The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)recently received up to $10 million in grant funds from the U.S. Substance Abuse and MentalHealth Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote the integration of primary and behavioral
healthcare. The program will improve access to and quality of care to Michiganders by
strengthening the coordination of physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
The funds, up to $2 million annually for the next five years, will be used to implement the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care program. The program’s goals are to:
• Promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between primary and
behavioral healthcare.
• Support the improvement of integrated care models for primary care and behavioral
healthcare to improve the overall wellness and physical health status of adults with a
serious mental illness or children with a serious emotional disturbance.
• Promote and offer integrated care services related to screening, diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of mental and substance use disorders, and co-occurring physical health
conditions and chronic diseases.
“This program allows for a continuum of prevention, treatment and recovery support
services,” said Lynda Zeller, deputy director for MDHHS’ Behavioral Health and
Developmental Disabilities Administration. “Integrating behavioral health care with primary care is considered an effective strategy for improving overall health outcomes, and could greatly improve the lives of many Michigan residents.”
