health (powered by CSH) is launching a new thought leadership series: Crossing Perspectives: A National Thought Leadership Series Bringing Together Housing, Health, and Behavioral Health. 

Join Us for the First Session
The Future of Housing + Health: Where Systems Converge 
📅 Thursday, June 4
Register here for the first conversation.

This opening conversation brings together leading experts from across housing, healthcare, research, policy, and lived experience to examine the national trends shaping our field—and what it will take to build a more connected, resilient system. 

You’ll hear from:

Deb De Santis (Moderator)
Carmen Heredia, Sonora Strategy Partners
Margot Kushel, MD, UCSF
Amiyoko A. Shabazz, Lived Experience Consultant
Sarah Stella, MD, Denver Health 

Together, they will explore how aligning policy, financing, and service delivery can drive better outcomes for people and communities. Don’t miss this timely conversation. 

Michigan Budget Talks Could Extend Beyond July 1

Michigan lawmakers continue negotiating the state budget as disagreements over taxes, spending, and property tax relief threaten to delay completion past the traditional July 1 target date.

House Speaker Matt Hall said this week he does not expect a final budget agreement by July 1, blaming ongoing disputes over potential tax increases and use of the state’s rainy day fund.

The budget process determines funding for major state priorities including schools, roads, public safety, health programs, and local governments. This year, negotiations are centered heavily on Republican-backed property tax reform proposals and efforts to reduce overall state spending.

Hall said House Republicans want to lower costs for residents through property tax cuts and energy savings while avoiding new taxes. He also argued the state can reduce spending by eliminating what he described as waste, fraud, abuse, and vacant government positions.

The House recently passed an eight-bill property tax package, though additional negotiations are expected over a related proposal that could expand the state sales tax to certain services.

Despite political tensions, bipartisan cooperation will still be necessary because Republicans control the House while Democrats control the Senate and Governor’s Office. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders at the Mackinac Policy Conference emphasized the importance of finding common ground during negotiations.

Although lawmakers aim to finish the budget by July 1, the state’s fiscal year does not officially begin until October 1, leaving additional time for negotiations if talks continue through the summer.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Implementation Learning Collaborative

Are you a manager, leader, or supervisor of a mental health system, organization, or program? Are you interested in learning how to implement or sustain Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?

The TF-CBT Implementation Learning Collaborative is a free, application-based program designed to equip mental health leaders and supervisors with the tools needed to drive meaningful, sustainable practice change. It is designed for SAMHSA grantees and behavioral health organizations in WI, MI, MN, OH, IN, IL, KS, NE, IA, and MO that currently provide TF-CBT and are seeking structured support to strengthen implementation, fidelity, and sustainability.

Why is this important? Implementation science demonstrates that successful adoption and sustainability of evidence-based practices require more than initial training — they depend on structured, ongoing support. This collaborative leverages proven implementation strategies — including coaching, data-driven feedback, and responsive adaptation — to ensure that TF-CBT is not only learned but consistently applied and sustained over time.

August 5, 2026 – September 17, 2026   |  Applications Due June 30, 2026   |   For more information and to apply click here

Program Highlights:

3 didactic sessions + 2 applied consultation sessions
Total commitment: 6.5 hours
Small cohort of up to 12 participants
6.5 CE credits available

The Launch of CMHA Magazine: A New Voice for Michigan’s Behavioral Health Community

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan is proud to launch the inaugural issue of CMHA Magazine — a new digital publication dedicated to elevating the voices, stories, and advocacy efforts shaping Michigan’s public behavioral health system. In addition to the digital publication, printed copies of each issue will be included in conference packets at CMHA’s three statewide conferences each year, helping expand the magazine’s reach to behavioral health leaders, providers, and policymakers across Michigan.

More than just a magazine, this publication is designed to serve as a platform for highlighting the incredible work of CMHA members across the state, sharing innovative programs, and keeping providers, policymakers, and stakeholders informed on the most pressing issues facing behavioral health care today.

The inaugural issue features powerful member stories, including LifeWays Community Mental Health’s partnership with the Jackson Police Department, where embedded clinicians are helping transform crisis response and reduce repeat emergency calls. It also spotlights Genesee Health System’s 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care expansion, which is helping fill critical gaps in crisis stabilization and access to care in Flint and surrounding communities.

In addition to member highlights, CMHA Magazine provides timely state and federal legislative updates impacting behavioral health providers and the individuals they serve. Articles in the inaugural edition examine Michigan’s psychiatric bed shortage and policy recommendations emerging from the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security. The publication also explores upcoming federal Medicaid work requirements and the potential impact these changes could have on access to behavioral health services nationwide.

The magazine will also tackle important issues of the day — from workforce shortages and crisis response innovation to system reform proposals and advocacy efforts that affect Michigan’s public mental health system. Through thoughtful commentary, member engagement, and community storytelling, the publication aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure behavioral health remains a priority in Lansing and Washington.

Published three times each year, CMHA Magazine will reach more than 1,500 behavioral health professionals, clinicians, board members, policymakers, and provider organizations across Michigan through its digital distribution and conference circulation. The launch marks an exciting step forward in connecting Michigan’s behavioral health community and sharing the stories that make this work so important every day.

