Currently, Michigan lacks dedicated emergency transit for people in a mental health crisis, often forcing them into police cars or standard ambulances for long rides.
Mark Meijer, president of Life EMS Ambulance, says that is a problem.
“That’s not only not practical but it’s not comfortable or respectful to the people we’re transporting.”
Life EMS partnered with Pine Rest in 2022 to launch a specialized pilot program using trained staff and unique vehicles.
They’ve completed ten thousand transports so far.
Now, that pilot is the model for new legislation to take the program statewide, expanding Medicaid coverage for the rides and setting strict safety standards for vehicles and staff.
Walker Republican State Senator Mark Huizenga introduced the Senate bill.
“What we’re trying to do is say let’s put the right person in the right vehicle at the right time.”
Supporters say it keeps patients calmer, lowers costs, and frees up police and traditional EMS for other emergencies.
Battle Creek Republican and former paramedic Steve Frisbie co-sponsored the House version.
He says putting the patient first serves everyone.
“It helps the ambulance services, it helps the hospitals, and it helps the city leaders who are frustrated with a lack of ambulance services as well.”
Sponsors plan to gather more stakeholder input before pushing for a final vote.
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