GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 22, 2021 — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) held an event yesterday 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.
Community partners and constituents joined the discussion of 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.
“Hearing from our community last night made it clear that our mental health system needs help,” Hood said. “Despite all of the hard work they put in over the pandemic, they remain underfunded and overworked. If we want to solve our mental health crisis, we need to listen to the people on the ground. I look forward to taking their perspectives to the Capitol and delivering the help that they need.”
“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 communities.”