Pull Up Your Chair

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is seeking a new President/CEO following the recent resignation of the former CEO. Manny Singla is currently serving as the interim CEO. The President/CEO will oversee the delivery of behavioral health services in Wayne County, ensuring compliance with state regulations and contractual obligations. Appointed by the DWIHN Board of Directors, the CEO implements policies, manages the network's budget, and directs strategic planning. This role involves supervising all network employees, including the Medical Director and the Director of the Office of Recipient Rights. The CEO is also responsible for maintaining quality assurance, securing funding, and fostering community relations. Ideal candidates should have extensive mental health administration experience and a strong public policy and financial management background. Interested applicants should submit resumes to the DWIHN HR Director. Find a copy of the job description at CMHAM.org.

The Wayne County Jail will be required to identify inmates with disabilities and enhance services for those with physical and mental health conditions under a landmark settlement with the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO). This agreement mandates robust suicide prevention programs, dental services, and treatment options for opioid addiction, with the county needing to file compliance reports and hire a consultant to implement reforms. The settlement follows a USAO investigation prompted by numerous complaints about inadequate services, including access to medication and mental health support. U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison emphasized that systemic issues have prevented equal access to services for inmates with disabilities but acknowledged the county's cooperation in reaching the agreement. Wayne County officials reiterated their commitment to inmate health and safety, highlighting collaborative efforts with the DOJ since 2018 to improve medical care standards.

Direct Care Workers (DCWs) are essential to Michigan's healthcare system, providing long-term care to older adults, people with disabilities, and others. Despite their critical role, the profession faces some of the highest shortage levels and turnover rates among healthcare workers in the state, creating significant barriers for many individuals and families needing these services. To address this issue, the Health Fund is investing in initiatives to stabilize and support the DCW workforce. Our partners at CHRT have developed a new legislative briefing that outlines key data insights and suggests policy solutions related to compensation, benefits, career advancement, and more. See the CHRT Report here.

As the summer primaries heat up, House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) find themselves among 35 House members facing challenges within their own parties. While many of these contests may not pose serious threats, ten incumbents stand out as particularly vulnerable. This assessment comes from extensive interviews with sources across the political spectrum, and the outcomes could reshape Michigan's political landscape.

Rep. Neil Friske's troubles began with a recent arrest, but the situation worsened when West Michigan Politics blogger Brandon Hall revealed more embarrassing details about Friske's personal life. His past alignment with ultra-MAGA factions and former Chair Kristina Karamo has alienated him from Lansing's financial support. Additionally, the Michigan Farm Bureau's endorsement of his opponent, Parker Fairbairn, over Friske, whose family owns a local apple orchard, signifies a deepening crisis for his campaign.

In a district once firmly under the influence of Warren's long-serving mayor, Jim Fouts, Rep. Mike McFall faces a challenging primary. Although Fouts' past controversies have diminished his appeal, his legacy still resonates with older voters. McFall's district is now a battleground, with Hazel Park and Madison Heights crucial to his campaign strategy. McFall's hard work and the evolving demographics might tip the scales in his favor.

Rep. Regina Weiss's re-election bid became precarious after being disconnected from the House Democrats' campaign machinery. Her opponent, former Oak Park Schools Trustee Crystal Bailey, has gained momentum with strong support in Detroit, a significant part of the newly redrawn district. With the affluent Birmingham area no longer part of her district, Weiss faces a tough fight to retain her seat.

A three-way split among his challengers complicates Rep. Robert Bezotte's primary contest. Despite personal setbacks, including a messy divorce, Bezotte's extensive service in Livingston County provides him a loyal base. However, Dominic Restuccia and Jason Woolford's vigorous campaigns, marked by a flood of yard signs and mailers, pose serious threats. Bezotte's reliance on third-party PACs adds another layer of uncertainty to his re-election bid.

Rep. Cam Cavitt has been preparing for a long-anticipated challenge from Todd Smalenberg. Despite Smalenberg's persistent campaign, Cavitt's year-long efforts to solidify his position could pay off. This race will test the influence of Ultra MAGAs in Northern Michigan, with voters weighing Smalenberg's residency slightly outside the district against Cavitt's entrenched local presence.

The redistricting has placed Rep. Mai Xiong in a transformed district encompassing Warren, Roseville, and St. Clair Shores. With former Rep. Richard Steenland's extensive public service in Roseville, Xiong's challenge is to connect with new constituents. The battleground in St. Clair Shores will be pivotal in determining her political future.

Known for his eccentricity, Rep. Josh Schriver faces Randy LeVasseur, a seasoned campaigner with ample resources. Schriver's colorful tenure in Lansing has given LeVasseur plenty of campaign material. However, Schriver's grassroots approach and minimal reliance on organized PACs could resonate with today's electorate, making this race particularly intriguing.

Rep. Matt Maddock's confidence in his re-election is evident as he attended the Republican convention. His opponent, Kevin Ziegler, criticizes Maddock's lack of responsiveness to local concerns. Maddock's alignment with Trump's brand of politics has earned him key endorsements, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

Rep. Jenn Hill's progressive voting record and tenuous roots in the Upper Peninsula make her vulnerable. Her opponent, Randy Girard, leverages a pragmatic approach and local ties. With significant backing from progressive organizations, Hill's intense door-to-door campaign will be crucial to her re-election efforts.

