TL/DR –
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) released its 2023 report, highlighting how it expanded services through millage investments, which have significantly increased call volumes from 4,500 per month in 2018 to 8,500 in 2023. The Millage Advisory Committee has allocated these funds across five key service categories, including Behavioral Health Service Expansion, Youth Supports, Supportive Housing, Behavioral Health Prevention and Education, and Criminal Justice Reform. Trish Cortes, executive director of WCCMH, stated that over 90% of these funds directly benefit the community by supporting residents.
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Releases 2023 Public Safety and Mental Health Millage Annual Report
The 2023 Public Safety and Mental Health Millage annual report has been released by Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH), detailing the wide-ranging impact of millage investments. These funds have substantially expanded mental health services across the county, benefiting innumerable residents through improved support and resources.
The millage has played a pivotal role in addressing the escalating demand for mental health services. For example, before millage funds were available in 2018, WCCMH handled about 4,500 calls per month. By 2023, this had surged to 8,500 calls per month, showing the successful expansion of services.
The Millage Advisory Committee, in charge of funding allocation, has directed resources across five key service categories:
- Behavioral Health Service Expansion – $3,801,144: WCCMH has widened access for individuals regardless of their insurance status, extended care to those with mild to moderate mental health needs, and enhanced crisis services, including face-to-face interventions.
- Youth Supports – $947,771: Millage leaders prioritized youth mental health services, funding programs that enhance access to care for young people at WCCMH, schools, and other local providers.
- Supportive Housing – $794,508: Funds are allocated to support organizations such as Avalon Housing, Michigan Ability Partners, Ozone House, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, and the Ypsilanti Housing Commission.
- Behavioral Health Prevention and Education – $513,525: Millage-funded programs aim to reduce stigma around mental illness, promote help-seeking behaviors, and equip community members with the skills needed to respond to mental health crises.
- Criminal Justice Reform – $489,411: The millage supports criminal justice reform through funding jail-based treatment, reentry services, and programs that divert individuals with behavioral health issues from the criminal justice system into community services.
“Over 90 percent of allocated funds go directly to services to support residents,” said Trish Cortes, executive director of WCCMH. “We’re proud that the majority of these millage dollars directly benefit the community.”
Millage investments support programs at 15 community partners, including Avalon Housing, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
For brief highlights of accomplishments, read the one pager.
For further information on how the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office utilizes their millage dollars, read their five year millage impact report.
—
Read More US News