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Bill to create mental health hotline advances in Michigan

Posted at 4:40 AM, Apr 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-17 04:40:45-04

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Legislation to create a permanent statewide mental health hotline is advancing in Michigan.

The state House approved the bill 99-8 Tuesday and sent it to the Senate for further consideration.

The telephone referral system would be available 24 hours a day, seven days of week and would refer people experiencing a mental health crisis to service providers.

A spending law approved late last year includes $3 million to develop, operate and maintain a hotline pilot program. The new legislation is intended as a way to expand that program statewide.

The sponsor, Republican Rep. Mary Whiteford of Allegan County’s Casco Township, says the hotline would help those who do not know where to turn — potentially keeping families together and saving lives.