The House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security convened on May 20, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding behavioral health in Michigan. The meeting began with attendance taken by the clerk, confirming the presence of Chair Bierlein and Representatives Saket, Green, and McDonald. The minutes from previous meetings were approved without objection.

Chair Bierlein opened the session by highlighting the growing crisis in behavioral health, which is significantly impacting hospitals, law enforcement, and the community at large. He emphasized the severe shortage of behavioral health beds, which leaves many individuals in crisis without necessary treatment. This lack of resources not only affects those in need but also has broader implications for families and communities.

The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the current landscape of behavioral health bed capacity, the challenges faced by hospitals and providers, and potential strategies to address these shortages. Chair Bierlein noted that this discussion marks the beginning of a larger conversation aimed at finding actionable solutions for the people of Michigan.

Following the opening remarks, Judge Richard L. Hillman, a mental health treatment court judge from Ingham County, was invited to provide testimony. He prepared a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the issues at hand, indicating a structured approach to the discussion.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing behavioral health challenges in Michigan, with plans for continued dialogue in future subcommittee meetings to develop effective strategies for improvement.