Speaker Joe Tate faces a new challenge following the redrawing of his district, which no longer includes the Pointes. His main opponent, Lory Parks, lacks political experience, giving Tate a potential advantage. However, the unpredictable nature of Detroit primaries means that Tate cannot afford to be complacent.

Several other incumbents were considered but not included in the top ten list: Rep. Douglas C. Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) battles a strong campaign from Jean Zott, Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Lake Odessa) faces MAGA challenger Jon Rocha, Rep. Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) remains confident despite a primary challenge, Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe) runs without significant support from political heavyweight Lamar Lemmons, and Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) contends with Michael Floyd Clack, who lacks his parents' political influence.

The 5 Open House Seats That Will Be Decided In The Primary

With the new term limits law taking effect this year, Michigan's political landscape is undergoing significant changes. Under the new legislation, lawmakers can serve a combined 12 years in office, a shift from the previous limit of three two-year House terms and two four-year Senate terms. This change has led to unique developments and decisions among current House members.

A total of 21 current House members are running for a fourth term, something unprecedented since the 1990s. However, not all eligible members are taking advantage of this opportunity:

Additionally, three House members are transitioning their political ambitions:

Of the eight open seats, three do not have competitive primaries. Former Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Former Rep. Tim Kelly, and former Democratic Kent County Commissioner Stephen Wooden are poised to secure their nominations easily. However, five seats will be fiercely contested in the primary elections:

With Rep. Abraham Aiyash stepping down, Tonya Myers Phillips, a Sugar Law Center attorney, has emerged as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. Phillips faces a weak field of perennial candidates, giving her a clear path to victory.

Morgan Foreman, a staffer for Rep. Felicia Brabec, has gained significant support from Brabec and other local Democratic officials. Although she recently moved from outside the district, this is unlikely to affect her chances significantly. Her opponent, Rima Mohammad, an Ann Arbor School Board member, has progressive support but is hampered by her association with an unpopular school board.

Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford is running a more vigorous campaign than four years ago, supported by Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn and other prominent conservatives. His main opponent, Jennifer Wortz, has endorsements from the Farm Bureau and several energy-related PACs. While both are strong contenders, Wortz appears to have a slight edge.

Matt Longjohn, a former congressional candidate and current professor at Western Michigan University, is heavily favored in the Democratic primary. His main opponent, Lisa Brayton, has faced legal issues and has questionable Democratic credentials, making Longjohn's path to nomination relatively straightforward.

Joseph Pavlov has run an effective ground campaign, particularly strong in Maryville and the district's southern regions. Former Rep. Gary Eisen has maintained a solid base from previous campaigns but lacks strong grassroots engagement. St. Clair County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin is well-connected and expected to perform well in more populated areas. This race is considered a three-way contest with no clear favorite.

A Court of Claims judge is deciding whether to dismiss negligence complaints against state officials regarding an assault at Hawthorne Center involving a 15-year-old girl (AB) and a 10-year-old boy (Princeton Vaughn). Assistant Attorney General Scott Rothermel argued for immunity, claiming AB was the sole aggressor. At the same time, the plaintiffs' attorney, Stacey L. Heinonen, accused staff of negligence and contributing to the assault for entertainment. Judge Christopher P. Yates acknowledged the "horrific" conduct and denied the state's request for immunity in separate lawsuits against the MDHHS, referencing the Michigan Supreme Court's Bauserman ruling. Yates gave Heinonen three weeks to amend her complaint and said she would reassess the immunity argument if a new motion were filed. Meanwhile, patients and staff at Hawthorne Center have been relocated to facilitate the construction of a new psychiatric hospital, expected to open in 2026.

Two Years In, Americans Still Learning What the 988 Crisis Line Is All About - The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is two years old. Americans know it’s there, but not many know what it does. READ MORE

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $27.5 Million in Funding Opportunities Enhancing Women’s Behavioral Health. Source HHS.gov.

Advocates ask Michigan lawmakers to add state dollars to student mental health and safety. Chalkbeat.

Medicare could soon start covering digital mental health therapies - Fast Company. Fast Company

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Population Estimates - United States, 2022, June 27, 2024 | CDC

*Paywall

We profile legislators and candidates each week. This week, we encourage you to learn more about State Rep. Luke Meerman. If the GOP takes control of the Michigan House, along with Rep. Jaimie Greene, Rep. Meerman will most likely become the leading behavioral health advocate.

Although the campaigns are in full swing, legislators are still hosting district coffee hours, an excellent opportunity for you to engage lawmakers. Here is a list of coffee hours. Please double-check and confirm the times, as they may change.

Notable Leaders in Healthcare - Crains Detroit Business
Submit your healthcare leaders for this award via CrainsDetroit.com

Governor Whitmer's Memoir, "True Gretch," Hits No. 3 on New York Times Best Sellers List

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's new book, "True Gretch," which recounts the defining moments of her life and tenure, has reached No. 3 on the New York Times bestsellers list. She will be signing copies alongside former Gov. Jim Blanchard at the Kellogg Center on Michigan State University's campus at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets for the event are $40, including a signed hardcover copy of the book from Hooked, a local independent bookstore in Lansing. Registration is required, and space is limited, with the event expected to sell out, according to publisher Simon & Schuster.

If you have an event you want to share, please get in touch with Daniel Cherrin.