The top three priorities were mentioned in some manner by all who responded. These items have been on the radar of NAMI Michigan. The 4th item was mentioned one each by two additional affiliates and will be brought forward tomorrow and also to our internal public policy committee. Please advise additions or alternate roles for NAMI Michigan or MACCMHB. Thank you for your quick response and please consider a seat on NAMI Michigan’s public policy committee. We need your expertise and interest.
1. Funding: There is insufficient funding to meet the needs of Michigan’s persons with mental illness (general fund/Medicaid eligibility and match/ access to the best and most appropriate medications/parity) insufficient funding is also present for those in need of substance abuse treatment services.
a. MACCMHB should define data capture and reporting standards to establish the gap between service needs and service availability The gap is not apparent to the general public nor the legislature and thus the need for funding is not defined.
b. NAMI will continue to educate members about this issue and how to advocate for change and continue a call to action with legislators and the general public. NAMI will join with other groups to advocate for adequate funding .
2. Accountability and Equity: Defects and failures of the system are not adequately identified and root causes not determined. Services are not consistently provided based on need and there is a lack of consistency across the State in service delivery, admission and discharge criteria and the impact of service discontinuation.
a. MACCMHB should develop standards for reporting that reveal problems (e.g. arrests, deaths, hospitalizations, staff turnover, incident reports, and ORR complaints etc. ) and requirements for investigation and reporting or root cause analysis that goes beyond blaming the client or direct care staff. The system will not get better if it continues to avoid facing the problems. Work to revamp the recipient rights regulations to provide for external review. Promote a culture that is accountable and doesn’t just say “we’re doing the best we can with what we have---promote aggressive defense for improved funding. Promote and assure that programs that are felt to be best practice and important are provided consistently across the State. Continue vigorous advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals whose services have been discontinued due to lack of funding and join in with other groups to bring change via legislative or legal action (these last items would also fit with #1 above). MACCMHB should define consistent specifications for services and criteria for access to services that reflects severity of disability, sustained recovery and overall availability of funding.
b. See #1 above in addition NAMI will partner with others to collaborate on legislation that will promote accountability and equity.
3. Criminalization of individuals with mental illness: Too many people with mental illness are in the criminal justice system
a. MACCMHB should establish standards for intervention and for CMH services during and after incarceration.
b. NAMI will work to change the involuntary treatment laws so that people receive treatment before they engage in homicidal, suicidal or criminal behavior.
4. Also mentioned by one affiliate each was 1) the need for jobs especially those that do not jeopardize disability b
