NOVI, Mich., Oct. 18, 2021 — Last week Thursday, state Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) held an event focused on improving mental health in the community. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) moderated the event, which was part of her Mental Health Listening Tour across the state. They were joined by state Reps. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy), Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac).
Community partners and constituents joined the discussion on the community’s mental health systems and needs going forward. Once the tour is finished, the recommendations and feedback gathered will be used to craft legislation that reflects the needs of people around the state.
“It was great to give our community members and experts a platform to tell their stories and give their professional opinions,” Breen said. “This event, along with several around the state, will be essential in crafting legislation that’s built from the ground up. When it comes to an issue as vital as mental health, no one community can speak for the whole. From Detroit to the U.P., everyone’s voice matters equally in Lansing. I look forward to hearing from other regions and coming together to build a system that works for all Michiganders.”
“I was thrilled to join my fellow representatives and hear from their communities about what an effective mental health system needs to provide,” said Brabec, a practicing clinical psychologist. “Their input and feedback is invaluable in crafting legislation that addresses the needs of communities across the state. It’s time we listen to them and give them the power and resources to better serve mental health in their community.”