MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette County Board of Commissioners is urging state lawmakers to protect access to behavioral health services in rural communities.
Commissioners approved a resolution tonight supporting proposed state budget language that would create a single, consistent definition of rural and frontier areas across Michigan.
The proposal would also establish a rural consultation caucus, giving rural counties and providers a formal voice in policy decisions affecting mental health care, funding, and service delivery.
The resolution will be sent to area lawmakers for consideration during state budget discussions.
“It’s a complex problem, and the resolution supports legislation that will help counties and help these individuals, groups that provide those services, the pathways of north care that do these services,” said Marquette County Board Chair Joe Derocha.
Derocha points to inconsistencies in state health policy.
He gave one example where urban communities like Warren, Michigan, are receiving funds meant for rural areas.