News

With eight more years of funding on the horizon, millage fuels dozens of community programs

In November, nearly 70 percent of Washtenaw County voters approved an eight-year renewal of the county's Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage. The millage, which originally passed in 2017 and was set to expire in 2026, will continue to support the county's needs until 2034.

It's okay to not be okay. New #WishYouKnew youth mental health campaign resources are now available.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has refreshed its #WishYouKnew youth mental health campaign. New materials are available to youth, families, and those who work with them. "Attitudes about mental health have evolved a lot since the pandemic," says Lisa deRamos, communication coordinator at the Washtenaw County Health Department. "Thinking about what youth have been through helped bring mental health awareness to the forefront for youth."

NAMI strengthens community connections through millage-funded programs

NAMI-Washtenaw County is using millage funds to run educational classes and support groups that bring hope, awareness, and community to those navigating mental health challenges.

With millage funds, Avalon Housing is making significant strides

To address Washtenaw County's growing homelessness crisis, Avalon Housing offers long-term, affordable housing and supportive services to its clients. With millage support in 2023, Avalon provided supportive housing to more than 600 individuals and supportive services for young people, individuals in substance recovery, people in need of food support, and more.

Washtenaw County launched a second Co-Response Unit in July

In July, with millage funds, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health launched a second Co-Response Unit. The co-response models first launched in Washtenaw as a pilot program in Ypsilanti ensures that crisis calls involving behavioral health are responded to by both a mental health professional and a specially trained law enforcement officer.

Public Safety and Mental Health Millage Renewal: Frequently asked questions

The millage was up for renewal this November. In this FAQ, read about how the money generated by the millage is allocated, what initiatives the millage supports, what new changes are expected in the renewal, and more.

Handle With Care program alerts school staff to student trauma. What happens next?

"Handle with Care gives us a different perspective on child behavior," says Kelly Mickel, principal at Erickson Elementary in Ypsilanti. "When we have better insight into what kids are experiencing outside of school, we can better meet their social and emotional needs in school."

Millage and countywide hoteling the houseless initiatives fill gaps in Washtenaw housing needs

When people call our 24/7 crisis line, clinicians assess each caller's needs; sometimes, they find that houselessness is contributing to someone's ongoing mental health crisis. In these cases, the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) mobile crisis team authorizes a short-term hotel stay for these callers.

Washtenaw's crisis team is an unarmed, 24/7 resource for residents in need

Millage funding supports WCCMH's unarmed mobile crisis team, which provides in-person support and follow-up care. These face-to-face interactions provide immediate, personalized care that de-escalates crisis situations and puts people back on the path to recovery.

Supporting parents and guardians: WISD's mental health education webinars

In 2023, with support from the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District launched a parent and guardian mental health education webinar series.

Washtenaw County's Co-Response Unit celebrates 2nd anniversary

Mental Health Professional Christine Holston and Deputy James Roy work the night shift, from 7pm to 7am, three to four days a week. During their shift, the pair peacefully de-escalates conflicts; identifies physical, behavioral, and social needs; offers support; and provides referrals, in some cases warm handoffs, to other types of care.

A Q&A with Lisa Gentz on WCCMH's approach to evaluating millage initiatives

Lisa Gentz, program administrator for millage initiatives, explains what programs are under evaluation, why evaluation is so important, and what WCCMH has learned so far.