The Michigan Senate will begin hearings soon on a proposed overhaul of publicly provided mental health services. A mental health system overhaul is a key area of interest for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who says the quality of care right now depends largely on where a patient lives. The system is managed by county mental health boards. Shirkey says he wants to see more private sector options, and more integration of services. Shirkey says any cost savings should be re-invested in the mental health system.
“Quite frankly, a lot of the physical health problems and costs are driven by inadequate care on the mental health side.”
Anything the Republican-led Senate comes up with will require bipartisan support because it will have to be signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.