Statewide FY 26 CMHSP client satisfaction report issued by CMHA’s Center for Health Care Integration and Innovation (CHI2)

Weekly Update readers may remember that, over the past several years, CMHA and its members have engaged in an Accurate Picture campaign. That campaign is aimed at providing an accurate picture of Michigan’s public mental health system and those whom it serves, countering what are often negative misconceptions attached to Michigan’s public mental health system and those who rely upon that system.

The Accurate Picture campaign had a number of components, including the highly successful partnership of CMHA and a number of its members with the Issue Media Group/Common Group publications – a partnership built around the concept of “solutions journalism”. This partnership ensures that the work of Michigan’s public mental health system is highlighted in IMG’s large suite of solutions journalism-focused publications. More about this partnership can be found here.

Over the last several months, CMHA also pursued another component of this Accurate Picture campaign–a statewide client satisfaction report (Note that this report is a revised version, reflecting several refinements from the report sent to you a week ago.)

STATEWIDE FY 26 CMHSP CLIENT SATISFACTION REPORT: All of Michigan’s CMHSPs and PIHPs, and many of the provider organizations in the networks of the state’s CMHSPs and PIHPs, conduct client satisfaction surveys of those whom they serve.

Because the CMHSPs, PIHPs, and providers use a variety of client satisfaction instruments, statewide client satisfaction data has been difficult to aggregate.

However, while a number of instruments are used by the provider organizations across the state, there are a set of satisfaction elements or domains found in all of these instruments. These common domains are: Overall Satisfaction/Improvement, Accessibility/Responsiveness, Supportiveness, Dignity, Respect, Cultural Competency, Person-Centered Planning, and Being Heard & Confidentiality

Using these common client satisfaction domains, CMHA’s Center for Health Care Integration and Innovation (CHI2) aggregated the client satisfaction data, across these common domains, resulting in a recently published report which provides a picture of client satisfaction with the system. This report, 2026 Accurate Picture Initiative Statewide Satisfaction Survey Report (May 2026) can be found here.

In summary, the findings of this report, demonstrate high levels of satisfaction as noted below.

Statewide Behavioral Health Satisfaction Summary by Domain 

Gratiot Integrated Health Network Honored with State and Congressional Recognition

Gratiot Integrated Health Network (GIHN) has been recognized at both the state and federal levels for its commitment to children and families in Gratiot County, receiving the Child Advocate Organization of the Year Award from the Child Advocacy Center of Gratiot County along with official tributes from the State of Michigan and the United States Congress.

The recognitions highlight GIHN’s longstanding dedication to child advocacy, crisis response services, and community collaboration across Gratiot County.

In a Special Tribute issued by the State of Michigan, legislators commended the organization’s staff, partners, and advocates for their leadership and impact throughout the community. The tribute specifically recognized GIHN’s role as a strong community partner and acknowledged the organization’s efforts to provide critical resources and support for children and families.

The tribute noted GIHN’s partnerships with local organizations including the Gratiot Collaborative, the Gratiot Substance and Suicide Prevention Coalition, Child Advocacy, MyMichigan Medical Center – Alma, Gratiot County Schools, and local law enforcement agencies. State leaders also praised GIHN’s administration and workforce for helping remove barriers to services and expanding the reach of behavioral health support throughout the region.

The State of Michigan tribute further highlighted GIHN’s prioritization of children’s mental and physical health needs and recognized the organization’s enhanced 24/7 crisis services, which provide timely and tailored support for individuals and families facing difficult situations.

In addition to the state recognition, Congressman John Moolenaar presented Gratiot Integrated Health Network with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition on behalf of Michigan’s Second Congressional District.

The congressional certificate praised GIHN for “going above and beyond to advocate for the betterment of children and families in the community” and extended best wishes for the organization’s continued success.

GIHN continues to provide behavioral health and support services designed to improve access to care, strengthen families, and promote healthier outcomes throughout Gratiot County.

Call to Action! Protect Michigan’s Direct Care Workforce

This call-to-action advocates protecting and strengthening Michigan’s direct care workforce by ensuring stable funding and resources for workers who provide essential care to vulnerable residents.

Upcoming Deadlines and Dates Section on the CMHA CCBHC Webpage

To support coordination, planning, and timely participation in CCBHC-related activities across Michigan, a new “Upcoming Deadlines and Dates” section has been added to the CMHA CCBHC webpage. This section highlights important upcoming meetings, technical assistance opportunities, reporting deadlines, evaluation activities, and other key dates relevant to CCBHC implementation and operations.

Information will be updated regularly and is intended to serve as a centralized reference point for CCBHC leadership teams and designated staff. Please review this section routinely to stay informed about upcoming requirements, engagement opportunities, and time-sensitive activities involving MDHHS, CMHA, CHRT, and other CCBHC partners.

Update: CCBHC-IA Grant Opportunity Timeline

An updated forecast has been released on Grants.gov for the upcoming CCBHC Improvement and Advancement (CCBHC-IA) grant opportunity. Based on the latest update, the estimated posting date for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is May 29, 2026.

