Mental health equity: Changes, challenges, and paving a path forward
“Health equity has always been an uphill battle. But without intentional investment and consistency, we risk sliding backward." Marianne Huff
Equity
Latest in Equity
Creating safer spaces for domestic violence survivors of marginalized identities
People from non-Asian communities may not always understand the cultural factors that impact domestic violence survivors from South Asian and other marginalized communities. Student writer Simran Kaur digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth series.
60 years of Head Start. What’s next?
As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences
The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.
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On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight
To help autistic people and their families manage these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.
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Partner Content
Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education
The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan.
Partner
Partner Content
Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.”
This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access
The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care
Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff, peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health.
Michigan building a better crisis continuum for mental health care
As mental health needs rise across Michigan, state officials, health care providers, and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people in crisis.
Creating safer spaces for domestic violence survivors of marginalized identities
People from non-Asian communities may not always understand the cultural factors that impact domestic violence survivors from South Asian and other marginalized communities. Student writer Simran Kaur digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth series.
60 years of Head Start. What’s next?
As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences
The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.
Partner Partner Content On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight
To help autistic people and their families manage these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.
Partner Partner Content Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education
The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan.
Partner Partner Content Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.”
This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access
The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care
Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff, peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health.
Michigan building a better crisis continuum for mental health care
As mental health needs rise across Michigan, state officials, health care providers, and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people in crisis.
