Like many states, Michigan’s models for policing and community mental health need to be strengthened to meet the needs of citizens experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, as well as law enforcement officers and hardworking taxpayers.
Fortunately, a handful of innovative community-led partnerships around the nation offer a roadmap for improvement. This year, lawmakers should draw on the experience of those who have gone before us and implement a next-generation pilot program that employs best practices while building on their success with Michigan-centric solutions.
Diana Prichard is Community Engagement Director at Americans for Prosperity-Michigan. Algeria Wilson is Director of Public Policy at National Association of Social Workers-Michigan.