State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, this week voted to establish a statewide mental health hotline to connect people in need with important support services.

The plan – House Bill 4051 – was given final legislative approval with the House’s overwhelming bipartisan vote and now heads to the governor for consideration.

“We’re in need of more robust mental health services in Michigan and this is a positive step forward in connecting people in southeast Michigan to help they may need,” Berman said. “Many people often don’t know where to go or what services are available when they are in need of assistance. Now it can be just a phone call away, and this hotline will work similarly to programs like the Michigan Gambling Helpline to improve people’s lives.”

The hotline would be known as the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MCAL). It would be used to help connect people to local services, including referral to community mental health services or substance use disorder services when applicable.

HB 4051 was offered by state Rep. Mary Whiteford of Casco Township. Whiteford, a registered nurse and chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, was inspired by individuals she heard from during the 2018 statewide House C.A.R.E.S. Task Force tour and by her own experience as an emergency room nurse.

“That’s one of the most exciting things about this reform – it was brought about by talking with people across the state, including in Oakland County, and getting their thoughts on what would best suit them,” Berman said. “Now it’s just one step from being law. That’s what being a representative is all about – listening to ideas and bringing about meaningful change.”