Each week, we compile and share stories from the past week focused on behavioral health, SUD, social services, and nonprofits centered in Michigan but across the United States. If there are specific topics that interest you, please let us know. This newsletter's information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or investment advice. At times we may use AI to summarize an article. If something shared needs to be corrected, is misrepresented, or there are gaps in information, please let us know so we can make the necessary corrections.
01
Michigan Counties Tackle Opioid Crisis with Settlement Funds
The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) has released the first comprehensive statewide report detailing the deployment of opioid settlement funds by Michigan counties. The "Michigan County Opioid Settlement Reporting: Data Overview" and the associated MAC Opioid Settlement Dashboard highlight the efforts of Michigan’s 83 counties in utilizing millions of dollars from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers. These funds, expected to total $800 million by 2040, aim to address the ongoing opioid crisis by supporting various substance use disorder initiatives at the county level.
The report, based on data from the Annual Opioid Settlement County Reporting Survey conducted between April and May 2024, captures county activities for the 2023 calendar year. The survey, which saw a 77% response rate, provided insights into planning efforts, stakeholder engagement, and fund management. According to MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie, this initiative, in collaboration with the global public health organization Vital Strategies, represents an unprecedented look at local government actions against the opioid epidemic. Technical adviser Amy Dolinky emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning in the allocation of these funds, given the urgency of the overdose crisis.
Key findings from the survey reveal that 95% of responding counties have created dedicated funds for opioid settlement dollars. However, many are still determining comfortable spending levels, with over half yet to spend funds. Those that have begun allocation prioritize treatment in carceral settings, primary prevention, and harm reduction activities like naloxone access. The MAC recommends increasing awareness and understanding of leveraging state opioid settlement funds, noting that a significant portion of counties are unsure or unable to maximize these resources. For further information or technical assistance, contact Amy Dolinky at [email protected], or visit the MAC website at www.micounties.org.
02
Simplified Licensing Requirements for Social Workers Proposed in Michigan
In response to a critical shortage of social workers and a pressing mental health crisis, Michigan is considering legislation that would simplify licensing requirements for social workers. House Bills 5184 and 5185 aim to reduce the number of supervision hours required to test for licensure and replace the current licensing exam with a jurisprudence exam. These changes are intended to attract more social workers to the state, address racial disparities in the current testing process, and ultimately improve access to mental health services. The bills received testimony in the House Behavioral Health Subcommittee today.
Duane Breijak, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers Michigan chapter, highlighted that Michigan is the only state utilizing a limited license process, creating barriers for many social workers. By allowing an additional two years for those who have exhausted their six years of limited practice to take the jurisprudence exam, the proposed changes could bring “hundreds, if not thousands” of social workers to Michigan. Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), who sponsored the bills and holds a master’s degree in social work, criticized the current exam as racially biased, stating that Black social workers are disproportionately failing the test due to cultural insensitivity in the exam's design.
The proposed legislation has sparked debate within the field. Brian Philson, former board chair of the Michigan Board of Social Work, argued that the bills could undermine the profession's standards in Michigan. He expressed concerns that reducing the rigor of the licensing process might weaken Michigan’s reputation and its future potential to join multi-state compacts, which facilitate the interstate practice of social workers. However, Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) clarified that Michigan is not currently part of any such compact, indicating that the passage of these bills would not jeopardize non-existent memberships. This dialogue underscores the complex balance between maintaining professional standards and addressing workforce shortages and systemic inequities in social work.
03
Legislation Expands Hunting Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs
State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, has successfully proposed an amendment to House Bill 5737 to expand hunting access in Michigan to individuals with special needs. This amendment broadens the scope of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program to include people of all ages with special needs, eliminating the current two-year cap for apprentice licenses. Under this new legislation, adults with disabilities can continue hunting under the supervision of another licensed hunter without the burden of the hunting license fee, which is waived for people with developmental disabilities.
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program, established in 2012, was initially designed to allow children under 10 to hunt under adult supervision with an apprentice license. After two years, apprentice hunters must complete safety training to hunt independently. Rep. Prestin's amendment extends this supportive structure to adults with special needs, ensuring continuous mentorship and safe hunting experiences. Prestin emphasizes the importance of these opportunities, stating, “For parents of kids with special needs who enjoy hunting, sometimes the need for direct mentorship and supervision doesn’t stop when the two-year period for an apprentice license runs out.”
Rep. Prestin also addressed the financial barriers that prevent some individuals with special needs from participating in hunting. “Oftentimes, folks with special needs don’t have access to the same disposable income that many hunters enjoy. The fee may not be much, but it is a barrier to hunting for some,” he noted. By waiving the license fee, the legislation aims to make hunting more accessible and inclusive. Prestin expressed pride in supporting this bill, hoping it would lead to more happy families creating lasting memories during deer season. House Bill 5737 has now been moved to the Senate for further consideration.
Bonus
State Legislation We Are Monitoring
Federal Legislation to Watch
Ensures sustainability by building upon the previous bipartisan actions of Congress to expand and enhance the CCBHC model.
Increases the Medicare reimbursement rate for certified social workers (CSWs) from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule.
Authorizes peer support services to be reimbursed by Medicare in four settings: CCBHCs, community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
Reauthorizes, through FY2032, and expands the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) to include mental health treatment providers.
Amends the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy to allow access to Medicaid coverage for pretrial detainees.
Restarts benefits for Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals 30 days pre-release and makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release.
Reauthorizes key programs that support the substance use disorder workforce and strengthen access to treatment and recovery services across a continuum of support.
Continuity in Necessary Evaluative Crisis Treatment (CONNECT) Act of 2024 (H.R. 6928)
Authorizes grants to eligible crisis centers to improve access to critical and lifesaving follow-up support for people who are receiving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services.
Proposes routing calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline based on the caller’s geographic location rather than using their area code, ensuring a quicker response from mental health professionals. *Source National Council for Mental WellBeing
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