Citizens for Mental Health & Public Safety

A Guide for Ann Arbor City Officials To Improved Public Safety Services

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B. Respond To the Current Crisis Among Children and Youth

        (Numbering of principles is continuous through sections A - F.)

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   4.  There should be special protocols regarding alleviating the mental health problems of children and young people.  City officials

         should pay heed to multiple dire warnings that originate in our community as well as our state and nation.

• “The United States surgeon general on [December 7, 2021] warned that young people are facing “devastating” mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, including the coronavirus pandemic.”  (Source)

 

• A recent study of “Mental Health Services in Washtenaw County” concluded

“The most substantial persistent gaps in behavioral health services are in services for youth, including substance use and harm reduction services, residential services, and targeted programming for at-risk subpopulations.” Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT), November 18, 2021; see Attachment #9 in Agenda.

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Use these links to go to other parts of the "Guide for Ann Arbor City Officials ...."

A.  Deflect and Diversion from Law Enforcement To Help Through Counseling and Therapy

C.  Recognize 988 Will Soon Take Its Place Alongside 911

D.  Recognize and Utilize Local Expertise

E.  Recognize People -- Not Abstract "Institutions" -- Implement Policies

F.  Evaluation