Special Thanks To Jackson County for Approving Mental Health Millage
Tuesday, May 2, 2017, Jackson County residents took a stand for their neighbors, family, and friends who experience mental illnesses and do not have the means or insurance to cover the cost of the supports to help them get well and live the best life they can. For that, LifeWays would like to say a big thank you to each one of you! THANK YOU!
LifeWays would also like to thank the grass‐roots group, Citizens for Mental Health, for its tireless work educating the community on the opportunity before them. LifeWays sends its appreciation to the Jackson Board of County Commissions for allowing the residents to make this decision about their community.
“This simply could not have happened without the commitment of those individuals who gave their time and consideration for such a cause” said Maribeth Leonard, Chief Executive Officer of LifeWays.
It is quite fitting that such an incredible statement was made during May, which is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is, in part, about stopping stigma. More than half of those with a mental illness do not get treatment. Often because of the fear of being judged, shunned, or labeled “crazy” for seeking help.
“Today, residents can have confidence that their community supports them and is rooting for them to live the best life they can!” reflects Leonard. “That is our goal every day, with every individual we have the opportunity to serve.”
The LifeWays team is excited to get started to accomplish the goals and objectives of the millage dollars. Millage funding will be used to provide community‐based mental health safety net services not funded by Medicaid or State General Fund. Some of these services include:
Access to Mental Health Treatment for Uninsured/Underinsured
Social Support/Enrichment Services for People with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Supports to Jails
Supports to School Systems
Supports to First Responders
Guardianship Services
Monthly reporting on the use of millage dollars will be made to the Jackson Board of County Commissioners.
Ms. Leonard reinforced that “treatment works and recovery is possible for every individual –our job is to
make that happen!”
LifeWays Community Mental Health
LifeWays Community Mental Health provides mental health support, information, and services to residents of Jackson and Hillsdale counties. LifeWays ensures that all county residents who have a severe mental illness, emotional disturbance, intellectual or developmental disability, or substance use disorder receive the services they need to assist them in recovery. For more information, visit www.LifeWaysCMH.org. Hope and help begin at LifeWays Community Mental Health.