LANSING, Mich. (June 7, 2024) – Senate Appropriation Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) released the following statement in response to U-M Health announcing plans for a new $97.2 million Psychiatric Facility in Lansing:
“This proposed investment in psychiatric care is a huge step forward for our capital city. Since U-M Health came into our community just over a year ago, we have been brainstorming solutions for what I believe to be one of the biggest challenges facing Mid-Michigan today: behavioral health. I am elated that these conversations were more than just hollow words but resulted in a real tangible investment in this crisis.
“The current level of need for psychiatric care is astronomical. People of all ages are forced to wait for weeks in the emergency room before they can acquire the care they need in the appropriate facilities. Unlocking 140 beds at the former site of Eastern High School just around the corner from the main hospital campus is significant progress in ensuring everyone has access to the care they need, while simultaneously addressing an area of blight on one of Lansing’s main corridors. I’m excited to learn more about the plans to reimagine the site and partner with community leaders to ensure the legacy of the school lives on. It is going to take a widespread commitment and investment across the public and private sectors to make headway on the behavioral health crisis in our state, but when it comes to our people, it is always worth the investment.”
This announcement came shortly after Sen. Anthony’s Senate Bill 27 was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This new law incorporates the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 into state law, requiring insurers to cover mental health and substance use disorders treatment as they do any other medical treatment or surgical procedures. Additionally, the Michigan Legislature has made critical investments to provide mental health resources for Michigan residents, which include:
- $280 million for certified community behavioral health clinics to expand access to care.
- $328 million in the education budget to address the mental health and safety concerns of students and teachers.
- $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to help military veterans and their families.
The mental health of Michigan residents remains a top priority for Sen. Anthony and her Democratic colleagues. Sen. Anthony looks forward to a continued and successful partnership between U-M Health and the city of Lansing.
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