The state of Michigan has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns of mental health in its public schools. A state commission, established in 2022, has released a final report that outlines 10 recommendations for policymakers to improve school safety, reduce youth suicides, and strengthen the mental health of students and their families.

The Context

The commission was created in response to the devastating 2021 school shooting at Oxford High School, which resulted in the loss of four lives. However, the commission also recognized the ongoing student mental health challenges that emerged during the pandemic and continue to be a concern. Terry Dangerfield, superintendent of Lincoln Park Public Schools in Wayne County, stated in a press release that data shows a staggering 16.5% of children between the ages of 0 and 17 have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and one in five have emotional or behavioral concerns. These numbers represent real students in classrooms who are trying to learn while struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other serious concerns.

The Report’s Recommendations

The final report, dated April 14, 2023, includes the following recommendations for policymakers:

1. The state must provide consistent funding on a per pupil basis to support schools in ensuring they are provided with the resources needed to support their students.
2. The state must work with schools to ensure that the true impact of policy changes is understood, because policy changes can create additional burdens for districts and require them to hire additional staff or enter into costly contracts.
3. Minimize risk for suicidal behaviors by promoting safe environments, resiliency, and connectedness. Increase awareness of warning signs, provide opportunities for selective screening of high-risk youth, train on risk assessment and communication strategies for youth at-risk for suicide, and improve referral channels to facilitate care for youth at-risk for suicide in their communities.
4. Increase and expand access to care to support those at risk of suicide.
5. Improve suicide prevention training and education for school staff and volunteers.
6. Continuing to expand the 988 (a suicide and crisis hotline) line’s accessibility, including adding text and chat capabilities, with the aim of reducing youth suicide.

The Importance of Mental Health Resources

Terry Dangerfield emphasized the importance of investing in mental health resources to ensure that students are not only academically successful but also able to lead healthy, full lives. He stated that Michigan must invest in mental health resources to address the growing mental health concerns in its public schools.

Additional Safety Bills

Lawmakers in the Michigan Legislature are currently weighing additional safety bills that would create a comprehensive “school-community mental health system” and put additional crisis teams in schools. These efforts aim to address the growing concerns of mental health in Michigan’s public schools and provide students with the support they need to thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the final report from the state commission highlights the need for policymakers to take action to address the growing concerns of mental health in Michigan’s public schools. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, policymakers can help ensure that students are provided with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and lead healthy, full lives.