2021
Millage Impact Report
Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage
Watch our video
In 2017, Washtenaw County voters approved an eight-year homeowner tax to expand access to behavioral health services. Since 2019, when these funds first became available, the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage has allowed local health and human service organizations to support the mental health and wellbeing of all county residents, regardless of their ability to pay for services. Our video highlights some of the key partnerships and programs that support our community.
Introduction
Three years of new and enhanced programing.
The Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage has brought many new and enhanced programs to our community. This report illustrates what our agency, alongside our inspiring community partners, accomplished during the third year of millage funding.
For example:
In 2021, millage funding also allowed us to set the groundwork for systems change through new and expanded partnerships with our criminal justice and youth-focused sectors.
We are proud to present our latest millage impact report that highlights continuing programs and new initiatives that are touching the lives of so many in our community.
Thank you, Washtenaw County residents, for supporting the county's Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage.
2021 Services and initiatives
Criminal Justice
Millage resources fund criminal justice diversion, reentry, and evidence-based jail services. Diversion efforts help move low-level, low-risk offenders with behavioral health needs away from jails and detention centers—so that they can be better connected to community-based care. Reentry initiatives help reduce the likelihood of someone returning to jail—allowing more families to stay together and, ultimately, saving taxpayers money.
Service Expansion
Services provided with millage funding include crisis response, individual therapy, group therapy, peer support, psychiatry, nursing, and help navigating required medical, behavioral, and social services.
Youth Supports
There is a growing need to support youth who have experienced trauma or have unmet behavioral health needs. Millage funding supports initiatives that reach students within their schools and communities. Many initiatives focus on destigmatizing mental health and empowering youth.
Prevention and Education
Prevention and education initiatives tackle the root causes of behavioral health needs, which ultimately reduces costs and prevents adverse health outcomes by reaching those in need early. The millage educates community members about how to recognize and respond to mental health crises and needs, and destigmatizes reaching out for help.
Housing
The millage is helping community agencies across the county expand secure, supportive housing for those exiting jail and transitioning back into the community, as well as those with mental health or substance use disorders.
2021 Millage
By the Numbers
See how millage dollars are funding local initiatives and partnerships and learn about those being served.
$3,386,311
For service expansion
Service expansion funds allow WCCMH to provide 24/7 mental health and substance use support to more residents and geographic areas across Washtenaw County.
13,092
Services by CARES
The millage-funded CARES team provides case management, medication reviews, nursing services, peer services, intake assessments, psychiatric evaluations, and more.
$1,393,924
For community partners
Funds go to local organizations to improve mental health, combat substance abuse, reduce stigma, expand supportive housing, and support students.
