State Rep. Mary Whiteford testified before the House Health Policy Committee Thursday on her plan to establish a hotline that would connect individuals experiencing mental health crisis with the support they need.

Whiteford said she was inspired by the many individuals she heard from during last year’s statewide House C.A.R.E.S. Task Force tour and by her own experience as a former emergency room nurse.

“The emergency room isn’t the right place to go when experiencing a mental health crisis, but most people don’t know where else to turn, that’s what the hotline will address,” Whiteford said. “Everyone should have access to help, regardless of their insurance coverage.”

The bill now waits to be considered by the committee.

###

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Mary Whiteford is joined by Jeff Wieferich from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services during her testimony before the House Health Policy Committee today.