When public systems stall or shift, speculation fills the void. Providers are encouraged to stay focused on readiness, protecting their workforce and services, documenting risk and positioning themselves to adapt quickly no matter which path MDHHS ultimately chooses. Waiting does not mean standing still. It means being ready. Pull Up Your Chair & Let’s Start the Conversation.

After the Yates Decision, Rumors Are Not a Strategy, Readiness Is

There are a lot of rumors circulating about what MDHHS will do next now that the Yates decision has been issued.

As of this writing, no final decision has been made, and the reality is that only MDHHS leadership knows what path they will ultimately take, and that decision will be theirs to make. In the meantime, providers should avoid chasing speculation and stay focused on what they can control: maintaining compliance, protecting their operations, documenting risk, and being prepared to adapt no matter which direction the department chooses. Waiting does not mean standing still. It means being ready.

Read More,

On Tuesday January 13^th, after decades of bipartisan support, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) abruptly issued letters and actions cancelling Congressionally-appropriated grants for lifesaving mental health and substance use programs. On Wednesday January 14^th, some funding was restored. (See NPRand Roll Call story and Mental Health America News Release). If you have not received a letter from SAMHSA that funding for your program/grant has been restored, please contact your Member of Congress. You should also take this opportunity to review the programs you have that are grant funded as they may continue to be at risk in the current administration. The whiplash action from last week could have been a litmus test of some cuts to come in the months ahead.

See statement from National Council for Mental Wellbeing

CCBHC

SUD

MDHHS issues GFO for recovery support services 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) to expand recovery support center services or recovery community center services for individuals seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders.  Eligible applicants must meet the definition of a Recovery Community Organization or a Recovery Community Center as defined in the GFO. 

Funding for this GFO was appropriated in the FY2026 budget to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and includes both general fund dollars and opioid settlement funding. Michigan is slated to receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half being distributed to the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and the other half being distributed directly to county, city and township governments.  A total of $3.9 million is available with a maximum award of $150,000. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to 26 awards. 

Grant applications for the Recovery Support Services Competitive GFO must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Friday, Jan 30. The program period begins March 1, 2026, and ends Sept. 30, 2026.  For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual. The complete GFO can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” link and selecting the “RSSC-2026” grant program. Soource, 2026 Recovery Supports GFO NR.pdf

On Jan. 13, the Congressional Budget Office released The Opioid Crisis: Federal Policy Approaches to Reduce Supply, Demand, and Harm, examining three federal policy approaches to mitigating the opioid crisis. The report also discusses the potential budgetary impacts of these strategies. Source: National Council for Mental Well Being

One more article to consider around SUD,

Social Determinants of Health

MDHHS recognizes Social Determinants of Health Month in January

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining partners and advocates across the state to recognize January as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Month; highlighting the ways communities work together to advance health equity.

Throughout the month, MDHHS is collaborating with community partners, local organizations and advocates to host events, webinars and awareness activities that promote health equity and SDOH work across Michigan. Information can be found at Michigan.gov/SDOH. Community partners are encouraged to share their efforts on social media using #MISDOHMonth2026.

Community organizations, local leaders and residents are encouraged to highlight their work on social media using #MISDOHMonth2026, and email [email protected] to share local efforts to address SDOH for an opportunity to be featured in the SDOH newsletter. Visit the MDHHS website to learn more. Source, SDOH 2026 press release.pdf

Workforce

MDHHS Opens Two Workforce Programs to Strengthen Michigan’s Behavioral Health Pipeline

The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) supports employers in recruiting and retaining primary medical, dental, and mental healthcare providers by offering substantial loan repayment incentives. Participants commit to providing full-time primary healthcare services in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas at eligible nonprofit clinics through consecutive two-year service obligations. Those selected may receive up to $300,000 in tax-free loan repayment over as many as ten years. The 2026 application period opens March 2, 2026, and closes April 30, 2026, with full details available through the state. 

At the same time, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has opened applications for iThe Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program, aimed at expanding Michigan’s future behavioral health workforce. The program provides one-time stipends of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to students in accredited behavioral health degree programs who have secured qualifying unpaid internships in Michigan. With $1.25 million allocated statewide, the program could support up to 73 interns. Applications are due by January 26, and participants must commit to seeking employment in Michigan’s behavioral health sector after graduation. Source, 2026 BHISP press release.pdf. To learn about the MSLRP, visit www.michigan.gov/mslrp. For more information and to apply, visit the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program website

Rural Health

MDHHS seeks applicants to serve on Rural Health Transformation Advisory Council

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking members to serve on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Advisory Council. The advisory council will play a key role in supporting the successful implementation of Michigan’s RHT Program, which aims to strengthen rural health systems, improve access to services and support sustainable care for rural communities across the state. The RHT Advisory Council will:

MDHHS invites applications from individuals who:

Interested applicants can now apply online. Source, RHT Advisory Council press release.pdf

Openings

Detroit Updaate

Mayor Mary Sheffield tapped Luke Shaefer from the University of Michigan to become the city's first chief executive of health, human services and poverty solutions is part of a larger organizational overhaul to improve how the city handles supportive social services and homelessness.

Shaefer, a leading scholar on poverty and social welfare and a self-professed data nerd, headed up the university's Poverty Solutions research initiative before joining Sheffield's administration. He will oversee the existing health department, which will get a new leader, as well as the office of immigrant affairs and the new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services. “This role is designed to bring national best practices, deep research and real accountability to how we fight poverty and improve outcomes for our residents,” Mayor Sheffield said.

Benita Miller, an attorney, former New York City government leader and longtime child welfare reform advocate, will be the new department's director under Shaefer. Source, Axios.

Lansing Update

Here is a sample of legislation under review by the House Health Policy Committee for their hearing on January 21, 2026 at 9 AM:

Finally,

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00PM.

LINKS
Michigan Senate Health Policy
House Health Policy
MDHHS Policies + Resources
MDHHS Policies & Practical Guidelines
MDHHS Reporting Requirements
Speciality Behavioral Health Services, MDHHS
_{*These links were included in the states recent PIHP Redesign RFP}

Are you a farmer struggling with your mental health? You’re not alone, and there is help available that understands the stress you’re under. Options include:

Find other free and low-cost mental health resources through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

If you are a nonprofit behavioral health provider in Michigan, and not a member of the MI Care Council, MI Behavioral Health & Wellness Collaborative, or the Michigan Association of Substance Addiction Providers, or just interested in collaboration, please contact [email protected], for more information on the value of membership. If you know of someone who might find this content, please share this link to the newsletter.