This week, Speaker Tom Leonard (D-Dewitt Township) announced the formation of a mental health task force, with the goal of enabling residents facing mental health challenges to live happier, healthier, more independent lives.  The task force has been named the House C.A.R.E.S. task force, to highlight the key elements of the panel; Community, Access, Resources, Education, and Safety.  The co-chairs of the task force are Representative Hank Vaupel (R-Handy Township) and Representative Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township).

The task force will hold public meetings during July and August to receive input from individuals and professionals around the state.  Additionally, they will tour facilities to gain a better understanding of programs already available. 

Members will use the information gathered to develop reforms that aim to create consistency in mental health services statewide, better support veterans, provide attention to substance abuse, improve mental health courts, and enhance law enforcement training.   Dates and locations of the task force meetings will be announced shortly.

Members of the C.A.R.E.S. task force include:

• Representative Dr. Edward Canfield (R-Sebewaing)
• Representative Fred Durhal III (D-Detroit)
• Representative Vanessa Guerra (D-Bridgeport)
• Representative Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn)
• Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland)
• Representative David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids)
• Representative Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)
• Representative Daire Rendon (R-Lake City)
• Representative Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit)
• Representative Jason Wentworth (R-Clare)
• Representative Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township)
• Representative Robert Wittenberg (D-Oak Park)

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