This opportunity may provide additional resources to support CCBHC implementation and sustainability efforts across Michigan. CCBHCs interested in applying should begin early planning in anticipation of the updated timeline.  Technical Assistance will be available through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the CCBHC-T program to support SAMHSA CCBHC IA Grant Submissions

Arc Michigan Free Disability Policy Webinar Series

It’s Time For The Arc Michigan’s 2026 Policy Webinar Series:

Friday, June 5      |    9:30a.m.– 12:00p.m.
Friday, June 12    |    9:30a.m.– 12:00p.m.
Friday, June 26    |    9:30a.m.– 12:00a.m.

Join Arc-Michigan for this year’s webinar series for updates on disability services and supports in Michigan. As Michigan’s disability service system continues to evolve, staying informed and connected is more important than ever.

Each Friday, you will hear from key leaders at the state and national levels—including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and The Arc of the United States—on topics that impact access, quality, and the future of services for people with disabilities. You will also receive timely legislative and policy updates, along with insights into how state and federal decisions may impact disability services and supports in the months ahead. Whether you’re a family member, self-advocate, professional, or policymaker, these conversations are for you. You can learn more about his series and register here.

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 Rural Michigan Opioid & Substance Use Summit!

The Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC), a program of the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), is proud to host its annual summit, bringing together rural partners, leaders, and community champions committed to addressing substance use across rural Michigan.

This convening creates space for meaningful connection, shared learning, and action. Together, participants explore practical strategies and emerging approaches that strengthen prevention, expand access to treatment, support long-term recovery, and build a resilient rural workforce.

July 16th, 2026 |  Treetops Resort, Gaylord MI  | Register here: 2026 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit

Who Should Attend?

Behavioral Health Professionals
Public Health Professionals
Law Enforcement
Community Mental Health Providers
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals
Rural Health Clinics, FQHCs, and Hospital Staff
Anyone Passionate About Addressing Substance Use in Rural Michigan!

Michigan Medicaid Covered transportation

Michigan lawmakers are pushing bipartisan legislation to allow Medicaid to cover specialized behavioral health transportation, aiming to reduce delays in care, ease dependence on ambulances and police, and improve access for people in mental health crises.

Decline in Michigan Drug overdoses

Michigan is seeing a significant decline in drug overdose deaths, largely due to expanded access to naloxone and treatment programs. At the same time, the state is set to receive an additional $154 million from opioid settlements, which will support ongoing prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts even as experts caution that drug use itself may not be declining.

Michigan Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Codify CCBHC Program in State Law

Michigan lawmakers this week introduced Senate Bills 1000 and 1001, legislation that would formally place the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program into Michigan statute and establish a long-term framework for implementation across the state. The bills represent a major step in Michigan’s ongoing behavioral health system transformation efforts and would codify requirements for certification, funding, and service delivery for CCBHC providers.

Senate Bill 1000 was introduced by Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), while Senate Bill 1001 was introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), reflecting bipartisan support for the initiative. Both bills were introduced on May 21, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services for consideration.

The CCBHC model was originally created through a federal demonstration program intended to expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services. Under the model, participating clinics are required to provide a broad range of coordinated services, including crisis intervention, outpatient mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, care coordination, and integrated primary and behavioral healthcare.

Duggan to end bid for governor

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is ending his independent bid for governor in a shocking announcement that completely recasts the race to become Michigan’s 50^th governor.

Sources, speaking on background, said those inside the Duggan camp are reaching out to allies to confirm he is dropping out of the race. Polling recently suggested Duggan was failing to catch on, or even seeing a dip in support, and sources said Duggan had concluded the Democratic momentum is too strong and that he no longer saw a path to victory.

A nonprofit allied with Duggan, Put Progress First, had spent about $15 million on ads, but Duggan himself last week signaled concern that the race had begun shifting into a referendum on President Donald Trump and gasoline prices, making his message of fixing Lansing problematic.

So unexpected was his decision that news of it began spreading merely half an hour after his campaign announced its 27^th union endorsement

Duggan’s candidacy will end much as it began: with a jolt to Michigan’s political observers who’d been wondering since the former mayor’s December 2024 announcement whether he would be able to overcome the hurdles faced by third-party candidates and which major party candidate he would potentially spoil a general election turnout for.

Just last week, Duggan spoke optimistically to supporters at a Lansing Regional Chamber event about what the next several months of the campaign would hold, stating he was prepared to “come home” to metro Detroit after spending months outstate.

Save the Date 33rd Recipient Rights Conference!

Mark your calendars for the 33rd Annual Recipient Rights Conference, September 16-18, 2026, at Crystal Mountain Resort. This gathering brings together recipient rights experts, CMH administrative and clinical staff, and mental health professionals for professional development and networking. NOTE: New agenda this year. The conference will be held Sept. 16-18, 2026, with no pre-conference. More details are coming soon!

Sept. 16-18, 2026  |  Crystal Mountain Resort   |  For more information and details on how to reserve your room click here