Watch your mailbox for information about mental health services

The pandemic undoubtedly impacted the physical and mental health of many persons. To address these increased needs, through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership is working to provide more support to residents. Through grant funding from the Midland Area Community Foundation, local residents will receive a pre-plan mental health checklist and resources listing mailer. These print copies are being mailed this week, and digital copies are also available. 

The goals are to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and connect Midland County residents with valuable resources to address their mental health concerns. The mailer’s template enables individuals and families to map out their wellness, support systems, and connect them with care and wellness resources. 

In the future, the effort will also include the iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign, a storytelling series told by local residents, and a collaborative, community, mental-health focused mural in downtown Midland. 

Within the U.S., one in five adults will experience a mental illness in a given year. Based on Midland County’s population, that means approximately 16,689 individuals may be struggling with their mental health in a given year. 
Dr. Matt Samocki is the executive director of the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership.
Dr. Matt Samocki, executive director of the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership, says this partnership serves as a powerful reminder to people that they don’t have to struggle alone. The amount of organizations involved in this effort proves how powerful the community coming together can be. 

“We are grateful that the Midland Area Community Foundation provides grant-funded opportunities to focus on projects that support the mental health of Midland County residents,” he says. “Midland and the Great Lakes Bay Region are home to several wonderful organizations, programs, and initiatives providing mental health treatment and support. We are honored through the iMatter Anti-Stigma campaign to play a part in reducing stigmas and driving awareness to connect Midland County residents to these resources.”

This effort is supported by many community organizations, including Midland Area Community Foundation’s Community Mental Health Coalition, Midland County’s Community Health Improvement Plan, and Midland County’s Community Health Assessment & Improvement Committee. Grant support comes from Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, Family and Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan, the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Midland County, the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, MyMichigan Health, Partners in Change Psychological & Community Services, and The Rock Center for Youth Development.